Shanina Shaik

Shanina Shaik (born 11 February 1991) is an Australian model. Early life and family Shaik was born in Melbourne to an Australian mother, Kim, of Lithuanian descent; her paternal grandparents immigrated to Australia from Lithuania after World War II. Her father, Hanif, was born in Singapore and is of Pakistani and Saudi descent. She started modelling when she was eight years old for Myer and appearing in a TV commercial for Hyundai, but stopped when she started high school and got accepted into an accelerated program, graduating a year before her classmates. At the age of fifteen, encouraged by others, she entered the Girlfriend Model Competition. While agents were interested in her, she was too young to move to Sydney, so she went on to participate on the Australian reality show Make Me A Supermodel, finishing as the runner-up. Shaik was raised Muslim. Speaking about her upbringing in 2016, Shaik reflected: “I was born and raised Muslim and I lived a very normal lifestyle. My father is very open to my job and understanding and he is grateful for the woman I have become. I'm a very sophisticated and respectful woman. I had a great upbringing and a great lifestyle with my sibling.” In April 2022, Shaik stated that she "didn't grow up in a religious family" and she is "more of a spiritual person I'd say, and very focused on my mental health. That is something I have given more time to as I get older". Career In her debut season during the Autumn/Winter 2009 season Shaik walked over 8 shows in New York City. She opened Yeohlee and walked for other designers such as Shipley & Halmos, Abaete, Mara Hoffman, Lorick, Project Runway, Trovata and Richie Rich. In her second season, she scored a show card for the Spring/Summer 2010. Following this she walked for designers Betsey Johnson, Catherine Malandrino, Gerlan Jeans, Nary Manivong, Rachel Antonoff and Susan Woo. During the Autumn/Winter 2010 season Shanina walked for Bebe by Kardashian, Emu Australia, Iodice and Project Runway. Shaik has appeared in catalogues for Macy's, Alloy, Avon, Intermix, Urban Outfitters, Lovable, Burda Style, Spiegel, Free People, Bloomingdales, J. C. Penney, Seafolly, Otto, Shop Bop, Sasha Samuel and Ann Taylor. Her advertisements include Aéropostale, Cotton On, Olay New Look, Burneo Chocolate, Bath & Body Works 'Dark Kiss' fragrance, Edward Joseph, Imari by Avon, General Pants Co., Bonds, Bauhaus and Matrix Hair Biolage