Sports Illustrated Names Its 2011 Swimsuit Grande Dame

Sports Illustrated Names Its 2011 Swimsuit Grande Dame

: Published on Thursday, February 17 2011; Written by Katie Marzullo

This year, all eyes are on 25-year-old Russian model Irina Shayk, who has been revealed as the 2011 Swimsuit Issue cover girl. Welcome to the club, Irina!

A good decision was made.

Irina is no stranger to SI though – she’s been posing for them since 2007. You might recognize her from Kanye’s West’s “Power” music video; Or, if you’re more worldy, from the covers of magazines from Spain, Switzerland, Greece, Germany, South Africa, and France. She’s modeled both swimwear and haute couture, and she is currently #10 on the Top 20 Sexiest Models List. Oh, and she’s dating soccer player Cristiano Ronaldo (her greatest achievement, IMHO…).

Irina’s cover was unveiled on “Letterman” on Valentine’s Day, and last night (February 16), all the ladies who filled this year’s pages gathered in Las Vegas to celebrate. Hilary Rhoda, Julie Henderson, Cintia Dicker, Damaris Lewis, and, of course, Irina and Brooklyn, were just some of the gorgeous gals who lit up Sin City.