Kanye West is moving on after Kim Kardashian.
Us Weekly has confirmed that West has been quietly dating Russian model Irina Shayk, 35, for the past few months.
“Irina and Kanye have been spending time together and getting to know one another,” a source told the outlet. “He’s always thought she was beautiful and they’re both looking forward to seeing where this goes.”
The new couple was spotted together in France in photos published by The Daily Mail, celebrating West’s 44th birthday on June 8.
We previously reported that West wanted to date “an artist and a creative person” after Kardashian, and Shayk seems to qualify. She is best known as a cover model for Sports Illustrated. She was in a relationship with actor Bradley Cooper from 2015–2019. They share a four-year-old daughter named Lea De Seine.
“Irina is a very hands-on mother and won’t let a new romance distract her from her daughter, so it’s perfect that things with Kanye are very casual and laid-back at the moment,” a source told Page Six. “They’re still getting acquainted, but the spark is definitely there, and Kanye likes where things are headed.”
West reportedly had his eye on Shayk for years and “was the first one to reach out” after his split from Kardashian, an insider told Us Weekly. They met in 2010 when Shayk starred in the music video for his song “Power.” She was also a runway model in his 2012 Yeezy Paris Fashion Week show.
“The romance was similar to his [relationship] with Kim because he saw her on his video shoot in 2010 and thought she was gorgeous,” the source said. “He always thought she was special and she held a place in his mind.”
Page Six’s source confirmed West’s longtime infatuation. “Kanye always had a thing for Irina, so she came to mind early on in his divorce from Kim. He decided to shoot his shot, and it worked.”
Despite Kardashian’s ongoing high-profile divorce from West, she approves of the relationship. “[Kim is] genuinely happy for him and wants him to move on,” an insider told Us Weekly. “She thinks Irina is a great fit for him.”
Kardashian is also happy about “how quiet and respectful Irina was after she broke up with Bradley,” another source said, revealing she “wouldn’t like” to see West date someone “who’s going to talk to the press.”
Kardashian, 40, filed for divorce from West in February, citing “irreconcilable differences.” They have agreed to share joint custody of their children North, 7, Saint, 5, Chicago, 3, and Psalm, 2.
But despite the fact that West and Shayk are enjoying their time together, “They’re not close to introducing each other to their children yet,” one of Us Weekly’s sources revealed. “It’s too soon for that.”