Talent: Irina Haller. Creative Director: Ameni Shaffik.
Irina Haller has a way of making elegance feel easy. Whether she’s stepping onto the red carpet at amfAR in Venice or London, choosing the perfect pair of heels, or spending quiet time with her horses, she carries herself with calm confidence and a gentle sense of purpose. Shaped by years of dressage, running a family business, and a growing interest in philanthropy, Irina believes beauty should feel natural, never forced.
In this interview, Irina Haller opens up about her personal style, daily rituals, favorite fashion pieces, and the values that guide her, from gala gowns to everyday moments that keep her grounded and true to herself.
Your photos with Ameni Shaffik have such a soft, dreamlike mood. When you look at them, what part of your personality or style do you feel they capture best?
When I look at those images, I feel they capture my quieter strength – the part of me that doesn’t need to be loud to be present. There is a softness in them, but it’s not fragility. It’s calm, self-assured, and deeply feminine.Working with Ameni allows space for stillness and emotion. The dreamlike quality reflects how I move through the world when I’m most myself – intuitive, reflective, and grounded. It’s a side of my style that values restraint and intimacy over excess, where elegance comes from subtlety and emotion rather than perfection. In many ways, those images feel less like a performance and more like a gentle self-portrait.
You often appear effortlessly polished. If you could only keep three beauty essentials in your handbag, which items would they be. Do you have a go-to lipstick shade you always return to?
If I had to limit myself to just three beauty essentials, they would all be about looking fresh and cared for rather than overly made up. The Dior Lip Glow Oil, especially in Mahogany, is always in my bag. It gives the lips a natural richness and shine while still feeling effortless. My second essential is the YSL Touche Éclat Concealer; it instantly brightens the face and makes me look well-rested, even on long days. And I never travel without The Rich Cream by Augustinus Bader. It’s my skin’s safety blanket and brings everything back into balance.As for lipstick, I keep returning to Wild Rosewood by Dior. It’s one of those shades that feels timeless and flattering, adding polish without ever feeling too much.
Our readers love practical inspiration. What are your favorite everyday bags and shoes that balance comfort with elegance? Any brands that feel truly “you”?
For everyday life, I’m drawn to pieces that move effortlessly between moments. My Chanel Flap Bag is a constant companion, especially when I travel. It carries me seamlessly from long flights to dinner without ever feeling out of place, which is exactly what I value in an everyday bag. When it comes to shoes, I have to admit that despite being 1.82 meters tall, I still have a real weakness for high heels. They make me feel grounded and confident in my femininity. That said, my true collecting passion lies with Givenchy boots, in every color, shape, and variation. They strike the perfect balance between strength and elegance and feel very much like an extension of my personal style.
You’ve worn stunning gowns at both amfAR Venezia and London. When choosing a gala look, what guides your decision: the mood, the designer, the silhouette? What makes a dress feel “right” for you?
When I choose a gown for a gala, I always begin with intention. I think about the purpose of the event first, especially at charity galas like amfAR, where the meaning goes far beyond fashion. I ask myself what the evening stands for and what kind of energy the location carries. The mood of the venue plays a big role. Venice, for example, calls for a different kind of romance than London. One is poetic and historic, the other sharp and modern. From there, the designer and silhouette naturally fall into place. A dress feels right to me when it supports the moment rather than competing with it. When I feel aligned with the purpose, the setting, and myself, everything else becomes effortless; and that’s when true elegance appears.
From your years in dressage to running a family business, discipline has shaped your life. What small daily rituals or wellness habits help you stay centered and calm?
I’m very much an early riser, and the quiet of the morning is something I truly cherish. Those first, still hours set the tone for my entire day and give me a sense of clarity before the world becomes busy. I’m also very conscious about getting enough sleep. It’s my non-negotiable. Rest is the foundation that allows me to stay balanced, both mentally and physically. Whenever possible, I love to begin the day with a run. It helps me clear my mind, reconnect with my body, and approach the day with calm focus. These simple rituals keep me grounded and centered, no matter how demanding life becomes.
Everyone has a place they escape to when life feels overwhelming. What is your favorite hideaway, a city – a quiet room, a piece of nature – where you go to reset your mind and spirit?
Without question, my truest hideaway is time spent with my horses. They ground me in a way nothing else ever has. I recently welcomed a very special young stallion into my life, and I find myself drawn to him whenever I have a free moment. Even though he is far too young to begin any dressage training, our bond already feels profound. His presence is pure, instinctive, and deeply calming; and he gives back an extraordinary amount of energy and love without asking for anything in return. Being with him, in nature, reminds me to slow down, to breathe, and to reconnect with what truly matters. It’s where my mind quiets, my heart opens, and my spirit finds its balance again.
As you continue building your presence in philanthropy, fashion, and wellness, what is one personal value or belief you hope people can feel when they see your work or meet you in person?
I hope people feel integrity and warmth. Not something performative, but a quiet sense that I move through the world with genuine care and the best intentions at heart. I don’t aim to stand out. I hope to be remembered for a calm, welcoming presence. One that reflects respect, kindness, and sincerity in every space I enter. Whether through philanthropy, fashion, or wellness, my goal is alignment: to let who I am guide what I do. If my work or my presence leaves people feeling at ease, understood, or gently uplifted, then I know I’ve contributed something meaningful to the world.
Talent: Irina Haller @missiriina.
Editor: Ameni Shafik @amenishafik
Stylist: Matteo Stellini @matteostellini
Glam: @marymakeuptorino
Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam
