Culinary icon Martha Stewart is set to make history by becoming one of this year’s cover models for Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit Issue, hitting booths later this week.
stuart revealed told Hoda Kotb and Savannah Guthrie on NBC’s «TODAY» Monday that she is one of this year’s cover models for the issue, which comes out May 18.
Stewart was photographed in the Dominican Republic by famed photographer Ruven Afanador. The other three cover models this year are Megan Fox, Kim Petras and Brooks Nader, but at 81, Stewart has become the oldest cover model in SI Swimsuit history.
“I like that photo,” Stewart said with a giggle on TODAY as she stood next to her ultra-glam cover photo with tousled hair and a fresh, summery look. «I’m kind of shaking because it’s weird to go to an island and then change into nine different bathing suits in one day in front of all these people…it worked out.»
«It turned out more than okay,» Hoda replied. He asked the home mogul how the stunning cover was made. Stewart said the idea was pitched to her in November of last year and told co-hosts that by the end of January she needed to be ready to pose.
«You know, that was kind of a request I’ve never had before,» Stewart said with a smile. “And being on the cover at my age was a challenge. I think I met the challenge.»
Sporting a Monday Swimwear cover-up swimsuit, cover-up by Torso Creations and accessories by Anita Ko and Jacob & Co., the grandmother-of-two reclines on a blanket-draped bench with innate grace and polished style. for which she is known. Not surprising, since her success as a model early in her career shines through in everything she does.
The video shows clips of Stewart on the edge of the photo shoot location, where the cover star is fixing her outfits and putting on her makeup. For one shot, photographer Afanador is waist-deep in water while a photo assistant pours a bucket of water over Stewart’s head.
«Getting dressed in 10 different swimsuits can be a bit exhausting,» says Stewart, adding that she prefers to wear one thing all day, so the shoot was a bit different for her, but clearly worth it. .
SI Swimsuit Editor-in-Chief MJ Day says the goal for the 2023 edition is to continue to evoke engaging and thought-provoking conversations.
“Martha Stewart is a legend. The definition of a great businesswoman who built a dynasty against insurmountable odds,» Day said in a statement. “While the industry falters in its arbitrary notion of beauty, our issue has stayed the course, showcasing the women of today, the women shaping the future. This year, we’re featuring an extremely diverse group of women, starting with our cover models, who are collectively the most indifferent women from different walks of life who continue to forge their own paths on their own terms.»
“I want other women, especially women, to feel like they could be on the cover of Sports Illustrated, too,” Stewart said. «I don’t think much about age, but I thought this is something historical.»
A stint in a magazine like this seems natural for Stewart, who has become the queen of sexy selfies, sharing photos on Instagram from the salon chair, ultra close-ups of her glowing skin and perhaps in preparation for her debut in YES, its 2020. poolside viral thirst trap.
«I love to travel. My favorite place to go is the place I haven’t been yet,» Stewart said at the end of the video. «And my motto is: ‘When you’re done changing, you’re done.'»