Is there nothing Martha Stewart can’t do!? — She’s a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue cover model!
Martha, 81, is one of four cover models for this year’s magazine alongside Megan Fox, Kim Petras, and Brooks Nader.
Stewart calls it a “once in a lifetime,” She jokes that the timing is curious.
Martha appeared on Today:
“I like that picture,” Stewart said with a giggle on TODAY while standing next to her ultra-glam cover shot with tousled hair and a fresh, summery look. “I’m sort of shaking because it’s odd to go to an island and then get changed into nine different bathing suits in one day in front of all those people … it turned out OK.”
“It turned out more than OK,” Hoda replied. She asked the homemaking mogul about how the stunning cover came to be. Stewart said that the idea was proposed to her in November of last year, telling the co-anchors that at the end of January she needed to be ready to pose.
“You know, that was kind of a request I have never had before,“ Stewart said with a laugh. “And to be on the cover at my age was a challenge. I think I met the challenge.”
Stewart shared her cover image on Instagram:
“I am so thrilled to be on the cover of the @SI_Swimsuit issue! My motto has always been: “when you’re through changing, you’re through,” so I thought, why not be up for this opportunity of a lifetime? I hope this cover inspires you to challenge yourself to try new things, no matter what stage of life you are in. Changing, evolving, and being fearless – those are all very good things, indeed. Check out the photos from the feature at the link in bio and be sure to pick up my cover issue on newsstands May 18th!”
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In her promo video, Martha says becoming a swimsuit cover model was a unique opportunity — And not inspired by her usual career motivation.
“Usually I’m motivated by pay,” Stewart says in the opening line of the video, telling it like it is. “But this time, I was motivated by showing people that a woman my age can still look good, feel good, be good.”
For one shot, photographer Afanador stands waist-deep in water while a photo assistant pours a bucket of water over Stewart’s head.
“Getting dressed in 10 different bathing suit outfits can get a little exhausting,” Stewart says, adding that she prefers to wear one thing all day, so the shoot was a bit of a switch-up for her — but, clearly, it was worth it.
A SI Swimsuit editor says the goal for the 2023 issue is to continue to evoke captivating and thought-provoking conversations.
“Martha Stewart is a legend. The definition of a great female entrepreneur who built a dynasty against insurmountable odds,” Day said in a statement. “While the industry wavers on 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 unapologetic 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 that they could also be on the cover of Sports Illustrated,” Stewart said. “I don’t think about age very much, but I thought that this is kind of historic.”
Source: Today, Sports Illustrated, People