5 Shocking Revelations From Martha Stewart's Historic Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Cover At Age 81

The business mogul and lifestyle icon, Martha Stewart, made history in May 2023 when she graced the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, becoming the oldest cover model in the magazine's history at 81 years old. Her appearance instantly became a global talking point, shattering age barriers and redefining what it means to be a "swimsuit model" in the 21st century. This monumental moment wasn't just a photoshoot; it was a powerful statement on "ageless living" and a testament to Stewart’s enduring relevance in popular culture, proving that confidence and style have no expiration date.

As of December 2025, the impact of Stewart’s cover continues to resonate, inspiring conversations about body positivity and the representation of older women in media. The story behind the shoot—from the intensive preparation to her candid responses to criticism—reveals a fascinating chapter in the life of one of America's most enduring entrepreneurs. Here is an in-depth look at the historic event and the woman who made it happen.

Martha Stewart: A Brief Biography and Career Milestones

Martha Helen Stewart (née Kostyra) is an American retail businesswoman, writer, and television personality whose media empire has made her a household name for decades. Her journey is a remarkable chronicle of reinvention and entrepreneurial spirit, long before her historic Sports Illustrated feature.

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• Full Name: Martha Helen Kostyra Stewart
• Date of Birth: August 3, 1941
• Place of Birth: Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.
• Age at SI Cover (2023): 81 years old
• Estimated Net Worth (as of early 2024): $400 million

Key Career Milestones:

• Early Career: Worked as a model in her teens and twenties, and later became a successful institutional stockbroker on Wall Street.
• 1976: Founded her own catering business, Martha Stewart, Inc.
• 1982: Published her first and most influential book, Entertaining, which became a best-seller and launched her career as a lifestyle guru.
• 1990: Launched Martha Stewart Living magazine.
• 1999: Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia (MSLO) went public, making her a self-made female billionaire (though her net worth later fluctuated).
• 2004: Served a five-month prison sentence for charges related to insider trading.
• 2015–Present: Continues her resurgence with new TV shows, brand partnerships (including a notable collaboration with Snoop Dogg), and her historic 2023 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover.

The Historic Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Photoshoot: Behind the Scenes

The announcement of Martha Stewart as one of four cover stars for the 2023 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue stunned the world, immediately garnering massive media attention. The decision by SI was lauded as a bold move, embracing "ageless beauty" and challenging traditional media standards for women's representation.

1. The Location and Photographer

The iconic photoshoot took place in the stunning, tropical setting of the Dominican Republic. Stewart worked with renowned photographer Ruven Afanador, who is known for his dramatic and elegant portraiture. The collaboration resulted in a series of breathtaking images that highlighted Stewart's poise and confidence.

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2. The Nine Swimsuits and Cover Look

During the shoot, the entrepreneur posed in a total of nine different swimsuits, showcasing a variety of styles. For the official cover, Stewart wore a sophisticated white one-piece swimsuit paired with a dramatic, flowing orange cover-up, perfectly capturing the essence of a chic, confident woman on a tropical getaway.

3. Martha's Candid Preparation

In interviews following the cover reveal, Stewart was candid about the preparation involved. She revealed that she gave up bread and pasta for a few months leading up to the shoot to ensure she felt her best. She also mentioned undergoing a spray tan before traveling to the Dominican Republic, demonstrating her commitment to the professional requirements of the high-profile assignment.

Addressing the Controversy: Airbrushing and Critics

As with any high-profile media moment, the cover was met with a mix of celebration and criticism. While many praised the magazine for celebrating women of all ages and hailed Stewart as a "brand legend," others questioned the authenticity of the images, suggesting excessive airbrushing or cosmetic enhancement must have been used.

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4. Her Response to Airbrushing Claims

Stewart directly addressed the accusations, pushing back against the idea that the photos were heavily altered. She told the press that she was "really pleased that there was not much airbrushing" and that the final pictures were "incredibly accurate." She attributed her youthful look to a healthy lifestyle, good genes, and professional lighting and makeup, emphasizing that she felt confident in her appearance.

5. The "I Looked Great at 40" Revelation

Perhaps one of the most intriguing comments Stewart made was her reflection on her past. When asked about the timing of the cover, she stated, "I would’ve done it when I was 40, I looked great at 40!" This statement reveals a deeper perspective: while she was thrilled to break a record at 81, she also acknowledged that her confidence and readiness for such a shoot were not new. Her appearance on the 2023 SI Swimsuit Issue cover ultimately served as a powerful message that a woman’s peak—in terms of confidence, career, and public visibility—can happen at any age, even well into her ninth decade.

The Enduring Impact of the "Ageless Living" Icon

Martha Stewart's presence on the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue transcended a simple fashion moment; it became a cultural event. The magazine’s choice of a woman known for her business acumen, resilience, and lifestyle brand—rather than a traditional supermodel—reaffirmed its commitment to featuring women who embody strength and influence.

The legacy of the 2023 cover is one of empowerment. It positioned Stewart not just as an entrepreneur, but as a living symbol of "ageless living," inspiring millions to redefine their own expectations of aging. By throwing "modesty out the window," as she described her approach to the sultry shoot, Martha Stewart cemented her status as an icon who continues to break barriers and prove that the most successful chapters of one's life can be written at any time.