A celebrated American television host, Martha Stewart appeared in a special Sports Illustrated issue focused on swimwear, a development noted by Page Six. The feature highlighted Stewart, who at 81 became the magazine’s oldest cover model, posing in a white one-piece swimsuit priced at $192 paired with an orange Torso Creations cape. The image drew considerable attention for its bold confidence and the contrast between her well-known public persona and the playful, sun-soaked setting of a swimsuit shoot.
The cover moment was presented during a taping of the TV program Today, bringing the shoot into a mainstream conversation about age, style, and media representation. Stewart spoke about her reaction to the image, describing it as a picture she deeply loves and recalling the sense of excitement and a touch of nerves about modeling swimwear for a wide audience. She acknowledged that stepping into a swimsuit in front of many people felt unusual, yet she found the experience empowering and ultimately natural in front of the camera.
Filming took place on a tropical backdrop in the Dominican Republic, where a team of photographers and stylists crafted a scene meant to capture buoyant energy and timeless elegance. During the session, the photographer Ruven Afanador guided Stewart through a rapid wardrobe rotation, with a dozen changes in swimsuits to showcase different lines and silhouettes. In discussions with Sports Illustrated, Stewart reflected on the milestone of being the oldest cover subject and viewed the moment as historically significant, while keeping the focus on her broader goal of celebrating longevity and style across generations.
Throughout the shoot, Stewart emphasized that age is not a barrier to self-expression or fashion experimentation. The collaborative process highlighted her ability to blend traditional branding with fresh, modern moments, illustrating how long-standing public figures can evolve their image while remaining faithful to core interests. Observers noted the balance between playfulness and poise, as well as the professional rigor that accompanies a high-profile shoot in a demanding environment. The Dominican setting provided vivid light and vibrant color, which complemented Stewart’s poised presence and offered viewers a sense of sun-drenched vitality.
Beyond the fashion spectacle, the feature sparked conversations about representation and the role of iconic figures in contemporary media. Fans and critics alike considered how an established personality can redefine aging in public life, demonstrating that confidence and style can persist well beyond traditional expectations. The broader reaction suggested a growing openness to celebrating diverse age ranges within mainstream magazines, alongside renewed interest in the craft of swimwear design and the stories that accompany fashion photography.
While the coverage emphasized the striking visual elements of the shoot, it also underscored the collaborative nature of such projects. The involved photographers, designers, and Stewart herself contributed to a narrative that honors experience, experimentation, and the ongoing evolution of a public figure who remains active in entertainment and collaborations across media. This moment not only expanded the conversation about age and style but also reinforced Stewart’s longstanding influence as a multifaceted personality who continues to push boundaries while maintaining a recognizable, steady presence in American pop culture.