Martha Stewart Ditches Inhibitions and Clothes for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Cover Shoot
Martha Stewart, renowned as the domestic diva, defies categorization. From being an elegant entertainer and lifestyle guru to a television personality, publisher, and savvy entrepreneur with a notorious past, she effortlessly sheds labels like a skilled juggler.
Resisting attempts to pigeonhole or criticize her, Stewart has not only survived but thrived, embodying the spirit of “Everywoman,” rather than a Superwoman, as eloquently described by Joan Didion. However, now, at the age of 81, she appears determined to shed even that label, embracing a spicier persona: a bold and confident Martha, unafraid to discard her inhibitions like shedding corn husks.
In recent months, Stewart has tantalized her four million Instagram followers with playfully seductive and semi-clothed snapshots. She stirred intrigue while promoting her partnership with Green Mountain Coffee, wearing an apron that barely concealed anything. Teasing her fans, she coyly posed on the edge of her pool, exuding suggestive allure. And as a nod to her mischievous side, she threw back to her daring 1996 Spy magazine cover, where she posed as a seductive siren on a seashell, using her knees to maintain modesty.
Now, in a move that could be seen as the ultimate act of audacity, Stewart graces one of the four covers of the iconic Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue, set to release on May 15. While she is not the first woman over 60 to achieve this feat (that distinction belongs to Maye Musk at 74), Stewart may very well be the most unabashedly cheerful participant in Sports Illustrated’s attempt to court controversy and maintain relevance.
Reflecting on her experience, which was both novel and a test of resilience, Stewart exuded warm huskiness in her voice during a phone interview. In the edited conversation below, she discussed flirting, Madonna, the source of her sexual confidence, and more.
What motivated you to pose for the shoot?
It was actually quite a significant challenge. I had to ensure that I was physically ready to pose in a swimsuit. It required a certain level of vanity and confidence. I thought to myself, “If I feel physically and mentally prepared for such a thing, then I’m up for it.”
Did it require extensive preparation?
I’m still in good health, with nice hair and good skin. Filters? Forget about them. I’ve religiously maintained my monthly facial appointments with Mario Badescu for over 40 years.
And what about your body?
I had about two months to ensure I felt satisfied with my appearance. If I had thought my waist was too big or if I felt too wobbly, I wouldn’t have done it. However, after engaging in Pilates three times a week, I felt confident enough. I even tried something new and went to a tanning booth for a very light spray tan, which I had never done before.
Were there any physical challenges during the shoot?
I had to wear nine different bathing suits. All these people were fussing around me, discussing “the girls.” I have never referred to my breasts as “the girls” in my life. I detest such phrases. Throughout the entire process, they were prodding and saying things like, “Stick this out, push that in.” I had to endure it for eight hours. Nonetheless, we were shooting in the Dominican Republic, and I had a truly enjoyable time.
Where does your sexual confidence come from to pull off such a move?
It is not so much about overt sexuality as it is about a self-assurance that has been with me since childhood. So when the offer came, I thought to myself, “I can do this. I don’t have to conform to societal expectations.” How else could I, as an 81-year-old, convince myself to feel great about stepping into a swimsuit?
Some people find nothing sexier than witnessing my competence in my work. What are your thoughts on that?
I’ve just returned from spending four and a half hours at Breads Bakery in Union Square. I had to bake a challah in the shape of a crown, something I had never done before. And you know what? My bread turned out better than the baker’s version. I consider myself a teacher and somewhat of an artist.
An artist who manages to make kneading dough look sexy?
I take pride in my ability to visually and verbally demonstrate how things should be done.
Do you engage in flirting?
Oh, absolutely. I’m not one to be shy. There are certain men whom I find incredibly attractive. If I attend a social event, I make sure to strike up conversations with those particularly captivating individuals.
About a year ago, you jokingly mentioned to Chelsea Handler that while you’re no home-wrecker, you’re eagerly waiting for your friends’ husbands to become available. Is that sentiment still true?
I stand by what I said. However, well… husbands do tend to pass away before wives. Besides, I have a preference for younger men, to be honest.
Is posing in a swimsuit an attempt to break free from the once-stuffy and intimidating image you had? Are you rebranding yourself?
No, this is all part of my ongoing self-evolution, which I refer to as education. One of my longtime mottos is that once you stop changing, you stop growing.
It seems you share that mindset with Madonna. However, when Madonna, who is 64, appeared at the Grammys with visible signs of cosmetic procedures, she faced significant criticism. So far, you haven’t experienced the same backlash. Why do you think that is?I would never compare myself to someone as extraordinary as Madonna. She possesses a talent unlike anyone else. But as a performer, she needs to constantly reinvent herself. And for her, altering her appearance often means altering her face, which is far more challenging. I have no interest in going down that path.
Moreover, there is a substantial difference between me and Madonna: She wears pointy bras and eccentric outfits, while I teach people how to knead dough.
