6 Beautiful Photos of Cover Model Martha Stewart in the Dominican Republic

Reflections from the entrepreneur, author and lifestyle guru on her ‘historic’ moment.

Cara O’Bleness | Dec 9, 2023

Martha Stewart was photographed by Ruven Afanador in the Dominican Republic.

Ruven Afanador/Sports Illustrated

While we all know Martha Stewart as a lifestyle guru, author and an Emmy Award–winning television show host, the mother and grandmother added an incredible new accolade to her résumé this May: 2023 SI Swimsuit Issue cover model.

After a stunning photoshoot with Ruven Afanador in the Dominican Republic, the Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia founder claimed the title as the brand’s oldest cover girl in history at 81.

“I thought, ‘This is kind of historic’ and ‘I better look really good because I want other women to feel that they could also be on the cover of Sports Illustrated,’” Stewart said while on location in the Caribbean. “But I’m telling you, it’s very inspiring to take a look at a [picture by photographer] Ruven [Afanador] of Martha Stewart in the ocean here at Casa de Campo and see something really gorgeous.”

The cover photo, in which she modeled a white one-piece swimsuit by Monday Swimwear and a voluminous orange cover-up by TORSO CREATIONS, nearly broke the internet when it was revealed on TODAY on May 15. Stewart told the outlet that she “wasn’t nervous at all,” and hoped the photos were “inspirational” to both men and women alike to reach for the stars.

“There shouldn't be any limits. Set your limits higher than you think,” Stewart told the network. “Embrace the past but absolutely look towards the future and reimagine what you can do.”

Below are just a few of our favorite glamorous snapshots of Stewart from the Dominican Republic.

Martha Stewart was photographed by Ruven Afanador in the Dominican Republic. Swimsuit by Monday Swimwear. Cover-up by TORSO CREATIONS. Earrings by Anita Ko. Ring by Jacob & Co. Towel by Zimmermann.

Martha Stewart was photographed by Ruven Afanador in the Dominican Republic. Swimsuit by Body Glove. Sunglasses by Gucci provided by Moda Operandi. Necklace by Cicada.

Martha Stewart was photographed by Ruven Afanador in the Dominican Republic. Swimsuit by Monday Swimwear.

Martha Stewart was photographed by Ruven Afanador in the Dominican Republic. Swimsuit and sarong by Norma Kamali.

Martha Stewart was photographed by Ruven Afanador in the Dominican Republic. Swimsuit by Anemos provided by Moda Operandi. Necklace by Anita Ko.

Make sure to follow SI Swimsuit on YouTube!

Published Dec 9, 2023

CARA O’BLENESS

Cara is a trending news writer/editor for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit. A passionate writer and editor with more than 10 years of experience in print and online media, she loves storytelling and believes that words have the power to change the world. Prior to joining the team, Cara worked as a writer and editor across a number of content verticals, including food, lifestyle, health and wellness, and small business and entrepreneurship. In her free time, Cara loves reading, spending time with her family and making her way through Michigan’s many microbreweries. She is a graduate of Michigan State University's School of Journalism.