Martha Stewart’s Iconic SI Swim Cover Shoot Proves Why She’s an Industry Legend

Martha Stewart was photographed by Ruven Afanador in the Dominican Republic. Swimsuit by Isa Boulder. Hat by Eric Javits. Bracelets and earrings by Anita Ko.Ruven Afanador/Sports Illustrated

Lifestyle guru Martha Stewart made SI Swimsuit history last year when she became the oldest woman to land the coveted cover of the magazine. The 82-year-old’s special, iconic moment made a mark on the industry and proved that age truly is just a number, and the model is the biggest believer of that idea.

The entrepreneur, who is the founder of Martha Steward Living Omnimedia, lives by two mottos: “When you’re through changing, you’re through” and “Learn something new every day.” The mom of one, and grandmother of two is proud of the empire she has created, and works everyday to evolve, improve and expand it.

Last year the podcast and Emmy Award–winning TV show host posed for photographer Ruven Afanador in the Dominican Republic and essentially broke the internet after her work with the franchise.

“When I heard that I was going to be on the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, I thought, ‘Oh, that’s pretty good, I’m going to be the oldest person I think ever on a cover of Sports Illustrated.’ And I don’t think about age very much, but I thought that this is kind of historic,” she said while on location with the brand. “Age is not the determining factor in terms of friendship or in terms of success, but what people do, how people think, how people act, that’s what’s important and not your age.”

Below are five incredible pics from the legacy moment captured on camera. We’re pretty sure we will never ever get over Stewart’s 2023 SI Swim debut.

Ruven Afanador/Sports Illustrated

Martha Stewart was photographed by Ruven Afanador in the Dominican Republic. Swimsuit by Zimmermann. Sarong by Alix Pinho. Earrings by Cicada.

Ruven Afanador/Sports Illustrated

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

Ruven Afanador/Sports Illustrated

Martha Stewart was photographed by Ruven Afanador in the Dominican Republic. Swimsuit by Body Glove. Necklace by Cicada.

Martha Stewart was photographed by Ruven Afanador in the Dominican Republic. Swimsuit by Eres provided by Moda Operandi. Cover-up by TORSO CREATIONS. Earrings by Cicada.

Ruven Afanador/Sports Illustrated

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.