“Controversy Sparks as Martha Stewart Becomes the Oldest Model to be Featured on SI Swimsuit Cover”

On May 15, 2023, the globally renowned businesswoman Martha Stewart made history by appearing on the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit at 81 years old, becoming the oldest model to grace the publication’s cover. While some may view this as an odd pairing, others believe it is a refreshing change that challenges conventional beauty standards.

## The Rise of Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart began her career in the 1980s by writing cookbooks after achieving success as a chef. Her first cookbooks soon became best-sellers, and she went on to write 99 books throughout her career. She is also the founder of Martha Stewart Living, a magazine that she launched in 1990 and a multimedia empire called Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia. Stewart currently reaches around 100 million fans per month through her various media outlets.

## Stewart’s Iconic Status in the Media Industry

Stewart has also made strides in television, hosting three programs on Roku: Martha Gardens, Martha Cooks, and Martha Holidays, and moderating The Martha Stewart Podcast. She has recently expanded her horizons by opening her first restaurant in August 2022, The Bedford by Martha Stewart, located at Paris Las Vegas.

Alongside her media endeavors, Stewart’s website, Martha.com, and Amazon storefront list various products such as home decor, fashion, kitchen, dining, and lifestyle essentials. She is also a proud mother and grandmother.

## Stewart as an Influential Figure

Despite her influence over the years, Martha Stewart has maintained her relevance, a factor that cemented her position as one of the four cover models of the 2023 SI Swimsuit issue. As the “OG of influencers,” Stewart is renowned for her home advice, and most importantly, her success as a businesswoman. SI Swimsuit editor in chief MJ Day expressed admiration for Stewart, stating that “she’s changed with the times—always one step ahead, it seems—to build a wide-reaching business empire.”

## Challenging Beauty Standards

Stewart’s rare appearance on the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit demonstrates that beauty standards, while constantly evolving, do not necessarily have to adhere to youthfulness. Instead, they can expand to encompass a broader range of ages, ethnicities, and body types. This move has challenged the notion that only young, slender models can grace the cover of a magazine known for its swimsuit fashion.

## Outcomes and Conclusions

Martha Stewart’s appearance on Sports Illustrated Swimsuit will continue to fuel debates and serve as a topic of discussion for years to come. Some have attached controversy to the idea of an 81-year-old woman on the cover of a swimsuit magazine, while others appreciate the representation of an older woman being included in the publication. Regardless of arguments for and against, Stewart’s selection will serve as a prominent message that age does not invalidate beauty, and that older individuals deserve to feel empowered and included in fashion and entertainment.

As the media and fashion industry continues to evolve and change, it is crucial that it adapts to encompass people of all ages, ethnicities, and body types. Ageism has been an issue in the industry for far too long, and Stewart’s appearance on the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit is just one step towards a more inclusive and diverse future.