Gayle King, the brilliant 69-year-old co-anchor of CBS Mornings, stepped into the spotlight last week, gracing the coveted cover of Sports Illustrated’s annual Swimsuit issue. And let’s be real, she didn’t just turn heads; she absolutely commanded attention! Following in the footsteps of last year’s record-breaking cover model, Martha Stewart, , Gayle King’s appearance is more than just a magazine cover – it’s a powerful statement, a vibrant celebration, and a fashion lesson all rolled into one.
But here’s the scoop, it wasn’t just King’s signature megawatt smile that captivated everyone. Oh no, the swimsuit she rocked was equally a star in its own right! Our girl Gayle, looking every inch relaxed, y, and glamorous during her Cancun, Mexico, photo shoot, donned a one-piece with an underwire bodice in a multicolored zigzag pattern by Evarae, complete with a matching coverup. It was a look that perfectly encapsulated confidence and style, proving that age is absolutely nothing but a number when it comes to feeling and looking your best.
So, what exactly made this particular swimsuit such a triumph, you ask? Well, it all boils down to two key elements that any fashionista or woman looking to flatter her figure should pay close attention to: its impeccable structure and its eye-catching pattern. These aren’t just random design choices; they are strategic decisions that contribute to an incredibly flattering silhouette, especially for beautiful mature women with generous curves who want both support and undeniable style.
Let’s dive into the structural genius of the swimsuit first. The bra-like underwire top chosen by King’s stylist was an incredibly wise move. It’s a design detail that offers the perfect blend of iness and essential support, which is often a game-changer for women with full busts. Unlike a simple “shelf bra,” which relies solely on an elastic band for support, an underwire bra provides a more structured lift and shape. This underwire can be either an external design feature, adding to the aesthetic, or discreetly concealed within the lining for a smoother look.
In today’s diverse swimwear market, many innovative companies have recognized the need for superior support, offering one-piece bathing suits with proper bra-sizing – a true blessing for those of us who are bosomy. Brands like CUUP.com, Barenecessities.com, and Cocoreefswim.com are leading the charge, providing options that ensure comfort, security, and an incredibly flattering fit. This attention to detail means you no longer have to sacrifice style for support, or vice versa; you can have it all and feel utterly fabulous.
Beyond the supportive structure, the visual power of the swimsuit’s pattern played an equally crucial role in its winning appeal. Gayle’s choice of an allover multicolored zigzag pattern, which subtly incorporates elements of vertical lines, is a masterclass in visual trickery. Such patterns are inherently slimming because they cleverly distract the eye from the precise outlines of one’s silhouette, creating a fluid and elongated effect. It’s a timeless style secret that makes you look and feel streamlined, without feeling restricted.
But let’s not forget, while patterns are fantastic, a solid-colored underwire one-piece can be just as impactful. For women over 50 who possess a full bust, a well-chosen, solid-hued swimsuit with an underwire can also be an absolutely winning choice. The key takeaway here is the underwire and how it sculpts and supports, ensuring that whether you opt for vibrant patterns or classic solids, you’re always exuding confidence and grace.
To perfectly complete the stunning look, Gayle opted for a matching coverup. This is an incredibly easy and consistently flattering option for anyone heading to the beach or pool. Whether it’s an elegant overshirt, a breezy sarong, a chic tunic top, or a flowing caftan, a matching coverup ties the entire ensemble together, adding an extra layer of sophistication and glamour. It’s about creating a cohesive, stylish statement that makes you feel put-together and fabulous.
Inspired by Gayle’s impeccable style and the wisdom behind her choice, we simply had to share some comparable styles to elevate your summer beach or pool rotation. Take, for instance, the Miraclesuit Casbah Escape One Piece Swimsuit in Multi. Yes, it might be on the pricier side, but trust us, it is oh-so-flattering, offering built-in tummy control that gives you that smooth, confident feeling we all crave. Its molded underwire cups and sweetheart neckline are designed to enhance and support, creating a beautiful décolletage.
What makes this particular Miraclesuit truly exceptional are the clever details in its design. The Moroccan-inspired print, along with the criss-cross border at the bust, is strategically placed to draw the eye inward, creating a visual narrowing effect at the waist. It’s pure genius! And if that wasn’t enough, the deep scoop in the back works wonders to minimize the appearance of the hips and derriere, ensuring you feel fantastic from every angle. These are the kinds of thoughtful design elements that transform a swimsuit from just a garment into a confidence-boosting ally.
Beyond the fashion specifics, Gayle King’s journey to the SI Swimsuit cover is a story of pure joy, unadulterated excitement, and a profound message of self-acceptance. When she learned she was chosen for the cover of the magazine’s 60th anniversary edition, she was, in her own words, “completely blown away.” Her CBS Mornings co-anchors surprised her with the news live on-air, leading to an incredibly authentic and heartwarming reaction: “Ahhh! I’m on the cover!” she screamed. “They told me I was just going to be on the inside! It’s not a dummy cover? This is going to be on the newsstands? Oh my God! Oh my God!” Her genuine elation was infectious, and it reminded us all of the power of unexpected, joyful moments.
This isn’t just about making a splash on a magazine cover; it’s about Gayle driving home a truly important message. In her interview accompanying the shoot, she passionately stated, “I think it’s important to celebrate women of all ages, all colors, all sizes.” This powerful sentiment resonates deeply, especially in a world that often places unrealistic expectations on women. She continued, “So the fact that they’re saying, ‘Yes, you deserve to be celebrated just for being yourself.’ That’s what touches me the most about being included.” It’s a message of authentic empowerment that transcends fashion and speaks directly to the heart.
Gayle’s milestone cover also reflects her lifelong philosophy of not following the crowd when it comes to aging. She candidly shared that many women thought it was time to “wind down” after turning 40. But not Gayle. “I’m not even kind of thinking about winding down,” she declared, embodying a spirit of endless possibility and vibrant living. This attitude is precisely what makes her such an inspiring figure, showing us all that our best chapters can be written at any age.
In the stunning photos, King modeled a variety of magnificent suits, showcasing her versatility and confidence. From a striking green halter one-piece to a plunging mustard gold suit, and a chic black mesh form-fitting cover-up, she demonstrated that style knows no bounds. Fans poured out their love and admiration on Instagram, with comments like, “You look beautiful Gayle!! Congratulations to you!! 😍,” “Thank you Gail for inspiring us all! 🔥,” and a fitting “It’s about not winding down! 😊🔆.” These heartfelt messages are a testament to the profound impact Gayle’s confidence has had on so many.
What’s truly refreshing is Gayle’s refreshingly real approach to preparing for the shoot. She didn’t go to extremes, nor did she starve herself. Instead, she stuck to her regular cardio and strength training workouts. “The day before, I did have a cheeseburger,” she shared, reminding us that balance and self-enjoyment are key. She even recalled being encouraged *not* to change her lifestyle habits. “I said, ‘Really? I don’t have to starve myself?’” King remembered asking. And editor-in-chief MJ Day’s response was simply, “Please, we want you to do exactly what you’re doing.” Even her concerns about “cottage cheese on thighs” were met with reassurance, a beautiful testament to the magazine’s commitment to authenticity.
Gayle’s candidness about not wanting much retouching is another powerful stride towards real beauty representation. “I don’t really want retouching,” she told the editors, though she admitted, “I don’t mind if you take out a couple of dimples in the thighs however, but I really didn’t want it.” This desire for fans to see her signs of aging gracefully is a remarkable statement, promoting a positive body image and celebrating the natural beauty that comes with life experience.
Her journey to this level of self-assurance wasn’t without its personal hurdles. Gayle shared a touching anecdote from her childhood, recalling her grandmother’s remark: “‘Mother nature was not as kind to you as she was to other little girls. Maybe you need to start wearing makeup.’ I just never saw myself this way.” This makes her current confidence even more poignant. “I know what I look like before I go into hair and makeup, so it’s hard for me to go from that to [the cover]. That’s something I have to process myself,” she reflected, highlighting the internal work of accepting and celebrating one’s image.
Despite any past insecurities, Gayle was unstoppable during the shoot, largely attributing her comfort to photographer Yu Tsai. “He made me feel like I was Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez, Halle Berry all rolled into one,” she gushed. “I felt so comfortable and cared for that I didn’t even have time to feel self-conscious.” This is the magic that happens when a talented team fosters an environment of trust and celebration.
She articulated a profound truth about beauty: “We all know that beauty comes from within, but I also know people see you first with their eyes. I think looking good and feeling good matters. But I also think when you feel good, you look good. I don’t have hang-ups about my age. I really don’t.” This philosophy is a beacon of light, inspiring us to nurture our inner confidence, knowing that it naturally radiates outward.
When asked if she felt “brave” for posing, Gayle’s response was wonderfully grounded. She told People, “Was it brave? I was just excited. That’s what it was for me. To show you that it’s 69 and feeling really fine.” This simple yet powerful statement encapsulates the true essence of her cover – it’s not about courage in the face of fear, but about the sheer joy and empowerment of embracing one’s authentic self, at any age, and showing the world that feeling “fine” is absolutely an option, and a fabulous one at that!
Stepping away from the dazzling patterns and supportive structures of the swimwear itself, let’s pull back the curtain and peek into the vibrant world behind Gayle King’s iconic Sports Illustrated Swimsuit shoot. This wasn’t just about capturing stunning images; it was a carefully orchestrated dance of vision, trust, and a deep-seated commitment to authentic representation. The magic truly came alive through the lens of photographer Yu Tsai, a dynamic force who brought an unparalleled energy and a refreshing perspective to the entire process. His approach was less about posing a model and more about revealing the genuine, effervescent spirit of Gayle herself.
Yu Tsai, a seasoned veteran who has photographed for Sports Illustrated for 15 years, approached Gayle’s shoot with a unique vision. He told Oprah Daily that he had researched her body movements during CBS broadcasts and decided, “I want to show what people haven’t seen of her. I don’t want her delivering information—I want her to deliver her.” This intention to unveil Gayle’s authentic self, the fun, quirky, and comforting persona seen on Oprah Daily’s social media, guided every shot. He recognized that while she makes others feel comfortable, she might not always feel that way herself, and his goal was to bridge that gap.
From the moment Gayle walked onto the set, there was an instant connection, a perfect match of energies. She warmly took his hand, confiding, “You’re going to make me look good.” Without missing a beat, Yu Tsai responded with empowering assurance, “No, I’m going to make you look great.” This exchange set the tone for an extraordinary day. In a remarkable twist, the very first shot of the day became the striking cover image. That initial click of the shutter set an incredibly high bar, unequivocally signaling that something profoundly special was unfolding before their eyes.
Indeed, Gayle herself glowed with comfort and confidence under Tsai’s direction. She gushed, saying, “He made me feel like I was Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez, Halle Berry all rolled into one.” This environment of trust and celebration was so potent that she didn’t even have time to feel self-conscious. Yu Tsai ensured that the set was filled with joy, noting there wasn’t a moment of silence, except for when Gayle saw her own picture. This shared elation underscores the collaborative spirit that transformed the shoot into an unforgettable experience.
Gayle’s approach to preparing for the shoot was as refreshingly real as she is. She didn’t succumb to the intense, often unrealistic pressures typically associated with such high-profile appearances. Instead of extreme dieting or grueling new workout regimes, she simply maintained her regular cardio and strength training workouts. Her candid admission, “The day before, I did have a cheeseburger,” resonated deeply with many, reminding us that balance and self-enjoyment are paramount.
Even more remarkably, she was actively encouraged *not* to change her lifestyle habits. Recalling the conversation, King remembered asking editor-in-chief MJ Day, “Really? I don’t have to starve myself?” Day’s reassuring response was simple and powerful: “Please, we want you to do exactly what you’re doing.” King even expressed concerns about “cottage cheese on thighs,” only to be met with further reassurance. This commitment to embracing her natural self, exactly as she is, sent a powerful message of authenticity.
This commitment extended to her stance on retouching, a topic often fraught with digital manipulation. Gayle made a conscious and courageous choice, telling the editors, “I don’t really want retouching.” While she playfully conceded, “I don’t mind if you take out a couple of dimples in the thighs however, but I really didn’t want it,” her overarching desire was for fans to see her signs of aging gracefully. This push for real beauty representation is a significant stride in an industry that frequently presents an airbrushed reality.
Her journey to this level of self-assurance was a deeply personal one, rooted in childhood experiences. Gayle shared a touching anecdote from her early years, recalling her grandmother’s comment: “‘Mother nature was not as kind to you as she was to other little girls. Maybe you need to start wearing makeup.’ I just never saw myself this way.” This makes her current confidence and her embrace of her image even more poignant. She reflected on the internal processing required, stating, “I know what I look like before I go into hair and makeup, so it’s hard for me to go from that to [the cover]. That’s something I have to process myself.”
Gayle’s profound insights into beauty further cemented the message of her cover. She articulated a timeless truth: “We all know that beauty comes from within, but I also know people see you first with their eyes. I think looking good and feeling good matters.” She continued, emphasizing the reciprocal relationship: “But I also think when you feel good, you look good. I don’t have hang-ups about my age. I really don’t.” This philosophy serves as a beacon, encouraging everyone to cultivate inner confidence, knowing it naturally radiates outward.
This iconic shoot, however, wasn’t just about Gayle King; it was a testament to Sports Illustrated’s revolutionary celebration of diverse beauty. Editor-in-chief MJ Day articulated the magazine’s evolving vision on CBS Mornings, explaining, “Listen, there’s a lot of swimsuit photos in this issue. We’re not short on swimsuits but I like the idea of having all these women come together in a way that was different for us.” She powerfully added, “I want the world to realize that Sports Illustrated has evolved into such a far more wide-reaching powerful vehicle of change.”
This 60th-anniversary edition indeed showcased a breathtaking array of talent and beauty. In addition to Gayle, the issue featured solo covers with SI veterans Kate Upton, Chrissy Teigen, and plus-size model Hunter McGrady, further emphasizing the magazine’s commitment to diverse body types and ages. The celebration didn’t stop there; SI also unveiled 27 collectible covers featuring past and present icons. This impressive lineup included legendary models like Brooklyn Decker, Christie Brinkley, Kate Love, Leyna Bloom, Lily Aldridge, Martha Stewart, Maye Musk, Molly Sims, Paulina Porizkova, Tyra Banks, and Winnie Harlow.
This collective gathering of power icons, as Gayle described, was “a fun experience from beginning to end.” It underscored the inclusive and empowering atmosphere that Sports Illustrated has meticulously cultivated. Gayle herself even took a moment to learn from the best, sharing her experience with Tyra Banks on set. “Tyra, by the way, was showing me how to pose. I liked having a personal lesson from Tyra Banks,” she recounted, highlighting the camaraderie and shared expertise among these trailblazing women.
Photographer Yu Tsai also reflected on the significance of this evolving representation, noting his personal journey as an Asian and gay photographer. He aimed to “carve a lane” and celebrate women from a different perspective, wanting to show them as majestic, sculptural, and powerful, representing diversity. He emphasized that he sees himself as “just a conduit for them to put their messages out there,” highlighting the deep, caring relationships he has built with these incredible women over the years. This profound sense of care, rather than just gorgeous pictures, is what truly defines his work.
Gayle King’s presence on the cover serves as a profound inspiration, especially for women who have historically felt excluded from mainstream beauty standards. Her message, “I think it’s important to celebrate women of all ages, all colors, all sizes,” resonated deeply. The sentiment that women “deserve to be celebrated just for being yourself” touched her the most about her inclusion. It’s an authentic empowerment that transcends fashion, speaking directly to the heart of self-acceptance.
Her milestone cover also powerfully reflects her lifelong philosophy of defying societal norms about aging. When many women felt it was time to “wind down” after 40, Gayle declared, “I’m not even kind of thinking about winding down.” This vibrant, limitless attitude makes her an inspiring figure, demonstrating that life’s best chapters can unfold at any age. She beautifully encapsulated this ethos when asked if she felt “brave” for posing. She told People, “Was it brave? I was just excited. That’s what it was for me. To show you that it’s 69 and feeling really fine.”
This simple yet powerful statement encapsulates the true essence of her cover – not about courage in the face of fear, but about the sheer joy and empowerment of embracing one’s authentic self. It’s a declaration that feeling “fine” is absolutely an option, a fabulous one at that. As Yu Tsai wisely advised, “No matter what you do, pull your chest up high, but lead with your heart.” This connectivity builds a powerful message not just for a photoshoot, but for life itself. Gayle King, through her radiant debut and the intentional vision behind it, has truly contributed to a revolutionary moment, proving that genuine beauty is ageless, boundless, and always, incredibly empowering.
