Christie Brinkley honored Sports Illustrated’s 60th anniversary by posing alongside other celebrities for the celebratory issue’s cover. She has been one of the outlet’s top cover girls since her debut in 1975 and has maintained relevance into her 70s. For the shoot, Christie coordinated with the other ladies, including Martha Stewart and Hunter McGrady, in a champagne gold dress and matching shoes.
She recently discussed the thrill of being sought after by the outlet even as a 70-year-old, noting that it was “really nice to be included.” She shared the realities of aging with hosts Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager, admitting that she sometimes feels invisible but is no longer trying to please others.
Christie Brinkley gets candid about aging
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With age comes internal and external changes, most of which Christie is grateful for. The supermodel recalled being “critical and demanding” years ago, which is a contrast from her present “grateful and understanding” self. She admitted to being highly critical of herself as a young woman, despite being considered a standard of beauty due to her job. Thankfully, she is happier and unburdened from the desire to conform to societal expectations.
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Christie commended women in her age group for challenging the norm and not letting the numbers “define us.” She emphasized that older ladies like her are taking on new jobs, changing career paths, and picking up passions, proving there is no limit to how much one can achieve. The mother of three is simply having fun and relaxing into her new phase as a 70-year-old.
Christie set the record as the first Sports Illustrated cover girl to appear in three consecutive issues between 1979 and 1981. She began her modeling career at 19 and has since been featured in over 500 magazines, including Vogue, Esquire, Harper’s Bazaar, Cosmopolitan, Glamour, and one of Life Magazine’s best sellers.
Closest to Christie’s heart is Sports Illustrated, and she acknowledged how high their bathing suit standards were that she hardly feels comfortable in just any swimwear. She also praised their attention to detail, which involves putting their models in the best light and angles, while admitting she has outgrown the desire to look perfect.