Exactly 40 years after gracing her very first (German) Vogue cover at the age of sixteen, iconic supermodel Paulina Porizkova has once again made headlines. This time, she's doing it with a bold, full-frontal nude appearance on the cover of Vogue Czechoslovakia at the age of 56. The post garnered an impressive 90K likes and over 7,679 comments, sparking conversations about body positivity, aging gracefully, and redefining beauty standards.
A Bold Move for Body Positivity
Paulina Porizkova took to Instagram on April 13, 2021, to express her gratitude toward the team behind this groundbreaking shoot. She thanked the brave folks at Vogue Czechoslovakia, specifically editor-in-chief Andrea Behounkova and creative director Kralicek, for their vision and courage in making this happen. But most importantly, she praised the incredible team that brought this project to life:
“It’s Marie Tomanova’s (@marietomanova) first Vogue cover—so 👏🏻. Makeup by @craighoneycutt, hair by @ayumi_yamamoto.hair, styling by @alicialombardini, and my assistant @helena.block. I can’t wait to share the inside pages as well; this was one of the most fun and playful photo shoots I’ve ever done—possibly in my entire life.”
For those who might feel uncomfortable with the lack of cover-up, Porizkova humorously reassured them, “You can peruse the pages fully dressed. 😁” Her caption ended with empowering hashtags: #betweenjloandbettywhite #sexyhasnoexpirationdate #vogue #voguemagazine #40yearslater.
Redefining Beauty Standards
Paulina Porizkova continues to challenge societal norms around age and beauty. In another striking moment, she shared a makeup-free, nude selfie on Instagram, captioning it with a reflection on self-acceptance. “I wear nothing but sunshine and a smile,” she wrote, celebrating confidence in her birthday suit. This sentiment resonated deeply with fans who admire her unapologetic approach to embracing her body.
Other celebrities like Emily Ratajkowski have also joined the movement, sharing jaw-dropping nude photographs online. These images highlight the importance of authenticity and individuality in today's media landscape. As Porizkova noted, “It’s unretouched,” reinforcing the idea that true beauty lies in natural imperfections.
A Career Spanning Decades
The SI Swimsuit legend turned 58 on April 9, marking yet another milestone in her illustrious career. Celebrating her special day, Porizkova posted a spicy Instagram photo of herself lounging in bed. Known for her sultry charm, the Czech-born model has appeared in the SI Swimsuit Issue ten times, cementing her status as a timeless icon.
In a recent interview, Porizkova reflected on modeling bikinis in her 50s. Despite being a longtime critic of anti-aging culture, she embraces every stage of life. “After a lifetime spent taking care of others, I finally get to do ME,” she confessed, highlighting her commitment to personal fulfillment.
Responding to Critics with Grace
Not all reactions were positive, but Porizkova handled criticism with grace and wit. In response to a rude comment from @jamesorvin, she addressed the outdated belief that women are essentially chattel after they stop breeding. With poise, she declared, “I’m 56, and living my best life.”
She elaborated, “Sure, I can knit and bake, but I can also bask in the glow of a tropical sun, a lover’s arms, and here the fabulous light of @luigiandIango. I post bikini and nude photos because I finally feel good in my skin—not for compliments or likes, though they’re always welcome.”
Her message challenges viewers to reconsider why society often dismisses mature women. “You see thousands of images of younger women in similar situations. No one tells them to put their clothes on. Why should we hold older women to different standards?” she questioned.
A Legacy of Empowerment
Paulina Porizkova remains a beacon of empowerment, proving that age is just a number. Whether baring it all for Vogue Czechoslovakia or posting playful selfies, she inspires countless individuals to embrace their unique journeys. As she embarks on her 58th year, Porizkova reminds us all to celebrate life with nothing but sunshine and a smile.
In her own words, “I begin my 58th year with nothing but sunshine and a smile, and the hope that…” Her optimism shines through, encouraging everyone to redefine what it means to live boldly and authentically.
