Cheryl Tiegs, a name synonymous with supermodel status, captivated the world with her stunning presence. Yet, some of her most iconic moments, the very images that cemented her legendary career, were never planned. She shares fascinating insights into the spontaneity behind two of her most famous Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue photographs, revealing how unexpected moments transformed into lasting legends.
The Unforeseen Sensation: The Infamous “Fishnet” Shot
The image of Tiegs strolling on a Brazilian beach in a striking, sheer one-piece, a photo that sparked widespread discussion and propelled her to superstardom, was, surprisingly, a happy accident. “The white fishnet was a throwaway shot,” Tiegs candidly admits, recalling the picture that unexpectedly ignited public fascination.
Photographer Walter Iooss Jr. paints a vivid picture of the unglamorous conditions. He calls it “a picture you wouldn’t want to show anyone. It was taken on a miserable afternoon in the middle of nowhere in the Amazon.” Even editor Jule Campbell confirms the challenging setting, stating in a voiceover, “It was awful light.”
Campbell, thinking on her feet, sought to salvage the shot. “I went up to Cheryl, and because the light was bad, I said, ‘Would you please get wet?’ Because I thought if her skin glistened, we’d get some highlights.” She emphasizes her intention was purely artistic: “It wasn’t ‘I’ll see more if the suit’s wet.'” Tiegs clarifies the surprising outcome: “Getting the suit wet was what made it so see-through. Before, it was just a bunch of cotton.”
Reflecting on the photograph’s immense impact, Tiegs admits, “The simplicity I think of just a girl walking on the beach in a bathing suit like that was intriguing. I don’t know. I don’t know. It’s not my favorite shot.” Neither Tiegs, Campbell, nor Iooss ever anticipated the photo’s explosive popularity. Iooss explains its powerful resonance: “It wasn’t just that there was a beautiful woman with visible breasts in the pages of Sports Illustrated. It was a beautiful woman that Sports Illustrated readers felt like they knew. It was Cheryl freaking Tiegs.” This unexpected vulnerability and familiarity, born from an unplanned moment, truly connected with the public.
A Candid Debut: The First Cover That Wasn’t a “Shoot”
Just as remarkable is the story behind Tiegs’ very first Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue cover in 1970, when she was only 22. That iconic image, too, was never part of the official photoshoot.
The crew was on their way home by boat when Tiegs mentioned she was cold. Thoughtfully, editor Jule Campbell offered her a long-sleeved bathing suit. What followed was a moment of pure, unposed authenticity. “I put my sunglasses on. Jay Maisel was taking pictures. He said, ‘Take your sunglasses off. Take your sunglasses off.’ I said, ‘No, I’m tired. I don’t want my picture taken,’ ” Tiegs vividly recalls.
Despite her reluctance, the photographer captured the young model relaxing in her sunglasses and the modest long-sleeved swimsuit. “And they put that on the cover,” Tiegs shares, still sounding surprised. “That was me, a real person. I wasn’t a model at that moment.” These candid, unplanned images, born from raw moments rather than meticulous staging, underscore the genuine allure that made Cheryl Tiegs a timeless icon.
What is she doing today?
Today, Tiegs, 77, is deeply involved in philanthropic work. She serves on the Board of Directors for organizations like C.O.A.C.H. for Kids and the Earth Conservation Corps. This commitment to giving back highlights a shift in focus from purely personal endeavors to broader societal impact, a common and enriching path for many as they mature. She also continues to lend her iconic image and voice to select ventures, often aligned with her personal values, such as her past role as a spokesperson for Cambria quartz, a company she admired for its environmental sensitivity. Her current life reflects a grounded and purposeful approach, valuing her serene home environment and time with family, including her two Labrador retrievers.
What makes Cheryl Tiegs particularly inspiring for seniors isn’t just her enduring beauty, but her perspective on aging itself. She famously stated, “You know, there’s chronological age, there’s biological age, and there’s psychological age. Chronological age, there’s nothing you can do about, which is I’m [her age]. You set that number aside.”
Source:
