Salma Hayek Pinault, 58, Debuts ‘Unapologetic Confidence’ on SI Mexico Cover

Fashion, darlings, is not merely about clothing. It’s about a conversation… a cultural shift. And on her Instagram, Salma Hayek Pinault, the iconic Frida actress, just started a dialogue with a force that’s nothing short of a seismic event. At 58, an age when Hollywood too often tries to fade women into the background, she has unapologetically—and gloriously—landed the cover of Sports Illustrated Mexico Swimsuit 2025.

This is not a simple bikini photo. It’s a moment. A powerful, confident declaration set to the beat of Bad Bunny’s “Baile INoLVIDABLE.” Salma, who had previously appeared on the American version, debuted the new cover by sharing a video of herself dancing on a rooftop, a mountainous backdrop behind her. And my goodness, the woman moves with a joie de vivre that is infectious; a vivaciousness we first witnessed in her unforgettable performance in From Dusk Till Dawn. This is not a pose, you see. This is pure, unedited joy.

She’s wearing a simple, cream-colored bikini, its clean lines an elegant foil to her exuberant dance moves. But it’s the styling detail, the subtle jewelry, that truly elevates the look. Gold chains adorn her body, including a delicate belly chain. A choice that could, on anyone else, feel like a fleeting trend from the ’90s. But on Salma? It reads like a reclamation—a celebration of her body, her journey, and her absolute refusal to be defined by a number. The images, beautifully captured by photographer Ruven Afanador, are not just shots; they are a manifesto.

It’s all quite poignant, especially when you consider her own words from her appearance on the Today show in March. “I remember when I was young and hot,” she said, reminiscing about the magazine. “I wanted to see who was the new gorgeous model… And it never crossed my mind that I could be on that cover because they didn’t look like me”. To have this happen when she is 58? As she put it herself, “It’s really shocking”. But is it not also, perhaps, the most important thing? As MJ Day, the editor in chief of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, noted, the magazine is about “celebrating people who are shaping culture”. And in this singular, breathtaking moment, Salma Hayek Pinault is shaping a future where beauty, confidence, and grace are truly without an expiration date. A triumph, non?

How To Master The Salma-Level Confidence

• Embrace the Belly Chain: Don’t shy away from this Y2K revival. Treat the belly chain like any other piece of fine jewelry—a delicate gold or silver chain can add a subtle, glamorous touch to any high-waisted look, not just a bikini. It’s a whisper of opulence.
• The Power of Simplicity: Salma’s cream-colored bikini is timeless. Opt for quality over complexity. A well-fitting, classic bikini is a far more powerful statement than something overly trendy.
• Move with Intention: The most important part of her look is the dance, the confident energy. It’s a reminder that true style is a feeling, an attitude, something you embody—not just something you wear.