Shooting of American fashion model Maila Dalbecio for Sports Illustrated magazine, in the Swimsuit 2020 category. Due to our mentality, it is difficult for us to understand why swimwear is advertised not at sea, but somewhere in the middle of the mainland. Already in Saratoga, Wyoming. Apparently, so that country girls would not hesitate to get naked and sunbathe in the hot American autumn. Roll me a cigarette, cowboy, and let’s go drive our horses into an open field.
This episode with Maila was shot by Colombian-born photographer @juvenafanador, Reuven Afanador (b. 1959). The very name Saratoga evokes Fenimore Cooper’s books. There were bison here once.
SI publishes a short interview with Maila along with the photo, here is part of the translation from it:
If you had only three wishes, what would they be?
– I would like to wish 1) safety, safety and health to my family and friends; 2) global improvements in women’s rights on earth; 3) governments of the earth to take serious measures to protect us from climate change – at least, control over deforestation, investments in environmentally friendly energy sources, control over plastic production and industrial waste.
If you could choose a historical event that you could attend?
– It would be Martin Luther King’s “I have a dream” speech
What have you never done, but would like to do?
– Visit Antarctica. Climb Kilimanjaro. Swim with a whale.
If you could wish to hear any song live, what would it be?
– “Whole Lotta Love” by Led Zeppelin
What do people definitely not assume about you?
– I’m a real stay-at-home mom! If I don’t travel, then I just like to stay at home, cook and watch movies.
In a world full of influences from everywhere, who influenced you the most?
– My husband had a great influence on me. His many personal qualities-calmness, willingness to try new things, his involvement and support-constantly inspire me to become a better person.
What motivates or inspires you?
– I like to communicate and work with women, get to know them, listen to their stories. I like to find ways to interact and support each other. A lot of our experience is close to other people and sharing it helps a lot for those who face the same situations. Being able to bring people together for one cause is a real pleasure for me.
Do you have any self-care rituals or creative hobbies?
– Physical exercise – I think it’s just my thing. This is what gives me the opportunity to grow, as well as the opportunity to constantly prove that I’m worth something. It started out as a terrible routine, but now I’ve grown to love workshops and how they make me feel.
The worst gift you’ve ever received?
– Flannel pajamas.
Looking back, what would you say to yourself as a 14-year-old?
– Being different from others is a gift, not a curse. Embrace your unique qualities. Immerse yourself in them. The ability to distinguish oneself from others is a lifelong value. Don’t worry, there’s no need to follow the standards.
