Salma Hayek Pinault was photographed by Ruven Afanador in Mexico at the eco-luxury resort Cuixmala for the 2025 SI Swimsuit issue.
An Academy Award nominee who began her career in telenovelas in the late 1980s, Salma Hayek Pinault is among the most iconic actors in the world. Finding her breakout moment through the 1995 Robert Rodriguez film Desperado, she became a household name through movies of the ‘90s and 2000s. She received an Oscar nomination for her unforgettable performance as Mexican painter Frida Kahlo in Julie Taymor’s Frida (2002).
The Mexican-American multi-hyphenate is also a passionate human rights advocate, particularly for women and immigrants. In 2008, she launched The Kering Foundation with her husband, Francois-Henri Pinault, aiming to help end violence against women.Alongside the Mexican coastline, Cuixmala is a luxurious, eco-friendly resort full of breathtaking nature, including protected wildlife. A stunning haven right off the shore, the colorful nature reserve—originally serving as Sir James Goldsmith’s private getaway—spans over 30,000 acres.
For Hayek Pinault’s SI Swimsuit cover shoot, our styling choices leaned into beachside extravagance, feeling extra inspired by the colors, prints and textures of Cuixmala. For extra glamour, the fashion team even styled the actor in an incredible lace, beaded and feathered gown by Alexander McQueen—a well worth an exception to swimsuits. Hair: Miguel Perez at Forward Artists using Sisley-Paris – Makeup: Genevieve Herr for Sally Harlor using Dior, Armani, Westman – Atelier, Jillian Dempsey and Lancôme
Photographer: Ruven Afanador
Salma Hayek Pinault was photographed by Ruven Afanador in Mexico. Swimsuit by Sommer Swim. Necklace by Jacquie Aiche. Toe rings by Chan Luu. / Ruven Afanador/Sports Illustrated
Salma Hayek Pinault was photographed by Ruven Afanador in Mexico. Swimsuit by Sara Cristina. Skirt by SIEDRÉS. Hat by Janessa Leoné. Body chain by Jacquie Aiche. / Ruven Afanador/Sports Illustrated
Salma Hayek Pinault was photographed by Ruven Afanador in Mexico. Swimsuit by Alameda Turquesa. Body chain by Baby Gold. Cuff by JUJU VERA. / Ruven Afanador/Sports Illustrated
Salma Hayek Pinault was photographed by Ruven Afanador in Mexico. Swimsuit by Sommer Swim. Body chain by Jacquie Aiche. / Ruven Afanador/Sports Illustrated
Salma Hayek Pinault was photographed by Ruven Afanador in Mexico. Swimsuit by Ark Swimwear. Necklace and body chain by Jacquie Aiche. / Ruven Afanador/Sports Illustrated
Salma Hayek Pinault was photographed by Ruven Afanador in Mexico. Swimsuit by Alameda Turquesa. Body chain by Baby Gold. Cuff by JUJU VERA. / Ruven Afanador/Sports Illustrated
Salma Hayek Pinault was photographed by Ruven Afanador in Mexico. Swimsuit by TJ Swim. Necklace by Foundrae. Body chain by Isa Grutman. Belly chain by Saint Laurent. / Ruven Afanador/Sports Illustrated
Salma Hayek Pinault was photographed by Ruven Afanador in Mexico. Swimsuit by Johanna Ortiz. Necklace and body chain by Jacquie Aiche. / Ruven Afanador/Sports Illustrated
Salma Hayek Pinault was photographed by Ruven Afanador in Mexico. Swimsuit by Sommer Swim. Cover-up by Kasia Kulenty. Body chain by Jacquie Aiche. / Ruven Afanador/Sports Illustrated
Salma Hayek Pinault was photographed by Ruven Afanador in Mexico. Swimsuit by Sommer Swim. Body chain by Jacquie Aiche. / Ruven Afanador/Sports Illustrated
Salma Hayek Pinault was photographed by Ruven Afanador in Mexico. Hat by Eugenia Kim.Swimsuit by Sommer Swim. Necklace by Jacquie Aiche. Toe rings by Chan Luu. / Ruven Afanador/Sports Illustrated
