Budapest Post

Cum Deo pro Patria et Libertate
Budapest, Europe and world news

SI Swim model Natalie Mariduena wants to 'be an example' of 'body normalcy'

SI Swim model Natalie Mariduena wants to 'be an example' of 'body normalcy'

Natalie Mariduena, an SI Swimsuit model who has nearly four million followers on Instagram alone, is hoping to raise awareness on "body normalcy."

The model first made a splash in the pages of the magazine in 2021 and was featured in this year’s issue available at newsstands now.

"In the industry, you see models who are very thin or your see plus-size models, but there isn’t this genre of modeling that’s right in the middle," the Chicago native told Fox News Digital. "I try to champion that for other people. I want to be an example of that and show that it’s cool and it’s beautiful. [On social media] I show my body, I show my life, I show what I represent and what I value with no filter. Whether it’s a bikini image or just an image of me out in the street in a cute outfit, I want to show that the normal body size is valued."

The 25-year-old insisted that she wants to use her platform to show her female followers that one doesn’t need to rely on filters and Photoshop to look beautiful.
"I have so many followers who are young women, very impressionable and looking at me as an example for themselves," she said. "I try to connect with people, whether it's through DMs or the comments section. I’m often told, ‘I have your body type — thank you for showing this.’ These people are showing their appreciation towards me and I want to give that love back. Because I have this platform, I think it’s more important than ever that I provide positivity for women."

Mariduena praised SI Swimsuit for celebrating different body types, as well as women of various ages. For the 2022 issue, Mariduena was photographed in Belize by veteran photographer Yu Tsai."It’s the best feeling in the world as a model to be part of a magazine that accepts and celebrates you for being you," she said. "I remember we ended up shooting around 15 bikinis bright and early that day, out in the jungle. I’m in waterfalls, I’m laying on rocks, I’m hanging on bridges, standing in rivers … [but] it was like a little party. You wouldn’t know it from looking at the photos, but there are like 20-25 people standing behind the camera just hollering, encouraging and motivating you. They’re having a little dance party for you."While this wasn’t Mariduena’s first time appearing in the magazine, her photos this year left her stunned, she insisted."I was in shock," she said. "I saw some of the photos as we were taking them, but to see them in the actual magazine, it’s such a surreal feeling. It’s so strange being this small-town girl from Illinois just having no idea that things like this were a possibility for her. … And being part of ‘Sports Illustrated’ is probably one of the most empowering experiences I’ve ever had. I’m able to celebrate my body. They’re so inclusive and accepting. They do such a great job of including all women and creating such an accepting community that uplifts each other."

Despite her achievements, Mariduena said she doesn’t always wake up feeling like a supermodel. Like anyone else, there are days when she could use a much-needed boost of confidence. And those are the moments when she enjoys disconnecting from social media.

Natalie Mariduena walks for the 2021 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Runway Show during Paraiso Miami Beach at Mondrian South Beach, July 10, 2021, in Miami, Florida.


"On those days, I do what I love," she said. "I love a good meal. I love visiting my favorite restaurant. I love my healthy food and I love my junk food. I think it’s all about balance. I just like to give a day for myself. It can be something as simple as staying at home and enjoying a good meal or going to the beach. I also love to lean in on my friends. I think it’s important to have a positive, encouraging circle to lean on whenever you’re feeling bad. I know they always snap me right out of it. Being told, ‘You’re doing so well, keep going,’ goes a long way. I’m so lucky to have that support system. I think it’s very important."

Natalie Mariduena said it's important for all bodies to be represented in the fashion industry.


Mariduena has more than 8 million followers on her social media platforms. She’s known for promoting "Do Good" initiatives that focus on sustainability, female empowerment and body positivity. She said they’re essential now more than ever.

"I think cyberbullying is so prominent in social media," she said. "It’s so important to spread positivity and love for other people. Even when someone is doing well, you want to support them and motivate them. Your words, whether you have a large following or just your circle of friends, they matter. Your words affect people. There’s no need for hate and negativity. That’s the message I want to share."

"When I was younger, and I think this is typical for many girls in high school, I always felt that I needed to look a certain way or act a certain way to impress social circles," she continued. "It wasn’t until college that I realized that being different, being outside the norm, is much cooler. I think that’s been the big key to my success. I don’t always follow the trend if it doesn’t feel right to me. I dress however I want, which makes me feel good. I follow my head and my heart. It seems to be working out so far."

Mariduena said her goal is to collaborate with more fashion brands and designers in hopes of having her body type seen by others who can identify with her. She praised how the modeling industry has evolved over the years and is eager to see what else it can do for women.

Natalie Mariduena attends as "Sports Illustrated Swimsuit" celebrates the launch of the 2022 Issue and Debut of Pay With Change at Hard Rock Seminole, May 21, 2022, in Hollywood, Florida.


"I’m a fashion girl at heart," she said. "And I hope women look at me as a source of relatability. I hope when women see me, they can see a part of themselves and feel represented. That’s my goal. I want women to feel that they can do it, too, and their dreams can be a possibility. It was a possibility for me."

AI Disclaimer: An advanced artificial intelligence (AI) system generated the content of this page on its own. This innovative technology conducts extensive research from a variety of reliable sources, performs rigorous fact-checking and verification, cleans up and balances biased or manipulated content, and presents a minimal factual summary that is just enough yet essential for you to function as an informed and educated citizen. Please keep in mind, however, that this system is an evolving technology, and as a result, the article may contain accidental inaccuracies or errors. We urge you to help us improve our site by reporting any inaccuracies you find using the "Contact Us" link at the bottom of this page. Your helpful feedback helps us improve our system and deliver more precise content. When you find an article of interest here, please look for the full and extensive coverage of this topic in traditional news sources, as they are written by professional journalists that we try to support, not replace. We appreciate your understanding and assistance.
Newsletter

Related Articles

0:00
0:00
Close
Putin Celebrates ‘Unprecedentedly High’ Ties with China as Gazprom Seals Power of Siberia-2 Deal
China Unveils New Weapons in Grand Military Parade as Xi Hosts Putin and Kim
Rapper Cardi B Cleared of Liability in Los Angeles Civil Assault Trial
Google Avoids Break-Up in U.S. Antitrust Case as Stocks Rise
Couple celebrates 80th wedding anniversary at assisted living facility in Lancaster
Information Warfare in the Age of AI: How Language Models Become Targets and Tools
The White House on LinkedIn Has Changed Their Profile Picture to Donald Trump
"Insulted the Prophet Muhammad": Woman Burned Alive by Angry Mob in Niger State, Nigeria
Trump Responds to Death Rumors – Announces 'Missile City'
Druzhba Pipeline Incident Sparks Geopolitical Tensions
Cost of Opposition Leader Péter Magyar's Economic Plan Revealed
Germany in Turmoil: Ukrainian Teenage Girl Pushed to Death by Illegal Iraqi Migrant
United Krack down on human rights: Graham Linehan Arrested at Heathrow Over Three X Posts, Hospitalised, Released on Bail with Posting Ban
Asian and Middle Eastern Investors Avoid US Markets
Ray Dalio Warns of US Shift to Autocracy
Eurozone Inflation Rises to 2.1% in August
Russia and China Sign New Gas Pipeline Deal
Von der Leyen's Plane Hit by Suspected Russian GPS Interference in an Incident Believed to Be Caused by Russia or by Pro-Peace or by Anti-Corruption European Activists
China's Robotics Industry Fuels Export Surge
Suntory Chairman Resigns After Police Probe
Gold Price Hits New All-Time Record
UK Fintechs Explore Buying US Banks
Greece Suspends 5% of Schools as Birth Rate Drops
Apollo to Launch $5 Billion Sports Investment Vehicle
Bolsonaro Trial Nears Close Amid US-Brazil Tension
European Banks Push for Lower Cross-Border Barriers
Poland's Offshore Wind Sector Attracts Investors
Budapest Central European Fashion Week Kicks Off
U.S. Celebrates Labor Day
Hungarian National Team Captain Scores Epic Goal
EU is getting aggressive: Four AfD Candidates Die Unexpectedly Ahead of North Rhine-Westphalia Local Elections
Japanese Customer Sways from VW to BYD after “Unbelievable” Test Drive amid Dealership Expansion
Nestlé Removes CEO Laurent Freixe Following Undisclosed Relationship with Subordinate
Pickles are the latest craze among Generation Z in the United States.
Giuliani Seriously Injured in Accident – Trump to Award Him the Presidential Medal of Freedom
Deadline Day Delivers Record £125m Isak Move and Donnarumma to City
Nvidia Reveals: Two Mystery Customers Account for About 40% of Revenue
Woody Allen: "I Would Be Happy to Direct Trump Again in a Film"
Lula and Putin Hold Strategic BRICS Discussions Ahead of Trump–Putin Summit
White House Eyes Budapest for Peace Talks
Cave Diving Beneath the Streets of Budapest
Another American Restaurant Chain Opens in Budapest
Hungarian Opposition Politician Supports Ukrainian Commander
Opposition Leader Threatens Media Outlets
American Airlines Adds New Flights to Budapest
F1 Hungarian Grand Prix Wraps Up
WhatsApp is rolling out a feature that looks a lot like Telegram.
U.S. Trade Representative says Washington still negotiating trade deals after court rules tariffs illegal
Von der Leyen says Europe drawing up 'precise' plans to send troops to Ukraine
Kremlin accuses Europe of hindering Trump’s peace efforts in Ukraine
×