Singer-songwriter Teyana Taylor made history this month, after topping Maxim’s 2021 Hot 100 list, and officially being crowned by the magazine as the ‘Sexiest Woman alive.’ She is now the first Black woman to be honored with the top spot on the list, according to People magazine.
Along with the honor, Teyana Taylor was featured on the cover of the July/August issue of the magazine, decked out in a pair of camo pants and suspenders, as well as a ripped tank top. Taylor posted the news on Instagram with photos from the cover shoot, along with the caption, “Somebody pinch me!!!”
Taylor then went on to describe the experience, stating that stepping in front of the camera has been a “journey of self-reflection and self-confidence,” but admitting that the experience actually made her nervous. “As an entrepreneur, wife, a busy mother of two & working behind the lens in my director bag I tend to hide behind my sweats & vintage tees, My “Spike Tey” glasses, and whatever hairstyle I’ve mustered up that day,” she said. “So as you can see I don’t have much time to be and feel sexy. This particular day was dope because it made me see another side of myself.”
Teyana Taylor, who is the mother of two children with her NBA star husband Iman Shumpert, actually dropped her daughter off at school before rushing to the photoshoot wearing sweatpants and feeling unprepared. When she arrived, photographer Gilles Benismon loved her look, and encouraged her to do the photoshoot as is. “My dear this is pure,” he told her. She noted that her hair wasn’t even done.
Taylor reflected on this later in her Instagram post, explaining that the true beauty of a woman is reflected in her soul. By being photographed ‘as is’ Teyana’s true soul was revealed that day. “I say all of this to say in the true words of Audrey Hepburn…” she reflected. “‘The beauty of a woman is not in facial mode but the true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives the passion that she shows. The beauty of a woman grows with the passing years.’ Embrace and love yourselves for who & what you are because only the purest heart shines through.”
Indeed, Teyana’s true colors were revealed in that shoot. She posed as who she was, a loving (but busy) mother and wife— who just so happens to be the sexiest woman alive.
