Michael Phelps celebrates his eighth gold medal of the Beijing Games with his teammates. Photograph by Bryan Allison.
Caught up with a few new mags this weekend, include Hello magazine’s exclusive on the Nole-Jelena wedding. I must say as an Emma type that there is nothing quite so satisfying as a wedding – particularly when it’s not your own and you can just sit back and enjoy the pix. After seeing the happy couple, I must add that I am in love with her dress. The Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen creation – she did the Duchess of Cambridge’s superb gown – was the perfect look for a pregnant bride and a seaside ceremony. The strapless bodice with the sweetheart neckline was embellished with a leaf motif that subtly climbed the hem of the gown and its train. The dress seemed to capture the bride’s uncluttered beauty and the couple’s love of nature. (Nole looked beautiful, too, in a pale gray suite by Dolce & Gabbana.)
As much as I enjoy a well-dressed couple, I relish an undressed man even more – artistically speaking. The ESPN Body issue has plenty as usual, including Michael Phelps. The Phelpsian One is seen sensuously on the starting block and underwater, with tan lines where his Speedo should be. (As the copy points out, it never covered much anyway, and indeed, part of the sensuality of men’s swimming is the tension between what is revealed and what is concealed.)
One of the beauties of the issue is the way it uncovers the notion that when it comes to the body and sports, it takes all kinds. Phelps’ long torso, short legs and enormous wingspan are perfect for a swimmer. Whereas Prince Fielder’s chunkiness suits a power hitter.
Hey, more of him to love.