Ilona Maher Channels Major Outlaw Energy in All-Black Western Look for Latest Shoot

And the internet cannot get enough.

Ilona Maher / Presley Ann/Getty Images/Maybelline New York

Ilona Maher may be a New England native, but her latest shoot with Betches Media took the Olympian to the Wild West. Posing in front of a curated set featuring an artistic backdrop printed with warm-toned mountains and rolling sands, the indoor shoot paid homage to the desert landscape, and the model let out her inner outlaw to fit the part.

Maher debuted some behind the scenes clips to her 5.3 million Instagram followers after the shoot concluded. The photo-op was coupled with a “Betch of the Year” nomination from the digital outlet, and the athlete joined Amaya Espinal, Bob the Drag Queen, Mr. Fantasy and Holmes in the category. “Where my bad @betches at?” Maher captioned the 15-second reel, tagging the outlet’s handle.

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The rugby sensation—who also co-hosts the House of Maher podcast with her sisters Adrianna and Olivia—donned a duo of monochromatic looks on shoot day. In one all-black ensemble, she sported a strapless, corset-style bodysuit paired with fringe chaps and a matching fringe-adorned glove. She finished the ’fit with oversized boots and a cowgirl hat. In contrast, look number two was entirely ivory. Although the athlete showcased another corset-style top, she wore the garment over a long-sleeved mini dress embellished with dainty ruffles.

The internet reacts

Maher’s post has notched over 2,800 comments in just 10 hours at the time of publication. Here’s what fellow celebrities are saying.

“ILONA!!!!! I CAN SPEAK FOR EVERYONE... YES M’AM 🔥🔥🔥🔥,” Kate Steinberg penned.

“I CANT WAIT TO HANG THESE UP,” Tara Davis-Woodhall declared.

“Excuse me, ma’am 🔥🔥🔥🔥,” Julianne Hough chimed in.

“Period sis 😍🔥👏,” Jana Craig concurred.

“Yessss🔥🔥🔥🔥,” Dijonai Carrington gushed.

Maher’s advice

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Maher coupled the shoot with an interview with the digital outlet, and an in-depth video posted to their YouTube channel focused on her numerous feats in 2025, including her ESPY award for “Best Breakthrough Athlete” and her stint on the runway. Of the latter, the multifaceted mogul also provided some words of wisdom for those looking to “embrace” a more sultry side of themselves.

“It’s about finding things that work for you and make you feel confident because you can tell when somebody’s not confident in something they’re wearing,” Maher encouraged. “Look at what people your size are wearing and check out their pages and try it on for yourself. See how you feel, ’cause when you feel good in something, your whole aura and energy will change.”

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