Breaking Limits
with this month’s cover star Vanessa Courneen / @vvlacorte
Photographer: Hulova Oleksandra / @sasha_hulova
HMUA Daria Matiunina
California Native radiating the daring charm of a USA FHM cover- fiery, captivating, and utterly unforgettable. This American Sicilian beauty embodies a bold spirit, with sun-kissed skin, cascading dark hair, and eyes that tell a story. Naturally magnetic, eternally feminine, and impossible to ignore. Vanessa is a dynamic and multifaceted woman. She embodies grace, charisma, boldness, strength, loyalty, and humility. Vanessa began modeling years ago, stepping away for a meaningful season of life when she was blessed with three beautiful, kind-hearted children. In recent years, she returned to the industry, based out of San Francisco, focusing primarily on commercial and print work. She feels most at home in studio settings with a moody edge- when the spotlight is on and no distractions, or on a beach where her free spirit shines, and her energy reflects her wild, untamed side. She also loves commanding a strong, confident walk on the runway.
Pageantry has been a significant part of her journey with several titles along the way. Most recently, she competed internationally, representing the USA, and earned the title of Ms. International World Classic. Winning that crown after time away from the industry was an incredibly proud moment. Vanessa showed up as the strongest, most evolved version of herself. After navigating divorce and rebuilding her life, she discovered a steady inner strength and power she didn’t know she possessed. She wanted to demonstrate that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams.
What has been the most defining moment in your journey so far? The most transformative chapter of her life has been becoming a mother. It taught her the true meaning of unconditional love. Her children stretch her, challenge her, and love her in ways that continually shape who she is.
How would you describe your personal style? Vanessa’s personal style is bold, confident, and sometimes daring. She is drawn to vibrant colors and statement pieces- looks that others might hesitate to wear. She loves fashion that sparks conversation, feels artistic, and leaves an impression. When she enters a room, she aims to carry presence, confidence, and leave unforgettable.
Best place you have ever been to in the world? The most breathtaking place she’s ever traveled to would easily be the Seychelles, off the coast of Africa. After experiencing an African safari, arriving on those pristine white sand beaches felt like stepping into heaven. It was serene, exotic, deeply cultural- a perfect blend of adventure and peace.
What was the biggest lesson from your worst breakup? “One thing I learned is not everything meant for me is meant to stay forever. Sometimes choosing myself allows me to heal, grow and protect my peace. “ I want to be careful respectful and leave out the marriage failing part and not have anyone take this as one personal hit- this is a more universal collective message. I’m amicable in my situation, so I want to keep it very respectful.
What’s one lifestyle change you made this year that completely transformed you? One lifestyle shift that truly transformed her this year was prioritizing her physical strength. She started lifting heavier, increasing her protein intake, and incorporating creatine into her routine. She is also a devoted Pure Barre babe in Burlingame, California, where she is both inspired by the community and a source of inspiration within it. She also embraces many forms of wellness, like the infrared sauna for both physical recovery and mental clarity- releasing anything toxic physically or emotionally. Getting back into snow skiing and reconnecting with her athletic side reignited something powerful in her. Tapping back into that strength has made her happier, more grounded, and more alive.
What does being featured in a magazine in 2026 represent for you at this stage of your journey? Being featured on the cover of FHM 2026 is an incredible honor at this stage of her journey. Joining the FHM family and connecting with inspiring individuals has already been such a rewarding experience for her- and it’s only the beginning. To be given a platform to shine, to share her light, and to stand boldly as a confident woman means more than she can put into words. Vanessa has worked tirelessly to become this version of herself, and achieving this goal feels deeply fulfilling.
If you could write a letter to your younger self, what would you say? If she could write a letter to her younger self, the message would be simple but powerful: be unapologetically you. Grow, evolve, strengthen yourself- but never abandon your core. Life will test you and shake you in different seasons, but what matters most is how you move through those transitions and who you become on the other side. Hold tight to your faith, your hope, and your belief in yourself. No matter what happens, don’t give up on you.
What’s a childhood dream you’ve held on to? A dream Vanessa has carried since childhood is one day become Miss Universe. With the recent rule changes allowing women of any age, including mothers and divorced women, to compete, the possibility feels more real than ever. Age truly is just a number. There’s something incredibly powerful about a woman stepping into her fullest strength because of her life experiences. This year, at 42, Vanessa will be competing for the Miss California title, representing her small town roots as Miss Gilroy USA 2026. And anyone who knows her- when she shows up, she shows up to win. So get ready.
What do people often get wrong about you? One of the biggest misconceptions about Vanessa is that people sometimes mistaken her confidence for attitude. She has had countless moments where someone, after actually getting to know her, says, “Wow, you’re so kind and warm,” almost surprised. And those who spend real time with her are often shocked to discover how witty and playful she can be.
Do you have any hidden talents? If so, what is it? One of Vanessa’s hidden talents is writing. She doesn’t dedicate nearly enough time to it, but it has always been one of her many strengths, dating back to her school years. Writing feels therapeutic for Vanessa- it’s where her creativity flows freely. When she sits down to write, she can completely lose herself.
What’s one lesson from your journey that you wish you’d learned earlier? One powerful lesson Vanessa’s journey has taught her is to not wait. If not now, when? She has let opportunities pass by because she was busy, raising children, or telling herself the timing wasn’t perfect. But the truth is, there will always be reasons to delay. When Vanessa truly wants something, she pursues it relentlessly. She has learned that if she wants it, to go after it wholeheartedly.
What makes you the ultimate partner to have? Something that makes Vanessa an exceptional partner is her loyalty and the depth of her heart. She loves fiercely and stands firmly beside the person she cares about. She will fight battles with you, for you, and never waver. She’s a blend of intelligence, kindness, sweetness, sass, and sensuality- all in one.
When people look back at this moment in your career, what do you hope it represents about
Who are you? When people reflect on this chapter of her career, Vanessa wants them to see an authentic, powerful woman who fearlessly chased her dreams. More than anything, she hopes to inspire other women to step into their fullest potential.
Who is she? As her mother still reminds her, “You’re Vanessa fricken LaCorte- don’t ever forget it.”
What’s one goal you didn’t hit last year that you’re determined to achieve this time? One goal Vanessa didn’t accomplish last year was walking in Fashion Week in both New York and Paris. This year she will.
Final thought: “I’m a woman of integrity, confidence, strength, and grace, and I’m passionate about inspiring women to know their worth. I want women to feel empowered to be authentic, confident, and unapologetically themselves, because I believe that is where true beauty and real strength begin.”
