First-Ever African-born Playboy Playmate of the Year, Ida Lungqvist, Shares Beauty and Fitness Tips
The first-ever African-born Playmate of the Year, Ida Ljungqvist, traveled the globe as a child while her father worked for UNICEF and is fluent in three languages: English, Swedish and Swahili. Ljungqvist also has the immense distinction of being the coveted Playboy’s 50th Playmate of the Year. Born to a Tanzanian mother and a Swedish father, the well-traveled Ljungqvist was discovered while working at a Rodeo Drive boutique in Beverly Hills, Calif., in 2007. At a Playboy pajama party at the W Hotel in midtown Atlanta recently, Ljungqvist shared her beauty and fitness tips and talked about what kind of man she is attracted to. –terry shropshire
How does it feel to make history as the first ever African-born Playboy Playmate?
Oh, my gosh, this is such an honor to be Playmate of the Year and I’m having a wonderful time tonight.
What has your first month of being Playmate of the Year been like?
I’ve been promoting … Playboy and some of my charities in California. I’m going to try to meet as many people as I can in the continental U.S., Canada and wherever Playboy sends me to.
What are some beauty tips that help you stay fit and trim?
I work out. Eat well and just [try to] be a good and happy person. … You have to work on cardio. I know it’s super boring sometimes. But you’ve got to do cardio. You’ve got to get that heart rate up.
How do you keep your hair and skin flawless?
It is very important to eat a lot of fruits and vegetables.
What kind of man are you attracted to?
He has to love his mom and has to be very positive.
Do you have a certain look or characteristics that you are looking for in a man?
I’m an equal opportunity dater.
What’s your fashion style?
I’m 5-foot-4 and I’m very petite. I like colorful clothes [that are] a little bit short [and] tight. You want the assets to show.
