The 2026 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Runway Show made headlines as it took place at Miami Beach during Swim Week. The event featured a diverse mix of models, athletes, influencers, and celebrities.
Renowned participants included Brooks Nader, Camille Kostek, Alix Earle, Molly Sims, and Katie Austin, who showcased trending beachy styles.
Glamorous Appearances
Molly Sims, age 53, caught attention with a gingham one-piece and sun-kissed look. This year marks her eighth appearance in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. Sims posed in multiple swimsuits, highlighting an orange string bikini against an ocean backdrop.
Brooks Nader, an established model since winning the 2019 open casting call, showcased a black one-piece. Nader is currently involved in the ‘Baywatch’ reboot, adding to her modeling career.
“If only I could tell my younger self she’d still be here at 52, feeling more beautiful and confident than ever,” Sims shared.
A New Chapter for Katie Austin
Katie Austin, daughter of fitness icon Denise Austin, walked the runway while six months pregnant. This marks Austin’s sixth runway show appearance. She expressed a shift in priorities, emphasizing health over rigorous workouts during pregnancy.
Austin mentioned enjoying this year’s show despite missing pre-runway rituals like her annual tequila shot, focusing instead on the camaraderie with fellow models.
Cover Models and Editor Remarks
The 2026 Swimsuit Issue features Alix Earle, Nicole Williams English, Hilary Duff, and Tiffany Haddish as cover models. Editor-in-chief MJ Day described the issue as embracing individuality and diverse stories from each model.
Day noted the evolution of key figures, like Alix Earle’s transition from accessibility to influence, and Hilary Duff’s transformation embraced with confidence.
“This class is extraordinary. It’s about celebrating individuality, not sameness,” Day stated.
Legacy and New Trends
The Swimsuit Issue, a tradition since 1964, has been a career launchpad for models like Kathy Ireland and Kate Upton. Recent issues feature painted bikinis and unedited photos, promoting inclusivity with diverse models and settings, from Botswana to Fort Myers, Florida.
Notably, in 2023 Martha Stewart became the oldest model represented, appearing at age 81.
The 2026 Swimsuit Issue is now available, with the runway show streaming on Hulu and Disney+ starting June 9.
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