More than 1500 guests gathered for the most anticipated runway show of Swim Week 2022. Sports Illustrated Swimsuit hosted its annual show poolside during PARAISO Miami Beach at the W Hotel South Beach on July 16th, proving once again that beauty comes in all colors, shapes, ages and sizes -and celebrating female strength, beauty and power.
True to form, Sports Illustrated wowed the audience by featuring numerous surprises on the runway, including curvy sisters, Hunter and Michaela McGrady who strutted jubilantly down the catwalk together, and famed fitness star, 65 year-old Denise Austin, and daughter Katie. The duo pranced down the runway, flexed for photographers and hugged, looking more like madly-fit sisters than mother and daughter.
Fifty year old, Shannon Burton, Swim Search finalist, who began modeling at age 35, made her debut, stating that she was inspired by Kathy Jacobs, who became the oldest Sports Illustrated model in history at age 57, during last year’s show.
The highlight of the evening was when WAGS star Nicole Williams walked the runway with husband, NFL star Larry English, and revealed her baby bump at the end of the runway. Larry sealed the official birth announcement with a kiss on Nicole’s belly.
Other noteworthy Sports Illustrated Swimsuit models included Jasmine Sanders, Camille Kostek, Brooks Nader, Olivia Ponton, Christen Harper, Geo Burke, and Swim Search models Mady Dewey, Manju Bangalore, Joely Live, Ashley Byrd, and Janell Williams, who graced the runway in designer swim brands including Cynthia Rowley, Left on Friday, Lain Snow, Ark Swim, Navy Ray and more.
After the show, the models enjoyed the Swim Week 2022 afterparty, in a private area on the W Hotel pool deck, celebrating their post show success. Kate Bock and Camille Kostek indulged in piping hot Shake Shack burgers and fries. After refueling and sipping cocktails, they were seen laughing at their table and dancing.
Bock was joined by new husband, NBA star, Kevin Love. Hunter and Michaela McGrady, Yumi Nu and Olivia Ponton were also in on the fun. Camille Kostek, who is dating NFL legend, Rob Gronkowksi was seen dancing with fries in hand.
This year marks the 59th installment of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue and a monumental year for the celebrated franchise. SI Swimsuit launched Pay With Change, the first-of-its-kind advertising call-to-action where all brands showcase their commitment to making meaningful advances for female empowerment.
SI Swimsuit has been at the forefront of change and empowerment since the first edition debuted in 1964, serving as a launching pad for many models’ careers but also as a groundbreaking catalyst for real transformation within the industry, including: being first to put models’ names on its covers; creating The Swimfluence Network, an inclusive digital community; establishing Swim Search, an open-casting for hopefuls from around the world; and consistently featuring diverse women across its platforms.
This year‘s show was sponsored by:
Evaton, https://evaton.com Mateus Rosé, https://www.mateusrose.us Kylie Minogue Prosecco Rosé, https://www.kylieminoguewines.com Bean Suntory Product Line, https://www.beamsuntory.com Basil Hayden Bourbon, https://www.basilhaydenbourbon.com SauzaTequila, https://www.sauzatequila.com Courvoisier, https://www.courvoisier.com, Haku Vodka, https://hakuvodka.suntory.com Roku Gin, https://rokugin.suntory.com Cruzanrum http://cruzanrum.com