Sports Illustrated + Miami Swim: Celebrating Every Body
Healthy body image is something that has come to fashion in a big way: from the advent of plus-size models to the recognition that all shapes and sizes are beautiful. SI has been a part of this push, showcasing models like Ashley Graham, its Swimsuit cover girl just last year.
In a continuation of this new awakening in fashion, for the first time ever, Time Inc.’s Sports Illustrated Swimsuit will host a series of runway shows and activations at SWIMMIAMI during Miami Swim Week — the swimwear industry’s premiere annual showcase.
Sports Illustrated Swimsuit’s takeover of the industry’s top gathering will begin as it presents SWIMMIAMI’s opening party on July 20, featuring a celebration of the iconic brand’s impact on the swimwear industry and the body positive movement. The event will include a runway show put on by the group of 15 final contestants from Sports Illustrated Swimsuit’s first open casting call competition, wearing suits that appeared on the cover of the iconic Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue over the years. On July 22, these models will debut the all-new line of Sports Illustrated Swim and Active apparel at a special runway show during SWIMMIAMI’s prime-time slot at 8:00 p.m.
The event will include a runway show put on by the group of 15 final contestants
In preparation for the Miami Swim Week festivities, Sports Illustrated Swimsuit today is announcing a short-list of 15 models selected from the thousands from around the world responding to its first-ever open casting call. The 15 #SISwimSearch models chosen to participate with Sports Illustrated Swimsuit in Miami are Allie Ayers, Camille Kostek, Dessie Mitcheson, Haley Kalil, Iyonna Fairbanks, Kate De Paz, Kayla Fitzgerald, Keyeriah Miles, Michelle Vidal, Olivia Jordan, Sarina Nowak, Shelby Mclean, Stefanie Rachel, Steph Snyder and Tabria Majors.
Sports Illustrated Swimsuit today is announcing a short-list of 15 models
Earlier this summer, the editors of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit selected 35 women from the open casting call for in-person interviews and photo shoots in Brooklyn, and from that group were chosen these 15 final participants. This group of models will not only showcase the 2018 Sports Illustrated Swim and Active collections at the runway show, photo shoots and more but will be vying for a chance to be featured in the 2018 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue.
“What better way to debut our new collection meant for every woman than with this diverse group of new models from our first open-to-the-public casting call?” said Sports Illustrated Swimsuit editor MJ Day. “These women represent all shapes and beauty in many different forms, which will be on full display as they take Miami by storm to help launch the new collection.”
What better way to debut our new collection meant for every woman than with this diverse group of new models
The Sports Illustrated Swim and Active collections are curated for every kind of woman, showcasing designs that are delicately feminine, effortlessly trendy, laid-back beachy, and everything in between. There is a style for every mood, a silhouette for every body and a size for every woman. The 2018 Sports Illustrated Swim collection has 72 styles and uses fine Italian fabrics, an array of textures and hardware detail. The Sports Illustrated Active collection has 44 pieces, and the styles range from sports bras to leggings and hoodies. The collection will be available to the trade at the RAJ Swim booth during Swim Show on July 22–24 at the Miami Convention Center.
There is a silhouette for every body and a size for every woman
“Sport Illustrated Swim and Active is designed for all generations and will feature skimpy to modest trends with all-inclusive sizing,” said Vice President of Integrated Marketing and Digital Renee Borsack of RAJ Swim. “We are thrilled to have teamed up with Sports Illustrated Swimsuit to help all women look and feel great, because every body deserves style!”
SWIMMIAMI’s opening party presented by Sports Illustrated Swimsuit will take place at The W South Beach on Thursday, July 20 from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. The evening will also include a musical performance from recording artist Wale, followed by an after party at Wall nightclub. Sports Illustrated Swimsuit’s first-ever tradeshow at Miami Convention Center will begin on July 22, and the brand’s first exclusive runway show at Miami Swim Week will take place that night at 8:00 p.m. at The W South Beach. For more details about Sports Illustrated Swimsuit events at SWIMMIAMI, go here, and to request press passes please email sportsillustrated@theriviereagency.com. The editors of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, its model search participants and the team from RAJ Swim will be on location July 20–23 and will be available for interviews.
The exclusive new Sports Illustrated Swim and Active collections will be made available for purchase by consumers in early 2018, coinciding with the launch of the annual Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue. Select items will be featured in the iconic issue and on Sports Illustrated’s digital properties, including an e-commerce integration on SI.com, allowing consumers to seamlessly purchase their favorite pieces online.
Follow Sports Illustrated Swimsuit’s social channels for behind-the-scenes access in Miami to Sports Illustrated Swimsuit photo shoots, celebrations, fashion shows and more.
*Specific details subject to change.
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ABOUT SPORTS ILLUSTRATED SWIMSUIT
SPORTS ILLUSTRATED Swimsuit reaches more than 70 million US adults annually and more men ages 18 to 34 than the Super Bowl. The iconic brand spans 20 product extensions, along with a vibrant experiential marketing business. Since debuting in 1964, Sports Illustrated Swimsuit has become a pop culture phenomenon and a revered launching pad for successful careers in TV, fashion, business and film. The fashion industry describes Sports Illustrated Swimsuit as the “Oscars of Swimwear,” as an appearance in the issue is a crowning achievement for swimsuit and accessory manufacturers.
ABOUT RAJ SWIM
RAJ Swim is the leading swimwear design house with globally recognized brands. Founded in 1967, it is one of few vertical manufacturers in the U.S. that designs, manufactures, and markets designer and private label swimwear and cover-ups. RAJ Swim brands are known for their innovative designs, luxurious fabrications, and impeccable quality. The portfolio of collections caters to every woman and includes; Athena, NEXT, LUXE by Lisa Vogel, VYB, Ella Moss, Basta, Splendid, Reef, Sports Illustrated Swim and Active. In 2009, RAJ Swim launched SwimSpot.com and currently owns and operates eight SwimSpot stores. SwimSpot is the quick, easy, and fun shopping destination for the modern sun lover.