This year marks a significant milestone for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit as it celebrates 60 vibrant years.
Sports Illustrated Swimsuit's 2024 issue features seven diverse covers including stars like Kate Upton and Chrissy Teigen, symbolizing a major leap towards diversity and inclusivity, Fox News reported.
The iconic swimsuit edition is not just about glamorous models on sun-soaked beaches anymore. The 2024 release, hitting newsstands on May 17, introduces seven covers that frame a wider narrative about empowerment and body positivity.
The covers are graced by a varied group of women, from seasoned models like Kate Upton to public figures like the nearly 70-year-old journalist Gayle King. These choices celebrate women of all body types, ages, and backgrounds, echoing the evolving nature of the fashion industry. Editor-in-chief MJ Day expressed her views on the milestone edition, noting the industry's progression towards a more inclusive vision.
A special aspect of this year's issue is the representation of "real" bodies, a trend that has seen slow adoption in the mainstream fashion world. Hunter McGrady, making a return to the magazine nine months postpartum, exemplifies this shift as she shares her growing confidence with each passing year.
Famed photographer Yu Tsai, who has been behind the camera for numerous SI issues, captured the essence of the various cover stars. His work brings out the unique stories of these women, showcasing their beauty and strength across different backgrounds and life stages. This edition also brings back alumni who have been influential over the decades, creating a collective tribute to the power of women.
Here's what Hunter McGrady had to say about her experience: It's so much bigger than me. It's so much bigger than the beautiful photos — that's like the cherry on top. The message for me is inclusivity. Gayle King shared her unexpected joy in being a part of the swimsuit issue, an opportunity she had never imagined would come her way.
The initiative isn't just throwbacks and cheers for diversity; it's a thoughtful placing of robust ideals into the magazine that once only celebrated swimwear aesthetics. As MJ Day articulates, the swimsuit issue has evolved into a platform for empowerment and breaking stereotypes.
The seven-cover edition also serves as a canvas for showing that age, size, and motherhood are merely facets of a woman's life—not hindrances to celebrating beauty and strength. Here's MJ Day’s comprehensive view of the evolution and vision of the magazine:
Over the past 60 years, we have shattered stereotypes, embraced diversity, and championed inclusivity. With each passing year, we have challenged ourselves to push boundaries and redefine what it means to be a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit.
While this year’s issue is a tribute to the recent past, it’s also a reminder of the work we must continue to do. We must remind women to challenge the status quo, celebrate strength and confidence, and inspire those around us to embrace their uniqueness and pursue their passions fearlessly.
In the grand spectrum of fashion, the versatility and powerful messages embedded in this year's Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition set a new standard. It is a reminder that beauty is diverse, and the reflections in the media should be multifaceted as our society.
The 60th-anniversary issue celebrates not only the journey of the magazine but also the strides taken by society in recognizing the depth and breadth of female beauty. Rich with history and forward-thinking, the 2024 edition invites readers to a deeper understanding and appreciation of what beauty can encompass.
