For the fashion flock that found itself profusely sweating through their designer dresses during this year’s steamy SWIMMIAMI, the swimwear industry’s annual premier gathering, the temperature was turned up even more thanks to the highly anticipated series of runway shows hosted by Sports Illustrated. The publishing house that was once primarily known for its magazines featuring sizzling-hot babes debuted its latest venture and for the first time hit the catwalk with the unveiling of their new apparel line, officially named “Sports Illustrated Swim and Active.”
However, SI Swimsuit (per its Instagram handle) didn’t just introduce a new collection of swimwear designed for busty cover models. They instead unveiled a line of everybody-inclusive swim and active wear. The fresh collection featured both separates and one-piece swimwear, as well as cover-ups and logo tees that were worn by a stunning cast of curvy, real-woman models.
On Saturday, July 22nd, the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2017 cover model Samantha Hoopes opened the show (her mother was sitting to the right of me, so our section may have kicked-off the extra rowdiness that was to ensue) and was trailed by a bevy of babes in all shapes and sizes. As each and every woman entered the spotlight and began her journey down the runway, which covered the swanky pool at the W South Beach, the crowd grew louder with overwhelming support and a continuous round of applause.
At the very end of the show, Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Editor MJ Day walked the runway with former cover model Hailey Clauson and together surprised the at-capacity crowd by jumping off the runway into the surrounding pool. SI’s body-positive swim and activewear line will drop in early 2018 at a price point of $40-$160 per suit and will be available in sizes 2-20. You can view the full collection and runway show in the video below.
All photos by: www.fashionweekonline.com