Summertime is getting closer. And you know what that means — Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue time. Each year the magazine employs a host of the hottest celebs to model for them on the beach. This year’s first-time models include Gayle King, Chrissy Teigen, and Hunter McGrady.
Upton Sounds Off About Swimsuit Feature
However, the magazine put a unique spin on the famed issue this year. 2024 marks the 60th anniversary of the swimsuit issue. So Sports Illustrated employed an additional 52 celebrities. Many of whom were previously featured in the issue.
The bit is called 60th Anniversary Legends. One of the featured models is famed cover girl Kate Upton.
“It’s such a huge honor,” Upton said of being featured in the Legends edition of the magazine.
“It really speaks to really where fashion is going and the message that [Sports Illustrated Swimsuit’s editor-in-chief] MJ Day wants to put out — women supporting women, showing different body types, and having women speak for different things they believe in.”
Upton also reminisced about what was going through her mind when she was the cover girl at 18.
“When I experienced being on the cover, I was 18 years old, and everyone was talking about me before I’d really figured out who I was,” she said.
“Everyone was telling me who I was. So it made me expedite my journey of finding out what I stood for. Who I was, why I was doing this job, why I was going through this criticism.”
MJ Day Gets Candid About Upcoming Issue
Among the 52 models featured in the 60th Anniversary speared are Chanel Iman, Tyra Banks, Winnie Harlow, Lori Harvey, and a host of many others. The issue has historically been noted for featuring the most aesthetically pleasing models.
Sports Illustrated’s Editor-in-Chief MJ Day noted that the magazine’s main goal remains to be inclusive to all people.
“Over the past 60 years we have shattered stereotypes, embraced diversity, and championed inclusivity,” Day said in a press release.
“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. To celebrate strength and confidence, and to inspire those around us to embrace their uniqueness and pursue their passions fearlessly.”