The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue is often placed in the same category as the Victoria's Secret Fashion Shows. Outdated presentations of the "perfect" or "ideal" female form. While the fashion shows have faded into oblivion, Sports Illustrated has opted to embrace change by shifting its focus to feature women off all shapes and sizes. Back in 2016, Ashley Graham became the first plus-size model to earn a solo cover.
Now the publication is marking its 60th year by bestowing covers on four dynamic women: Chrissy Teigen, Hunter McGrady, Kate Upton and Gayle King. The magazine didn't stop there, though. (It's its anniversary, after all.) Three additional covers starring legendary alumni like Martha Stewart, Tyra Banks, Christie Brinkley, Maye Musk and Halima Aden, to name just a few, are also available.
So why make such a big deal about turning 60? "A 60th anniversary is a big deal," explains Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Editor-in-Chief MJ Day. "It might not be recognized as lavishly as the number that 50 is, but we felt we should wholeheartedly celebrate 60, too, for a simple reason: because the journey we've been on for the past 10 years is something we humbly consider to be revolutionary. We have shattered stereotypes. We have embraced diversity. We have championed inclusivity. With each passing year, we have challenged ourselves to push boundaries and redefine what it means to be Sports Illustrated Swimsuit."
Scroll down to discover images from the four cover star's cover shoots.
Chrissy Teigen
She's certainly no stranger to the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. The model, author and busy mom actually landed her first cover in 2010, when she was awarded Rookie of the Year honors. Teigen also appeared on the cover of the 50th anniversary issue in 2014. This time around, Teigen struck several poses in Los Angeles in a crochet bikini and a plunging orange one-piece for the images taken by Yu Tsai.
Hunter McGrady
McGrady was discovered after Sports Illustrated embarked on a search for fresh faces. The body positivity advocate hosts The Model Citizen podcast along with her sister Michaela McGrady. Tsai shot the cover in Mexico and snapped pics of McGrady modeling animal prints along with shades of cream, orange and black.
Kate Upton
Another former Rookie of the Year, Upton got her start in 2011. Since then, she's been a fixture of the magazine, even traveling all the way to Antarctica for a photoshoot. This year Upton snags her forth cover captured by Tsai in Mexico.
Gayle King
It's actually kind of amazing that King could fit this cover shoot into her busy schedule. She cohosts CBS Mornings, is an editor-at-large for Oprah Daily and even hosts a weekly SiriusXM radio show, Gayle King in the House. Not to mention being a mother and grandmother. For her first appearance in the issue, King's Mexican photoshoot shot by Tsai definitely broadcast 80s vibes. That means bold prints and colors and plenty of jewelry.
Check out the photoshoots on Sports Illustrated Swimsuit's website.
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