The 2026 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Runway Show made quite an impression in Miami Beach during Swim Week. On Saturday night, various models, athletes, influencers, and celebrities graced the catwalk, showcasing some of the season’s hottest fashions and introducing new beach trends.
Among the participants were both fresh faces and established celebrities. Notable names such as Brooks Nader, Camille Kostek, Alix Earle, Molly Sims, and Katie Austin drew significant attention.
Molly Sims, aged 53, dazzled in a gingham one-piece with a plunging neckline. Her look was complemented by sun-kissed hair and glowing skin. Sims, who debuted in SI Swimsuit in 2000, posed for the magazine for the eighth time, wearing several swimsuits, including a striking orange string bikini.
Sharing her feelings on Instagram, Sims wrote, “If only I could tell the 20-something version of me shooting her first @si_swimsuit issue that she’d still be here at 52 … feeling more beautiful and confident in her skin than ever before.”
Brooks Nader, another standout, has had a remarkable journey from winning a 2019 open casting call to securing cover spots in later issues. She is currently active in the “Baywatch” reboot, thrilling audiences with her modeling prowess. Her chic black one-piece ensemble captivated viewers.
Katie Austin, at six months pregnant, joined the runway for the sixth consecutive year. She emphasized the importance of well-being, saying, “At this stage of my life, being six months pregnant, it’s not really going to matter as much what I eat. I think making sure I’m eating the right things as far as feeling good, I think that’s the entire point of it.”
This year’s issue, launched in May, features cover models Alix Earle, Nicole Williams English, Hilary Duff, and Tiffany Haddish. Other models in the issue included Brooks Nader, Hunter McGrady, and Jena Sims, among others.
Editor-in-chief MJ Day shared a statement highlighting the essence of the 2026 issue. “Every year we ask ourselves how we push further, how we find the women, the locations and the stories that make people stop and feel something. The 2026 issue is our answer. This class is extraordinary,” Day remarked.
The focus this year is on celebrating individuality. Day noted, “This issue isn’t about sameness; it’s about celebrating individuality. Each woman brings a distinct combination of relevance, resilience and range.”
The Swimsuit Issue has long been a pivotal platform for models, having launched the careers of individuals like Kathy Ireland, Christie Brinkley, Elle Macpherson, Kate Upton, and Ashley Graham since 1964.
Innovations over the years include the inclusion of painted bikinis, plus-sized models, unedited photos, and the participation of athletes and celebrities, according to The Associated Press.
For those interested, the current issue is available on newsstands, and the runway show is set to stream on Hulu and Disney+ starting June 9.