New York, NY (Top40 Charts) Sports Illustrated Swimsuit today announced this year's cover models, featuring Kim Kardashian, Ciara, Maye Musk and Yumi Nu. 2022 marks the 59th installment of the SI Swimsuit Issue and an overall monumental year for the celebrated franchise. SI Swim launched Pay With Change, the first-of-its-kind advertising call-to-action where all brands participating showcase their commitment to making meaningful advances for female empowerment.
SI Swimsuit has been at the forefront of change and empowerment since the first edition debuted in 1964, serving as a launching pad for many models' careers but also as a groundbreaking catalyst for real transformation within the industry, including:
Being the first fashion publication to put models' names on its covers,
Establishing The Swimfluence Network, an inclusive digital community,
Swim Search - open casting for hopefuls from around the world to be featured in the issue,
Consistently featuring a diverse range of women across their platforms.
"The journey we've been on—to break out of the mold the world put us in - may sound familiar. It's certainly familiar to the women we've chosen to be our cover models: Maye, Ciara, Yumi, Kim," said MJ Day, Editor in Chief of SI Swimsuit. "At 74, Maye continues to work every day to inspire those around her.
Ciara has seen enormous success as a performer while simultaneously focusing on her passion for philanthropy and service. In her first year of being in the spotlight, Yumi is coming into who she is and taking on the responsibility of what she stands for. And of course, Kim has been at the center of the spotlight for more than a decade and continues to live proudly, authentically and unapologetically."
Day continued, "We all deserve the chance to evolve. So in this issue, we encourage readers to see these models as we see them: multifaceted, multitalented - and sexy while they're at it. The world may label them one way, but we want to focus our lens on all the ways they see themselves and how they own who they are."
Exclusive content from this year's issue will be available across all Sports Illustrated Swimsuit social and digital channels starting May 16. Purchase the 2022 Swimsuit Issue online with pre-sale or on newsstands May 19. For more, follow Sports Illustrated Swimsuit @si_swimsuit and visit swimsuit.si.com.
Kim Kardashian was photographed by Greg Swales in the Dominican Republic,
Ciara was photographed by Ben Watts in Barbados, Yumi Nu was photographed by
James Macari in Montenegro and Maye Musk was photographed by Yu Tsai in Belize.
To celebrate the launch of the issue, SI Swimsuit, in partnership with Hard Rock International, will be hosting a series of events from May 19 through May 21 in New York City at the all-new Hard Rock Hotel New York and at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla. The festivities will include interactive events, a red-carpet launch activation and an intimate concert featuring special performances. The events will feature special activations from launch-week partners, including Maybelline and their Brave Together Initiative,
Frida Mom, Celsius, U.S. Virgin Islands, Nine West and Sunflow.
This year's powerhouse roster of SI Swimsuit models, in addition to cover models Kim Kardashian, Ciara, Maye Musk and Yumi Nu, includes 2021 Rookie of the Year Katrina Scott, who shot six and a half months pregnant and veteran model Kate Bock who marks her 10th year being featured in the issue, models Brooks Nader,
Camille Kostek, Hailey Clauson, Hunter McGrady, Jasmine Sanders, Josephine Skriver, Leyna Bloom, Lorena Durán, Marquita Pring,
Natalie Mariduena and Tanaye White; rookies Christen Harper, Cindy Kimberly, Duckie Thot,
Georgina Burke, Kamie Crawford, Katie Austin and
Olivia Ponton; and WNBA superstars Sue Bird, Breanna Stewart, Te'a Cooper,
Nneka Ogwumike and DiDi Richards. The issue also features this year's Swim Search finalists—the most diverse group to date—Ashley Byrd, Ashley Callingbull, Drew Dorsey, Gigi Robinson, Hillory Fields,
Kelly Crump, Lotta Hintsa, Mady Dewey, Manju, Michelle Fuente Steffen,
Nicole Petrie, Sarafina El-Badry Nance and
Victoria DeHart Vesce, who are all using their platforms for advocacy work and sharing their inspiring stories.
SI Swimsuit invites readers to create their own cover moment on the back of the issue, welcoming all individuals to be an SI Swimsuit cover model. Readers can scan a QR code and upload a picture of themselves. All pictures will live on a dedicated microsite, showcasing the one-of-a-kind images and changing perceptions of what a cover model should be.
The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue is one of the most recognizable and influential symbols of pop culture. Featuring talent from around the world, the issue has become a revered launching pad for successful careers in media, fashion, business, TV and film. The iconic and innovative institution continues to set the cultural tone and evoke discussion about what defines beauty on a global scale. Sports Illustrated Swimsuit has become a lifestyle platform that champions body confidence and self-expression, and connects with diverse audiences through digital content and signature experiences that nurture the body, soul and spirit. Sports Illustrated Swimsuit remains steadfast in its goal of providing an inspirational media platform for individuals where they can connect, explore and engage with 24/7 content that speaks to wellness, travel, food, style and beauty. For more information, visit swimsuit.si.com.
