Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Kicks Off 2026 with a Star-Studded Summer Issue Launch and Miami Swim Week Takeover

Sports Illustrated Swimsuit rang in its 2026 Summer Issue with a run of high-profile activations spanning both coasts, capped by a headline-making presence at Miami Swim Week.

The issue itself, no longer a single publication moment but a celebration of personal evolution and an expanding definition of beauty, featured four cover models: Hilary Duff, Alix Earle, Tiffany Haddish and Nicole Williams English, with global photo shoots spanning locations from Montauk to Botswana. The campaign — which was recognized as one of Marketing with M’s “Best Marketing Campaigns of the Week” — drove major earned media coverage across outlets including The Today Show, Entertainment Tonight and People.

The issue’s release was marked by a VIP Launch Party at the Hard Rock Hotel New York, featuring a rooftop cocktail hour with bites from The Caviar Co., nostalgic Polaroid portraits, a red-carpet arrival from cover stars Alix Earle, Tiffany Haddish and Nicole Williams English and a surprise performance from Fetty Wap.

The celebration then moved to Miami for the brand’s biggest Swim Week activation yet. Over two days, Sports Illustrated Swimsuit talent and guests took part in an immersive Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Beach Club, an exclusive VIP welcome dinner and pampering sessions courtesy of brand partners including Kérastase, Hawaiian Tropic, Scott Barnes Cosmetics, YSE Beauty, First Aid Beauty, Crocs, Philips Lumea IPL, Roxy and RVCA.

The weekend culminated in the iconic annual Runway Show, featuring a live performance by Lizzo, the Swim Week debut of cover star Tiffany Haddish and a runway roster of the biggest names in sports, fashion, pop culture and more.

Together, the 2026 launch is a perfect example of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit’s continued investment in extending its storytelling well beyond the page.

Explore more about the award winning issue launch here.