Models in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit

Marissa Miller makes SI's swimsuit cover!
Marissa Miller makes SI's swimsuit cover!

The models in Sports Illustrated swimsuit editions are part of an elite club, one that every aspiring fashion diva would like to join.

About Sports Illustrated Swimsuits 2008

The wait is over, and once again the latest issue of the world's most popular edition of any magazine ever is on the shelves. Yes, we're talking about the Sports Illustrated Swimsuits Edition. This bastion of sex, sand and swimsuits has become a juggernaut, churning out breathtaking annual issues year after year.

Locations

As you might expect, SI offers us plenty of tropical backdrops as always, including Maui, Turkes & Caicos and the US Virgin Islands. However, we're also treated to unexpected views of places not usually thought of as beach destinations, such as Israel and St. Petersburg, Russia.

Featured Designer Labels

If you want to know who's designing the "must have" swim wear of the coming season, the SI swimsuit issue is considered the swimsuit bible. Designer Anna Kosturova gets the cover honors, as well as several other appearance throughout the magazine's pages.

Other notables include:

Covering Trends

Judging by the images, Sports Illustrated is whole-heartedly embracing the Monokini look in the 2008 issue. The cover features an unbelievably sensual Marissa Miller in a gorgeous blue Anna Kosturova bikini bottom. Her top? Nothing more than strategically placed multi-strands of Badgley Mischka beads and a few locks of summer blonde hair. Although the swimsuits aren't the same, Marissa is faintly reminiscent of SI alumni Cheryl Tiegs, who also showed off her abundant bosom in an unexpected way in the 1978 issue.

Body Paint Swimsuits

Of course, SI continues its 16 year tradition of offering us the fantasy of body paint swimsuits. If you've never picked up a copy of this edition before, it's worth it just to see these creations. You're bound to do a double take because these suits seem real at a glance. However, the SI beauties aren't wearing anything but a tan and a thin coat of paint. Our favorite? Jessica Gomes looks smashing in a strapless one piece illusion.

Models in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit

The models in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit magazine are among the most beautiful in the world. Let's take a closer look at the women gracing the pages.

  • Marissa Miller: In addition to her cover shot, Marissa also has a Mona Lisa moment in a stunning floral painted bikini trimmed in black. The suit took nearly 14 hours to create which meant Marissa was up in the wee hours preparing for a shoot that would last less than two hours.
  • Oluchi Onweagba: Oluchi dazzles in an otherwise tame turquoise and tangerine bikini creation from Inca by Stephanie Hirsch.
  • Bar Refaeli: Bar has that "angel fallen from heaven" sort of look; a combination of innocence and sensuality that captivates you. In keeping with the monokini theme, Bar is decked in a Pompei beach bottom and a complimentary see-through gauze coverup.
  • Quiana Grant: Quiana is a vision in a plaid and chocolate ruffle bikini by Christina Liquori.
  • Jessica White: Lovely Jessica White also gives nod to the monokini trend in a pair of bottoms from Eberjay, and an India-inspired thin cotton tunic from Venus Swimwear.

Celebrity Models

With over 50 models to choose from, these are just a few of the highlights. SI also offers the usual celebrity surprises. Guest models include a bevy of professional NFL cheerleaders gathered from many of your favorite teams.

Look for:

  • Erin Carlisle representing the Jacksonville Jaguars
  • Tracy Burns representing the Oakland Raiders
  • Meghan White representing the New England Patriots
  • Jessica Trainham representing the Atlanta Falcons
  • Christina Parker representing the Dallas Cowboys
  • Marlina Moreno representing the San Diego Chargers
  • Milly Figuereo representing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
  • Laris and Marisa Coy representing the Houston Texans
  • Ireivy Guerra representing the Miami Dolphins
  • Janipher Choi representing the Philadelphia Eagles
  • Anabel dela Cerna representing the Washington Redskins

Not to be outdone by the NFL, IndyCar driver Danica Patrick represented her sport in a simple yet sultry off white bikini from Aspara. Even Will Ferrell (in Jackie Moon character) makes an appearance hamming it up with SI alum Heidi Klum.

.