Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition
From LoveToKnow Swimsuits
The annual Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition is one of the highest selling issues of any magazine in the world, featuring beautiful women, the latest swimwear and scenery that makes us want to grab a bottle of sunscreen and jump on a plane to the tropics.
The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition
The SI Swimsuit Edition is the most eagerly awaited issue of this popular magazine each year. Just when winter seems like it will never end, SI takes us to exotic locations full of sand and surf, and for a while we are transported to paradise.
Not only is this SI's most sought after issue, it's also its biggest revenue generator, pulling in an estimated $35 million for the 2005 edition alone. It seems that even non-subscribers will purchase a copy to get a chance to see some of the most beautiful women in the world don the latest designer swimsuits, and frolic in the waves in places many of us will never have the opportunity to visit. It's a welcome escape, albeit a temporary one, from the winter doldrums.
Beginnings
The first SI Swimsuit Edition made its debut in 1964, although it still shared its pages with the usual sports figures. The magazine faced the same problem each year; a lull between the really popular sport seasons. Needing something to add draw to the magazine, SI naturally turned to the advertiser's secret weapon--pretty girls. What began as a bit of a publicity stunt worked, and by 1997 the full blown Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition had become the issue we know and love today.
Not Without Controversy
The SI Swimsuit Edition has been the source of some controversy through the years. Each year, the magazine's office receives a moderate amount of protest letters and a few subscription cancellations over what some readers consider the "racy" nature of the issue.
Perhaps the biggest controversy in SI Swimsuit's history is the one surrounding super model Cheryl Tiegs' famous white fishnet swimsuit photo from the 1978 edition. Although the suit had been opaque when dry, it became quite transparent as soon as Cheryl had taken a dip in the water.
The photographers on the shoot immediately noticed what Cheryl did not; her breasts were now fully visible through her swimsuit, and they began to shoot her picture for over an hour. The photo made its way into the layout, garnering explosive attention which mainly served to boost SI's circulation, but also resulted in a number of angry letters and cancellations as well.
Since then, Sports Illustrated has managed to walk that fine line between wholesome and risque in the swimsuit issue, lending its appeal to the general public.
Swimsuit Fashions
Esch year's edition features swimsuits from the hottest swimwear makers, including industry giants as well as "up-and-comers". Popular labels featured in recent years include:
That's just a sample. The suits gracing these pages will become the year's hottest swimwear fashion trends, and many can be purchased from Tropi-Ties, an online swimwear shop that offers suits for men and women, as well as other clothing and accessories.
Roll Call
The SI Swimsuit issue has also served to sky rocket the careers of some of the modeling industry's biggest stars, including:
- Kathy Ireland
- Tyra Banks
- Paulina Porizkova
- Heidi Klum
- Rebecca Romijn
- Rachel Hunter
The super model most notably linked with the SI Swimsuit issue is Elle Macpherson who has appeared on five cover photos, including 1986, 1987, 1988, 2004 and the fabulous 2006 group cover photo.
Summing It Up
The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition just seems to grow more popular every year, and there are no signs of it loosing steam any time soon. As long as there are beautiful models, fantastic swimwear, and sunny shores, there will be a market for this icon of popular culture.
External Links
- The sports Illustrated Swimsuit Collection.
- SI.com 2006 Swimsuit web site.
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