Unpacking the Historic & Inclusive Miami Fashion Show
The bikini fashion show we’ve been missing
by ALLY LAIN-HEDDEN ★ JULY 16, 2021
Last Saturday, Sports Illustrated held their annual fashion show...and it. Was. Amazing. Not only were the outfits spectacular, but they used models of all body shapes and sizes. (Take note, Victoria's Secret!) As a company, their mission is to “redefine the cultural conversation around beauty” which was proven in their iconic, all-inclusive show. This is a huge moment, especially for a company that bases itself on swimsuits. They emphasized that all body shapes and sizes are “swimsuit ready.”
Credit: usmagazine
This gorgeous cast included model Amanda Kay and influencer Natalie Mariduena, who both showed off their curves in high-rise full pieces. We also saw Natalie, David Dobrik's assistant, hit the runway in a funky zebra print bikini. Kathy Jacobs proved that age is just a number, as she made history as the oldest (and shortest!) rookie model ever. She told her Instagram followers, ‘This is for all of you wonderful women who message me saying you have been trying to model for decades and faced rejection because of your height!” Vogue, please get her on Beauty Secrets because I need to know them.
But Sports Illustrated weren't the only ones making a splash. PrettyLittleThing also kicked off their #EveryBODYinPLT campaign at Miami Swim Week. Former gymnast, Anna Sarol, worked the runway in her wheelchair wearing a cream-cut halter-neck swimsuit. Honestly, I need to buy it right now because she killed it. Representing the LGTBQ+ community were transgender icons, Tokyo Stylez and Gia Gunn, who both rocked the carpet in colorful bikinis. Just look at these beauties killing it!!
Credit: PageSix
Seeing representation of all races, body shapes, and sizes in a runaway is huge. Models of one specific body type have dominated the industry for far too long, and we’re thrilled to see some much-needed diversity in the swimsuit world. Having brands like Sports Illustrated and PrettyLittleThing use all types of women in their show allows women to understand that their body is worthy of walking down a runway. Body inclusivity isn't a trend that brands can “hop-on,” but instead, a movement and a way to accept everyone.
Personally, growing up and being surrounded by brands like Hollister and Brandy Melville totally shook my confidence. Come on--we all remember how Hollister had those skinny models everywhere in their store (ngl, some of the guys were hot though...) and how we could forget Brandys “one-size fits all?!” (Kisses Brandy but none of it ever fits me). As a teenager who lacked confidence, it was hard to not see anyone who looked like me on the wall. I constantly wanted to change myself to fit into what society considered the perfect “body image.” But for the first time, so many women (including myself!) feel represented. It’s so inspiring to see women with curves, cellulite, and stretch marks from all backgrounds represent major brands. Sidenote: I am obsessed with all these swimsuits.
Credit: foxnews
Conversations around beauty are changing for the better (hopefully). We need more brands like Sports Illustrated who are all about "empowerment and [are] a platform championing diversity, inclusion and positive change.” (The Hill) These brands and their models have the power to make their audience feel confident and beautiful. With more brands using Sports Illustrated’s latest show as the blueprint, we can encourage women to remember that they are beautiful just the way they are.
Sources:
https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/sports-illustrated-swimsuit-hosts-miami-runway-show/