Sports Illustrated has come a long way in a year. Plus models have gone from being in ads within their Swim Issue’s pages to now gracing the cover. And the mainstream is taking notice.
Former SI model and actress Molly Sims told People this week how she felt about seeing a plus model on the cover of Sports Illustrated’s 2016 Swim Issue and Cheryl Tiegs’ negative comments about that historic move:
“I think it’s great. I think we need to be more accepting [of all sizes]. I think the moment we do that, the better it is.
Plus-size, thin-size, 0-size, 20-size – yes, there is a point [when someone is unhealthy], but I know overweight people who are healthy. I don’t love that comment. But to each his own.
If you feel great in a size 20 or you feel great in a size 2 or 4 or 6 or whatever, it’s about how you feel about it.”
Amen to that! We hope this is just the beginning of Sports Illustrated introducing more size diversity onto its pages. With that said, we have our own list of 18 models we think would be perfect on the next cover… click on the right arrow to start the slideshow…
#1: Andrea Spencer, Dorothy Combs Models
Andrea can be seen on modeling on the Lane Bryant website – what we love about her is that this size 16/18 model does not have the typical hourglass figure. She is truly a breath of fresh air. You can read more about her here.
#2: Halle Stanley, Dorothy Combs Models
Halle has modeled for Ashley Stewart, Monif C and was our cover model for the February 2015 issue of PMM.
#3: Desiree Jenkins, Bicoastal Management
This beautiful size-18 Black and Asian model can be seen on the Rue107 website. And we could see her on the SI Swim cover, working those curves.
#5: Fluvia Lacerda, Dorothy Combs Models
This Brazilian beauty is known as the “plus-size Gisele Bündchen” and has been in the modeling industry for many years, gracing many international magazine covers and even launching her own swimwear line.
#6: Alex Larosa, IPM Model Management
This plus model on the rise was our cover girl for the February 2016 issue of PMM. Alex has modeled for brands such as Monif C., Ashley Stewart and SWAK Designs.
#7: Lornalitz Baez, Heffner Management
This Puerto Rican model has been in the modeling game for a few years now, modeling for brands such as Torrid, Kmart, Lane Bryant and Ashley Stewart.
#8: Laura Lee, Bicoastal Management
Striking and so photogenic, Laura can be seen modeling on the Ashley Stewart website, as well as having modeled for Rue107, Big Gals Lingerie and other brands.
#9: Liris Crosse, Dorothy Combs Models
Liris, known as the plus size “Naomi Campbell”, is a veteran in the plus modeling industry. She’s walked in runway shows for Full Figured Fashion Week and British Plus Size Fashion Weekend 2014. She’s modeled for brands such as Evans and Ashley Stewart and was the first black model to land a campaign with Goddess Lingerie. She now holds modeling bootcamps in the US for aspiring models wanting to learn more about jump-starting their careers.
#10: Joby Bach, True Model Management
This beautiful Canadian model was recently seen on The Shopping Channel, modeling for Curvy Couture’s Vivica A. Fox lingerie collection.
#11: Jessica Milagros, IPM Model Management
This stunning Puerto Rican beauty is one of the major faces for Ashley Stewart campaigns online and in-store, including their new Butterfly bra ads.
#12: Audrey Ritchie, Dorothy Combs Models
Audrey looks like a natural cover model. She has modeled for brands such as G-Stage, Penningtons, Bombshells Boutique and Gen X Clothing.
#13: Kristen Madison, Dorothy Combs Models
You may have seen the sultry Kristen on Essence.com as one of their Curvy Models of the Month. She’s modeled for Kohl’s, Sydney’s Closet, Fruit of the Loom and others. She also graced the cover of our 2015 Holiday Issue.
#14: Tinder Badhesha, IPM Model Management
Tinder is a powerhouse – this stunning Indian beauty has not only modeled in print ads for brands such as JC Penney, Igigi, Z by Zavarra, Melissa Masse, Youtheary Khmer and Rue 114, but has also walked the runway at Plus Size Fashion Days Fashion Show in Germany and LA Fashion Week.
#15: Rebecca Winters, True Model Management
Simply beautiful, Rebecca has such a positive personality, having modeled for brands such as Ashley Stewart, SLINK Jeans, The Vintage Hive and Ibbi World.
#16: Chelsea Miller, Heffner Management
Chelsea was recently featured in Self Magazine and in the photography book Curves. She has modeled for brands such as body positive company Rough Edges, Rachel Pally, Tadashi Shoji and Kohl’s.
#17: Wyinnetka Aaron, Dorothy Combs Models
Wyinnetka has been in the industry for a few years now, having been given the Model of The Year Industry Award in 2014 by Full Figured Fashion Week. She’s worked with brands such as Ashley Stewart, Fashion Bug, Catherines, Cato, Macy’s, Target, Avenue, Kiyonna and TJMaxx. She was also one of our cover models for our iconic Black Issue in February 2014.
#18: Nicole Lebris, Dorothy Combs Models
Nicole is another familiar face that you might have seen as she is a veteran in the modeling industry as well. She appeared in Marie Claire back in 2007, in one of the magazine’s most well known articles discussing body image. Since then, she’s modeled for swimsuitsforall, Fruit of The Loom, Fashion Bug, Kmart, Torrid, Target and many others. She’s also established a successful career in photography and as a makeup artist.
Let’s hope that Sports Illustrated takes note and continues to embrace curves and feature them on their cover and within its pages. What do you think of our list? Please comment below and let us know.