Sports Illustrated Swim Editor-in-Chief MJ Day Pushes To Normalize an All-Inclusive Body Standard
On Saturday, July 10, the Sports Illustrated iconic runway show returned with a purpose: demystify cultural beauty standards while celebrating an all-inclusive body standard. For years, the magazine has redefined the conversation around beauty by recognizing diversity through different groups of women including athletes, models, mothers, rookies, and swim search contestants while Editor-in-Chief MJ Day continues to normalize different standards within the swimwear industry.
“It’s not about wearing more coverage because you feel ashamed of your body. It’s an expression of yourself. If you want to wear skimpy swimsuits there’s nothing to be ashamed of either because it is about expression, confidence, and your own personal desires. Who’s anybody to judge?,” claimed MJ Day.
Attendees could admire the different range of body sizes that graced the runway at Baia Beach Club in the Mondrian Hotel South Beach. From 57-year-old SI model Kathy Jacobs to cover star Jasmine Sanders, each model honored the magazine’s vision with designer brands from different 2022 resort collections from Paraiso Miami Beach. Non-traditional catwalks and poses are what make the SI runway show unique on its own.
But the main difference is that Sports Illustrated is pushing for inclusion and acceptance of every body type. “I love the idea of a wider range in the swimwear industry whether that is related to size, style, suits that are made for a yacht event, or rolling on the sand with your kids – It doesn’t matter if you’re in your 40s or in your 20s, or you’re a size 20 or a size 2. It’s about having suits that fit and are constructed well, and are sustainable. I think we should continue to push for that across all brands.” mentioned MJ Day.
The editor-in-chief has a bold vision in uniting all women no matter age or size. Jacobs, who is 57-years-old, agrees that the age gap among the other girls is not an issue for her. “Being in this magazine has made me more disciplined with myself, and to set goals and just all around how to be a better person because of the experience,” mentioned the SI rookie.
The show was followed by Natalie Mariduena, Kathy Jacobs, Brooks Nader, and Katrina Scott, as well as the 13 Swim Search models selected for the magazine’s swimsuit issue. The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue is hitting the stands on July 19.
