For the first time in 52 years, there will be three different 2016 SI swimsuit covers. Sports Illustrated announced the finalists this past weekend during a live one-hour show hosted by Nick Cannon and Rebecca Romijn.
The three finalists were called onto the stage while three TV screens revealed the images of not one, but all three cover photos of these very different body shapes posing for the swimsuit issue.
From left to right in the image above, UFC champion Ronda Rousey, body activist and size-16 model Ashley Graham, and 2015 SI rookie Hailey Clauson each will have her own cover.
All three women were very surprised, but also very thrilled to all be able to accept the honor. Body image issues have been an topic of controversy in our society. By mixing professional models with your average sized woman, Sports Illustrated is sending a powerful message to girls, women, and even male readers. They should be applauded for their actions, and more magazines should begin to incorporate more models like these women into their pages.
“Every single woman that is booked for this magazine is cover worthy,” said assistant managing editor MJ Day. “The collective beauty in the magazine is overwhelming. SI has always been and will always be about the models; the pictures you see here are a celebration of them. The three covers of Hailey, Ronda and Ashley celebrate the new SI Swimsuit. All three women are beautiful, sexy and strong. Beauty is not cookie cutter. Beauty is not ‘one size fits all.’ Beauty is all around us and that became especially obvious to me while shooting and editing this year’s issue.”
On choosing Ronda Rousey’s cover: “Ronda Rousey is a cultural phenomenon. She is the perfect combination of beauty, brains, brawn and humility. She possesses a spirit bigger than the space around her, and it is both infectious and inspiring. She’s a Phoenix, as fiery and beautiful as any mythical creature ever depicted.”
On choosing Ashley Graham’s cover: ” Ashley Graham is a sultry, feminine masterpiece. I dare you not to stare at her. Ashley commands your attention in her photographs. She owns her sexiness in a way that every woman should. Her confidence is contagious.”
On choosing Hailey Clauson’s cover: “Hailey Clauson is the definition of a modern bombshell. Learn a little about her and you’ll appreciate her beauty even more. Even as unsettling as her beauty can be, one minute in her company and you’ll feel like you’ve known her for years.”
Congratulations to this bombshell trifecta!
Read more at http://www.comingsoon.net/extras/news/657009-ronda...
