Models Shine on the 2024 SI Swimsuit Launch Party Red Carpet

This year’s brand stars brought their best and brightest looks to the Hard Rock Hotel.

Kate Upton and Gayle King / Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

Launch week events have officially kicked off for the 60th anniversary of the SI Swimsuit Issue, starting with an A-lister red carpet event at the Hard Rock Hotel in New York City on the evening of Thursday, May 16.

On the carpet, we caught up with SI Swimsuit editor in chief MJ Day, who expressed her joy over celebrating such a key milestone.

“The 60th was such an important moment for us,” Day says. “We have evolved so much as a brand, really, specifically in the last decade, and it was important for me to really highlight that and celebrate that and try and capture what an important brand we have become and the important conversations that we’re hosting.”

The atmosphere on the carpet was lively, and this year, our brand stars truly outdid themselves in the fashion department. The red carpet event, which was livestreamed on the SI Swimsuit Instagram account, kicked off at 7 p.m. and featured the women from this year’s issue in their best and brightest looks. After strutting their stuff on the carpet, posing for photos and chatting with members of the media, models headed inside the venue for an evening cocktail celebration full of food, drinks and dancing.

Below are just a few of our favorite looks from the evening.

Gayle King

Gayle King / Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

The Emmy Award-winning journalist and 2024 SI Swimsuit Issue cover star walked the carpet in a pink, red and purple long sleeved dress. King expertly coordinated her gown with pointed-toe purple pumps and a sparkly clutch.

Olivia Dunne

Olivia Dunne / Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

The 2024 SI Swimsuit rookie and LSU gymnast hit the carpet in a black and sparkly jumpsuit by Jovani. Dunne accessorized with diamond earrings that accented the ensemble perfectly.

Leyna Bloom

Leyna Bloom / Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

The now two-time SI Swimsuit Issue cover model stunned in a leg-baring sparkly silver gown and clear platform heels. Bloom’s dress featured delicate beading and a criss-cross open top that dazzled on the red carpet.

Brooks Nader

Brooks Nader / Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

The cover star and brand legend walked the red carpet in a barely-there vintage Tom Ford dress. Nader debuted brand-new platinum blonde locks and posed for photos with her sisters, Sarah Jane, Grace Ann and Mary Holland.

Christie Brinkley

Christie Brinkley / Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

The supermodel and SI Swimsuit legend opted for a fiery red Norma Kamali dress with a thigh-baring slit. She accented her bright and bold look with Christian Louboutin pumps and a Judit Lieber handbag.

Kate Upton

Kate Upton / Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

Returning to the SI Swimsuit Issue for her fourth cover year, Upton donned a black lacy Dolce & Gabbana gown with a corset-like bodice. She kept her accessories simple with black strappy heels.

The 2024 SI Swimsuit Issue launch party continues as brand models head to the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla., this weekend. The poolside events on May 18 and 19 are going to be absolutely legendary, and will feature several days full of interactive events, live entertainment, celebrity guests, and of course, your favorite brand models.

The fun kicks off on Saturday, May 18 at 11 a.m., and attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy Instagrammable photo opps, complimentary services and activations, and much more. The experience will continue the following morning, when guests will have the chance to “Recover Like a Model” with a morning workout and meditation and more.

Purchase tickets to Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Island 2024 here.