2023 SI Swimsuit Issue Launch Recap: Incredible Fun in New York and Florida

Magazine cover stars Megan Fox and Martha Stewart.Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

That’s officially a wrap for 2023 SI Swimsuit Issue launch events! This year, there was no shortage of fun activities, incredible outfits or unforgettable celebrations from New York to Florida. Here’s a high-level overview of each day.

Thursday, May 18: NYSE and NY Red Carpet

On Thursday, May 18, the festivities kicked off with 2023 cover model Brooks Nader, LSU athlete Olivia Dunne and 2022 cover model Yumi Nu ringing the New York Stock Exchange opening bell at 9:30 a.m. alongside several SI Swimsuit team members. 

That evening, the red carpet at the Hard Rock Hotel New York was packed with magazine stars past and present, famous athletes and celebrities alike. MJ Day, the publication’s editor in chief, told SI Swimsuit on the carpet that she hopes women can see a bit of themselves in each of this year’s four cover stars, including Nader, Martha Stewart, Megan Fox and Kim Petras.

“They’re also just like extraordinary, badass, really inspirational people that have forged different paths, but keep railing against society and limitations and they’re really creating their own rule book, which I love for them,” Day said. “They’re not really listening to anybody else about what they should or shouldn’t do. And I think that’s an important lesson for all of us.”

Once the last model walked the action-packed red carpet, the talent enjoyed a cocktail party with VIP guests and an after-event full of food, drinks and dancing, where Stewart’s 19 Crimes chardonnay was flowing. Read more about it here and check out our favorite looks from the red carpet here.

Yumi Nu, Brooks Nader and Olivia Dunne.

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Friday, May 19: Kim Petras Live

On Friday morning, the models and the SI Swimsuit team flew to Hollywood, Fla., in style on a private jet. Champagne was flowing, models were clad in custom Juicy Couture tracksuits and even a celebrity pet appeared onboard. Read more about it and check out a few exclusive photos here.

Upon landing and arriving at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino - Hollywood, Fla., the models went into hair and makeup to prepare for the evening’s red carpet event. They then enjoyed a VIP cocktail hour followed by an incredible concert put on by Petras. The German pop star played over a dozen of her dance-pop hits, including “Unholy,” “Party Til I Die” and “Heart to Break.” Best of all, the models joined the Grammy Award-winning artist onstage for her performance of “Coconuts.”

Leyna Bloom.

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Saturday, May 20: Swimsuit Island

Saturday was the first day of Swimsuit Island, which took place at the Hard Rock Hollywood Pool. The day began with a private VIP brunch in which models relaxed in a poolside cabana. The event celebrated the release of the Electric Picks x SI Swimsuit jewelry collaboration and allowed the talent, staff and VIP guests to mingle before the day’s main program began.

After brunch, the ticketed event opened to the public and fans were able to meet and mingle with the models, take photos and get autographs. Guests were also able to enjoy several poolside activations with brands like Dibs Beauty, Sunflow, Norvell, Completely Bare and Mystic Tan.

Dibs Beauty provided makeup services at the Beauty Bar, while Norvell and Mystic Tan displayed products and offered custom spray tans. Sunflow chairs were set up throughout the property for lounging poolside, and Completely Bare doled out free samples of hair removal products to guests, while Paradocs was on hand to provide B12 shots at a Swim Wellness cabana.

The SI Swimsuit Dream Closet included products carefully selected by the magazine’s fashion editors, including Knix swimsuits, Monica Hansen swimwear and Vince Camuto accessories.

At night, the models enjoyed an outdoor VIP wrap party at the Hard Rock Hollywood—Boras Pool Level, as well as an after-party at DAER nightclub. Read more about Saturday’s complete schedule here.

Models pose with their spreads in the 2023 SI Swimsuit Issue.

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Sunday, May 21: Melissa Wood Health at Swimsuit Island 

The final day of events kicked off with a poolside full-body workout led by 2023 rookie Melissa Wood-Tepperberg. The MWH founder guided guests through a 30-minute workout session before members of the public enjoyed the last few hours of Swimsuit Island festivities.

Christen Harper, Katie Austin, Melissa Wood-Tepperberg, Sixtine, Camille Kostek and Olivia Dunne.

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