SI Swimsuit’s 2026 Launch Week in NYC, As Seen by the Models Themselves

The 2026 SI Swimsuit Issue launch week was certainly one for the books. Starting last Tuesday, May, 12, several of our brand stars were in attendance to light the Empire State Building blue, while our big red carpet event and VIP party took place two days later at the Hard Rock Hotel New York.

Then, on Friday, May 15 and Saturday, May 16, brand talent participated in SI Swimsuit’s Social Club, where models mixed and mingled with guests and took part in masterclasses and livestream events at Spring Studios. And while the fun may be over, Instagram is forever! Several brand stars have documented the whirlwind of weekend activity on their feeds for those experiencing some serious FOMO. Take a look at the highlights below!

Camille Kostek

Kostek’s “press day” post on Sunday featured snapshots from the Empire State Building and some truly great wardrobe pics.

Penny Lane

Lane’s SI Swimsuit Social Club highlight showed off her outfit for the occasion: a Chanel tank top and light wash jeans.

Jasmine Sanders

Sanders put an elegant spin on business casual for the Social Club in a skirt and jacket set with a bra top peeking out underneath.

Lauren Chan

For the second day of SI Swimsuit’s Social Club, Chan rocked a printed dress by ABRA and black Naturalizer pumps.

Meredith Mickelson

Mickelson, a rookie in this year’s issue, included a cute snapshot of herself locating her photos in the print issue found at a newsstand, along with several head-turning looks from the long weekend.

Olandria

Olandria, who is also a rookie in the 2026 SI Swimsuit Issue, had to (rightfully!) find a permanent spot on her grid for her launch party dress.

Remi Bader

Bader’s striped designer dress was perfect for Friday evening’s girls night out vibes, and the rookie shared a duo of pics in the fitted Hervé Léger piece with her followers.

Jena Sims

Sims did not come to play where her wardrobe was concerned for launch week. Check out the complete rundown of her looks here.

Katie Austin

In her Instagram recap on Sunday, Austin declared she feels “like the luckiest girl ever these days.”

Jocelyn Corona

Corona’s ensemble for Saturday’s Social Club was a masterclass in how to mix prints, and the 2026 SI Swimsuit Issue rookie credited her glam team for the full look in a May 18 Instagram post.

XANDRA

XANDRA, who worked with SI Swimsuit’s fashion editor Margot Zamet on her launch week looks, commemorated this ab-forward ensemble on her feed on Saturday.

Brooks Nader

Nader shared a candid carousel of snaps and video from Thursday night’s launch party on her page two days after the occasion. Several slides included Nader celebrating alongside 2026 cover girl Tiffany Haddish.

Tiffany Haddish

Haddish’s weekend recap was full of red carpet pics and scenes from the exclusive VIP after-party.

Christen Goff

Goff showed off her impeccable red carpet ensemble in a May 17 carousel, in which she struck several stunning poses on the Hard Rock Hotel New York’s rooftop.

Tunde Oyeneyin

Oyeneyin showed off her Peloton instructor muscles in a gorgeous floral dress, which she wore to the Social Club. Her carousel showcased Saturday’s events alongside fellow models and offered up some BTS content from fan meet and greets.