Swimsuit

Elsa Benitez Walks Miami Swim Week Runway in Bright Summer Whites

The legendary brand model was featured on the cover in 2001, one year after her debut.

Cara O’Bleness

Elsa Benitez.

Elsa Benitez.

Elsa Benitez hit the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Runway Show at the W South Beach for Miami Swim Week on Friday, July 7, wearing looks by Solid & Striped, Haight and Oséree.

Benitez, 45, first appeared in the SI Swimsuit Issue in 2000 and landed the magazine’s cover one year later after posing for photographer Stewart Shining in Tunisia. The legendary model went on to appear in six different issues of the publication, most recently in 2014.

Shop Elsa Benitez’s Miami Swim Week runway looks

Solid & Striped Knotted Eyelet Sarong, $98 (saksfifthavenue.com)

Elsa Benitez.

Elsa Benitez.

Haight Women’s Green Petrus One-Piece Swimsuit, $228 (lyst.com) and Oséree Lumiere Wide Pants, $280 (revolve.com)

Samantha Hoopes, Carol Alt, Roshumba Williams, Vendela Kirsebom and Elsa Benitez.

Samantha Hoopes, Carol Alt, Roshumba Williams, Vendela Kirsebom and Elsa Benitez.

SI Swimsuit’s festivities began earlier in the day with a brunch and panel discussion featuring Nicole Williams English, a rookie in the 2023 SI Swimsuit Issue, along with other female business owners. Later, cover girl Brooks Nader did a makeup demonstration with DIBS, a cruelty-free and vegan brand, while guests enjoyed piercing activations, courtesy of Electric Picks, and complimentary scalp massages from Divi.

Miami Swim Week showcases the latest and hottest swimwear trends from the top designers and brands worldwide. Attendees can enjoy fashion shows, open bar events, gifts and more.

In addition to her work with SI Swimsuit, Benitez is known for collaborating with notable brands like Chanel, Christian Dior, Oscar de la Renta and more. She’s also the proud mom of one.

Vote for your 2023 SI Swim Search winner now through Aug. 31 here.

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Published
Cara O’Bleness

CARA O’BLENESS

Cara is a trending news writer/editor for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit. A passionate writer and editor with more than 10 years of experience in print and online media, she loves storytelling and believes that words have the power to change the world. Prior to joining the team, Cara worked as a writer and editor across a number of content verticals, including food, lifestyle, health and wellness, and small business and entrepreneurship. In her free time, Cara loves reading, spending time with her family and making her way through Michigan’s many microbreweries. She is a graduate of Michigan State University's School of Journalism.