The 2026 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Runway Show just took over Miami Beach on Saturday night, bringing its usual mix of influencers, athletes, and legacy models to the catwalk. We watched the stream, and frankly, the beachy trends on display are exactly what we expected from the brand’s annual Swim Week showcase.

The event serves as a live-action companion to the 2026 print issue, which hit newsstands back in May. If you missed the live runway walk, you will be able to stream the entire show on Hulu and Disney+ starting June 9.

Molly Sims and Brooks Nader Lead the Veterans

At 53 years old, Molly Sims returned for her eighth appearance with the franchise. I think her gingham one-piece with a plunging V-neck was easily one of the night’s standout looks.

Sims later shared on Instagram that she feels more confident in her skin at 52 than she did in her twenties. Yes, the math is slightly off between her actual age of 53 and her caption, but we will let that slide.

Meanwhile, Brooks Nader also strutted the Miami runway. We have followed Nader’s career since she won the 2019 open casting call, and she is currently busy filming the upcoming Baywatch reboot.

A Pregnant Katie Austin Skips the Tequila

Fitness personality Katie Austin walked the runway while six months pregnant. This marked the 32-year-old’s sixth time appearing at the annual fashion show.

Austin told People magazine that her preparation routine looked very different this time around. She admitted to skipping her usual pre-show workout regimen and dietary restrictions because, at six months pregnant, it simply does not matter as much.

She also joked about missing her annual pre-runway tequila shot. I appreciate the honesty here, as most fitness influencers usually pretend they survive solely on celery juice and positive vibes.

The 2026 Cover Stars and Editorial Shift

The 2026 print issue features Alix Earle, Nicole Williams English, Hilary Duff, and Tiffany Haddish on the covers. Other notable names featured in the pages include Camille Kostek, Hunter McGrady, and Jena Sims.

Editor-in-chief MJ Day told Fox News Digital that this year’s class is designed to celebrate individuality rather than sameness. We have heard similar corporate lines from the publication for years, but the inclusion of diverse stars does back up the claim.

Historically, the magazine has used these events to launch massive careers. We remember when the original issue debuted in 1964, eventually launching household names like Kathy Ireland and Kate Upton.

In recent years, the brand has leaned heavily into stunt casting and nostalgia to stay relevant. For instance, Martha Stewart became the oldest cover model at age 81 in 2023, beating out Maye Musk‘s 2022 record.

Whether this year’s mix of TikTok influencers and Hollywood actresses keeps the legacy alive is up for debate. But for now, the Miami runway show proved that the brand still knows how to generate a headline.