As is tradition, here’s your look at 2016’s Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue cover models. Going against tradition, however, is SI‘s decision to feature not one but three separate cover models. In the past, the print magazine has featured three models on a single cover, but this year marks the very first time it’s releasing three different covers with each showcasing a different model. How about that!
This year’s Swimsuit Issue cover models are Hailey Clauson, Ashley Graham, and Ronda Rousey. SI assistant managing editor MJ Day elaborates on the zine’s support to promote varying body types.
“The three covers of Hailey, Ronda and Ashley celebrate the new SI Swimsuit. All three women are beautiful, sexy, and strong. Beauty is not cookie cutter. Beauty is not ‘one size fits all.’ Beauty is all around us and that became especially obvious to me while shooting and editing this year’s issue.”
Clauson, 20, appeared in last year’s Swimsuit Issue and the blonde bombshellbe the obvious choice to grace the cover. In a surprising and gracious move, SI is proud to present to the world newcomer and plus-size model Graham, 28, and fierce MMA fighter Rousey, 29, in their respective covers. Clauson’s topless cover is certainly the most risqué. Graham exudes confidence in her purple and yellow-laced bikini. And Rousey sports nothing but intricate body paint.
Enjoy photos and video from the trio’s photoshoots in the links provided above (get a taste below), and click here to browse the full collection of 2016’s Swimsuit Issue models. See full-size versions of the three covers after the fold. Oh, and did you notice the VR logo on the covers? Brace yourselves because now you can experience the models in virtual reality. Even if you don’t have a VR headset paired with your mobile device you can still watch SI‘s shot-for-VR beachside video featuring past cover models Irina Shayk, Nina Agdal, and Hannah Davis. You’re welcome.
[Via Sports Illustrated]