In addition to Israeli model Bar Refaeli on the cover, the 2009 Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue features ten NBA dancers as bikini models both in group and individual shots.
Alison Preston, Kayla Oberg, DeLeah Caro, Ashley Allen, Deanna Clover, Taylor Walker, Melanie Fitzpatrick, Chelsey Buhler, Shanon Lersch and Cheney Larschied were photographed by John Peden in New York City for the iconic Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue.
The girls wore wwimsuits by Becca by Rebecca Virtue, Delfina, Heidi Fish, Keiko, Red Carter, Beach Bunny Swimwear, Melissa Odabash, Pompei Beach, Sauvage by Elizabeth Southwood and Belabunda.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Sports Models
- Incorporating models that represent specific sports teams or leagues as a fashion item.
- Crossover Advertising
- Collaborating with a publication carrying a different content genre that can extend reach and exposure.
- Alternative Print Modelling
- Experimenting with print advertising by featuring models outside of the fashion industry.
Where This Applies
- Sports
- Brands and teams can tap into opportunities by featuring their brand ambassador or cheerleaders in unconventional settings.
- Fashion
- Fashion magazines can find new ways to diversify their content and reach by featuring models outside of traditional fashion shoots.
- Publishing
- Publishers can look for new ways to collaborate across genres, attracting new readership and advertisers from other industries.
