# Empowering Breastfeeding Models Sports Illustrated Motivates Socially Important Discussions By Kalin Ned | Published 2018-07-18 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/breastfeeding-model References: [designtaxi](http://designtaxi.com/news/400598/Sports-Illustrated-Model-Breastfeeds-Her-Baby-While-Walking-Down-Swimsuit-Runway/) & [thisisinsider](https://www.thisisinsider.com/model-walked-fashion-runway-breast-feeding?utm_source=DesignTAXI&utm_medium=DesignTAXI&utm_term=DesignTAXI&utm_content=DesignTAXI&utm_campaign=DesignTAXI) Sixteen health-focused individuals strutted down the runway during the 2018 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Show and one of them was a breastfeeding model. The heart-warming stunt perfectly fits into the company's ongoing efforts to promote healthy lifestyles, open communities and provide opportunities for female empowerment. The breastfeeding model is 30-year-old Mara Martin. The inspiring woman appeared on the runway with a stylish sparkly gold bikini and her little five-month-old daughter, Aria. The attempt and the fashion-forward approach to its execution, of course, is meant to normalize the act of breastfeeding in public. The breastfeeding model gained praise by support collective [Wild Child Education](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wrangler-for-wild-life-tailor-ex), as well as quite a bit of attention on [Instagram](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/unseenbeauty-initiative). Martin was dubbed to be "an inspiration to all moms." Photo Cerdits:[@si_swimsuit](https://www.instagram.com/si_swimsuit/?utm_source=ig_embed) ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.1/10 - Popularity: 92% | Activity: 84% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Hip Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/hipfashion) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Breastfeeding Empowerment:** Breastfeeding mothers are gaining visibility in mainstream media, promoting healthier lifestyles and decreasing stigma around nursing in public. - **Inclusive Marketing:** Companies are featuring diverse models in advertising and runway events to promote inclusivity and empowerment of marginalized groups. - **Mommy-and-me Fashion:** Fashion companies are creating clothing lines that empower mothers and their young children to showcase fashionable, practical, and comfortable clothing options. ### Where This Applies - **Fashion:** Fashion companies can create clothing lines that cater to both mothers and their children. - **Healthcare:** Healthcare providers can increase awareness campaigns that promote the benefits of breastfeeding for both babies and mothers, as well as reduce stigma around nursing in public. - **Marketing & Advertising:** Advertisers can create campaigns that feature diverse models to promote inclusivity and empower marginalized groups. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Empowering Female Athlete Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dove-and-sports-illustrated.md) - [Body-Positive Brand Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/doves-super-bowl-ad.md) - [Customer-Starring Billboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/og-influencers.md) - [Multifaceted Swimsuit Cover Models](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sports-illustrated-swimsuit-1.md) - [Empowering Woman-Inspired Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/how-lovely-to-be-a-woman.md) - [Honest Female Athlete Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hillberg-berk1.md) - [Community-Driven Fashion Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/limitless-campaign.md) - [Cheeky Infant Formula Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/good-start.md) - [Breastfeeding Kit Collabs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/willow-x-caraa.md)