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Legendary Swimsuit Fashion Show Praised For Picking Models Of All Sizes

Legendary Swimsuit Fashion Show Praised For Picking Models Of All Sizes

Women of all shapes and ages were selected to represent women everywhere.

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie

The legendary Sports Illustrated runway show at Miami Swim Week has been celebrated and praised for not just picking models who are thin.

When you think of a swimsuit catwalk you can probably imagine the usual body types that get selected for the show.

However, Sports Illustrated was keen to showcase how swimsuits look on different woman to represent the vast diversity of bodies around the world.

Model Amanda Kay.
PA

The runway show included plus-sized models, mums and 57-year-old model Kathy Jacobs, who has been called the Sports Illustrated's 'oldest and shortest rookie ever'.

Jacobs said it was dream come true to strut down that catwalk and own the stage.

She wrote on Instagram: "This is what runway domination at 57 years old and 5'2" (157cm) tall looks like on the surface.

"What you don't see are the years of hundreds of rejections, discipline, heartbreak and balls to the wall perseverance behind what it took to be in this short video!"

She, along with all the other plus-sized models, were praised for being a part of a new wave of runway shows.

Amanda Kay shared everyone's stories on Instagram congratulating her for being a part of the catwalk.

British influencer Alex Light was one of many who celebrated the inclusion and hopes this serves as a new way to model clothes on the runway.

She wrote on Instagram: "Imagine if we had all grown up seeing images more like this from the catwalk? Women of different shapes and sizes, not just one type of beauty that was highly unattainable for most women.

"I hazard a guess that body image would not be as bad as it is right now. Don't you?

"I was so happy to see this Sports Illustrated catwalk this week - although not perfect, I can't imagine how much this type of representation means for so many."

Model Amanda Kay.
PA

Model Ella Halikas.
PA

Model Alex Aust.
PA

She's calling on more brands to increase their diversity at their shows and in their advertising campaigns so that this becomes a norm.

It's clear many agree with Ms Light's comments, with one user writing: "I'm close to tears seeing this. This would have been so useful to see when I was growing up and I'm so glad the younger generation have this."

Another asked Sports Illustrated to permanently commit to this, adding: "That's great but they need to consistently do this and not a one off PR stunt to make them appear more inclusive."

A third said: "Slowly but surely! Hope they'll be doing bigger bodies too. True inclusion."

Other brands like PrettyLittleThing and Honey Birdette have been also trying to include models from all walks of life to showcase how their clothing is meant for everyone and not just size zero, seemingly 'perfect' women.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: News