SI this morning revealed Danielle Herrington as the cover model for the ’18 Swimsuit issue, with the magazine reverting to a more internally focused content and marketing strategy this year. After using various late-night talk shows in recent years for the Swimsuit cover reveal, SI announced the choice on its own website this morning in a video with former cover model Tyra Banks. The move pairs with the release this week of three Swimsuit-related specials on the new SI TV OTT video network, a move that similarly shifts away from recent partnerships to air specials on other TV networks. SI is also foregoing the out-of-town Swimsuit-release festivals. SI Group Editorial Dir Chris Stone said, “We really wanted to maintain ownership of the cover athlete reveal and Swimsuit this year.”
The '18 Swimsuit issue, being released today, is 180 pages, up by six from last year. This year also marks a return to a single cover after three separate versions were produced last year. Athletes in this year’s issue include Genie Bouchard, Brenna Huckaby, Aly Raisman, Paige Spiranac and Sloane Stephens. Another feature within the issue is “In Her Own Words,” a nude shoot in which models have written words on their bodies, giving voice to important issues around female empowerment. Official sponsors for the Swimsuit issue are Kia and Stoli.
