Sports Illustrated Group says the wildly-popular SI Swimsuit fan festivals are back. SI Swimsuit took over One World Observatory to announce the second year of fan festivals.
The announcement was made by SI's first three models in this year's issue, Erin Heatherton, Emily DiDonato and Russian model Irina Shayk.
Emily DiDonato made her debut in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue in 2013, with photos taken in Namibia. Emily DiDonato, who is face of Maybelline New York, began modeling for Victoria's Secret in August 2009. Vogue Germany dubbed her "top newcomer."
The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit fan tour kicks off February 15 -16 in New York with "Swim City" hosted at the Altman Building. From there the tour heads to Miami Beach, Florida for "Swim Beach" at Lummus Park on February 17-18.
Introduced in 2015, the SI Swimsuit fan festivals drew more than 65,000 fans and the organization is planning even bigger and more interactive events this year,
Emily DiDonato made her debut in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue in 2013, with photos taken in Namibia. Emily DiDonato, who is face of Maybelline New York, began modeling for Victoria's Secret in August 2009. Vogue Germany dubbed her "top newcomer."
"Given the widespread popularity of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, it's thrilling to take this franchise to the next level with more real life experiences for the many passionate fans out there," said Brendan Ripp, publisher of Sports Illustrated Group.
"It's also an amazing opportunity for our partners to bring their brands to life for consumers in fun and engaging ways in two of the most exciting cities in the country."
Since debuting in 1964 Swimsuit has become a pop-culture phenomenon and a revered launching pad for successful careers in TV, fashion, business and film including those of Kathy Ireland, Cheryl Tiegs, Tyra Banks, Heidi Klum, Kate Upton, and Chrissy Teigen.
Today, the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit franchise reaches more than 70 million US adults annually and more men 18 to 34 than the Super Bowl. The iconic franchise spans more than 20 product extensions along with a vibrant experiential marketing business.
The fashion industry describes SI Swimsuit as the "Oscars of Swimwear," as an appearance in the issue is a crowning achievement for swimsuit and accessory manufacturers.
Both "Swim City" and "Swim Beach" are free and open to the public and will feature appearances by the 2016 SI Swimsuit model cast; live Q&As; autograph sessions; music from live DJs spinning; a Schick Hydro Barbershop with free shaves and the chance to get a shave from an SI Swimsuit model; a Lane Bryant Swimsuit Lifestyle Bungalow with photo booths, fun social sharing opportunities and a digital shop; a Smith & Forge Cider House with games such as shuffleboard; a VIP Lexus Lounge that will double as a social hub; SI Swimsuit merchandise for sale; and more exclusive experiences from SI Swimsuit partners.
