Full Breakdown
2026 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue Launch Party Highlights
5/16/2026, 4:37:04 AM
Event Overview
On May 14, 2026, the Hard Rock Hotel’s The Venue at Music Row in New York hosted the launch party for the 2026 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. The celebration marked the magazine’s May 14 newsstand debut and its nationwide release on May 25. Four cover stars—Alix Earle, Tiffany Haddish, Hilary Duff, and Nicole Williams-English—joined the red carpet; Fetty Wap performed live.
Key Figures & Their Statements
Alix Earle, a 25-year-old TikTok influencer, arrived in a sheer Roberto Cavalli crochet-style dress paired with Gianvito Rossi’s 105 mm gold stiletto sandal. Tiffany Haddish, the 46-year-old comedian, described the cover as “a way of honoring my grandmother and her legacy” and later joked about a failed turmeric-milk lip hack. Hilary Duff, a pop star, called the invitation “flattering” and “incredibly empowering.” Nicole Williams-English complemented her gold-halterneck top with a bright yellow Tom Ford satin-strap sandal. Former LSU gymnast Livvy Dunne expressed gratitude for repeated features and highlighted her boyfriend, Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes, as a supportive fan.
Fashion & Product Details
Gianvito Rossi’s Gwyneth 105 sandal, crafted from lamb leather, retails for $895. The shoe’s 105 mm stiletto heel sits on a pointed toe and features criss-cross lacing. Nicole Williams-English’s Tom Ford satin-strap sandal, also 105 mm, is priced at $1,390 and comes in yellow, black, and purple. Alix Earle’s Roberto Cavalli dress combines sheer metallic crochet with fringe detailing, matching the gold footwear.
On-the-Ground Observations
The venue’s red carpet showcased a mix of high-fashion looks. Fetty Wap’s surprise set included “Trap Queen” and “Again.” While three cover stars arrived together, Hilary Duff was absent, citing a concurrent SiriusXM performance in Los Angeles.
Official Statements & Responses
Sports Illustrated highlighted the diverse cover lineup and its commitment to honoring ancestors and personal legacies. Tiffany Haddish emphasized that the cover means more than being pretty. Hilary Duff said the experience reinforced her body-positive outlook.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources confirm Hilary Duff as a 2026 cover star but also report her non-attendance at the launch party, creating a discrepancy between cover-star status and event presence.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I wanted to follow in my grandmother's footsteps of being a model,” — Tiffany Haddish, Comedian
- “All natural... except for the hair and the nails,” — Tiffany Haddish, Comedian
- “I’m a mom of four, and I’m not a spring chicken. So, of course, it was flattering.” — Hilary Duff, Singer
- “The fact that they keep asking me back — I'm just so flattered,” — Livvy Dunne, Former LSU gymnast
What’s Next
The issue will reach national newsstands on May 25, and Livvy Dunne’s Baywatch role as junior lifeguard Grace is slated for release in late 2026 or early 2027. The cover stars are expected to appear in upcoming promotional tours and media interviews throughout the summer.
