Kate Upon celebrated Sports activities Illustrated’s Swimsuit Problem’s legacy this week. The mannequin, who first appeared within the journal in 2011 and has starred on a number of covers, stood alongside editor MJ Day and basic supervisor Hillary Drezner on Tuesday at Adweek’s Brandweek in Phoenix, the place the trio accepted the Adweek Model Genius Award. The glory acknowledged excellent achievement in branding, advertising and marketing and innovation.
The “Gown My Tour” host wore an Elie Saab costume for the event. The maxi costume consisted of lace panels and hails from the designer’s resort 2025 assortment, which takes inspiration from Italy — the statues of Lake Como’s Giardini Di Villa Melzi to the movies of Cinecittà and Paolo Sorrentino’s “The Nice Magnificence.”
(L-R) Kate Upton, MJ Day, and Hillary Drezner communicate onstage through the Adweek Model Genius Gala at Arizona Grand Resort on Sept. 24, 2024 in Phoenix.
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Whereas on stage, Day acknowledged Upton, saying, “Hillary Drezner, our basic supervisor, and Kate Upton, our four-time cowl mannequin and the catalyst for change again in 2012, have each performed instrumental roles in creating the Sports activities Illustrated Swimsuit model being celebrated tonight.”
“This recognition represents not solely our staff’s arduous work, however the collective effort of numerous girls who’ve impressed us to push the boundaries of what illustration seems like in media,” Day continued, including, “As an all-female staff at SI Swimsuit, we’ve at all times believed that magnificence is available in many kinds,” Day mentioned. “And our dedication to selling girls, empowerment, evolution and inclusion is on the coronary heart of the whole lot we do.”
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“I problem every of you to look at how your manufacturers cannot solely thrive, but additionally contribute to a world that values fairness, respect and authenticity,” Day mentioned. “Let’s not shrink back from the troublesome conversations and the arduous work of dismantling obstacles. As a substitute, let’s lean in, advocate for what’s proper, as a result of the world deserves our ardour and dedication. And keep in mind, with nice energy comes nice duty. We’ve got the power to form narratives, affect behaviors and encourage future generations. So let’s use that energy correctly and fiercely. Collectively, we will depart a legacy that we’re all pleased with. A world the place everybody feels seen, valued and empowered.”
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Upton appeared on the duvet of Sports activities Illustrated alongside Gayle King, Chrissy Teigen and Hunter McGrady in Might, which marked the sixtieth annual swimsuit situation. Upton additionally appeared on the duvet of Sports activities Illustrated in 2012, 2013 and 2017.
