Sports Illustrated Swimsuit closed out Miami Swim Week 2019 with a show-stopping runway presentation at the W South Beach.
The runway showcased a stellar lineup of women who stand for important issues, donning socially conscious swimwear looks by designers who encourage and promote sustainability, inclusivity and philanthropy.
Opening the show was none other than hijab-wearing model, Halima Aden, in a custom-designed "burkini" by Cynthia Rowley that read “Don’t Change Yourself, Change the Game,” which set the tone for the show.
The star of the night was model Djaniel Carter, who has been battling an underlying medical condition that has not stopped her from pursuing her dreams to be a model. Carter was wheeled onto the runway by SI Swimsuit magazine editor, MJ Day.
Other models making waves were Camille Kostek, Jasmine Sanders and Haley Kalil, as well as Christie Valdiserri, a model with alopecia who took off her wig, embracing her medical condition.
Fifty-five-year-old Kathy Jacobs, the oldest model to walk on the SI Swimsuit runway also took to the catwalk, as well as models of all shapes, sizes, ages and races.
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They were all cheered on from the sidelines by models Olivia Culpo, Anne de Paula and Danielle Herrington, among others.
