Sports Illustrated pools swimsuit models for festival
Sure, accidents happen. But contrary to socialmedia reports, Hailey Clauson did not suffer a wardrobe malfunction during her recent Sport Illustrated Swimsuit 2017 photo shoot in Indonesia.
The 6-foot-tall model appears in the magazine’s pages wearing an altered one-piece swimsuit that leaves the right-side of her torso uncovered. Clauson strategically uses her left arm to cover her exposed breast.
She posted a photo on Instagram, adding: “This is the most practical swimsuit I have ever shot in by far.”
“I think someone reported it was a wardrobe malfunction; then everyone did,” Clauson said by phone. “It was
done on purpose. Sports Illustrated likes to take risks and push the limits of swimsuits. It keeps things interesting.”
Clauson, 21, will be one of the featured models at the inaugural Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Vibes Festival today and Saturday at the Post HTX in the old downtown post office.
Former cover models Chrissy Teigen, Christie Brinkley, Hannah Jeter, Ashley Graham and Nina Agdal also will be in attendance, along with Olympic gymnast Aly Raisman; models Hannah Ferguson and Rose Bertram; Brinkley’s daughter models, Sailor Brinkley Cook and Alexa Ray Joel; and the entire 2017 Swimsuit rookie class including Bianca Balti, Danielle Herrington, Kelly Gale, Lais Ribeiro, Mia Kang, Myla Dalbesio and Vita Sidorkina.
The festival will feature performances by Miguel and Diplo and celebrity chef tastings with Underbelly’s Chris Shepherd and Pass & Provisions’ Terrence Gallivan and Seth Siegal Gardner, as well as other national chefs.
It coincides with the magazine’s announcement on Thursday that Kate Upton is this year’s cover model. It’s her third time gracing the cover. Brinkley, who also makes her return, is photographed with her two daughters. The issue also features a 32 women, including five former cover models, five world athletes (Raisman, Simone Biles, Genie Bouchard, Serena Williams, Caroline Wozniacki) and more.
Clauson, who has been the face of Dsquared2, Jill Stuart and Gucci, said making the cover of the Sports Ilustrated Swimsuit edition in 2016 was life changing.
“I’m very proud that I was able to accomplish that. It’s made me more of a name and given me more opportunities that I wouldn’t be able to have,” she said.
“Now, I can be more than just a model. I can explore my other opportunities in business, acting, whatever I want to do. I’m really excited.”
Clauson was in Houston for Super Bowl weekend and posted on Instagram a photo of herself devouring a plate of barbecued chicken.
It was a welcome break from her healthy-eating routine. “I have to eat healthy and work out to stay in shape, and so do the other girls in the magazine,” she said.
She works out a lot, she said. “I try to change it up. My favorite is boxiing. It’s good because if I’m ever in a situation, I can defend myself. But it always keeps you in shape. We should all be doing it. It’s good for everything.”
Sports Illustrated has been Clauson’s favorite gig.
“We get go to these amazing locations,” she said. “We’re treated like princesses and everyone from the magazine is cool. It’s usually all women on set, so it’s really a lot of fun. It’s like being with all of your best friends ... a big party, with no drama.”
Clauson started modeling at age 14. Shortly after, she made her runway debut at New York Fashion Week in September 2010.
She said she struggled with the akwardness of being a super tall teen, but she comes from a tall family. Her younger brother stands 6 feet, 9 inches.
“I’m still pretty goofy and akward. I’m six feet tall. I’m like a giraffe,” she said. “You’re definitely not going to miss me walking down the street, I’ll tell you that.”