IT'S the magazine that launched the careers of models such as Kate Upton and Chrissy Teigan. And 60 years on from it's launch, landing the cover of Sports Illustrated is now regarded as the 'pinnacle of modelling success in America.' 10 Kate Upton made her debut aged 18 in 2011, and she credits the magazine for launching her career Credit: Mega 10 The swimsuit issue is the magazines most popular issue Credit: Alamy While Sports Illustrated launched in 1954 - 70 years ago today - the annual swimsuit issue was introduced a decade later and became the magazine’s most popular issue, selling a million copies at its peak.
The editor at the time Andre Laguerre came up with the idea to fill the pages during winter’s slower sporting calendar, and it was hugely successful - but it's not been without its controversies. From being dubbed soft-core porn to promoting plus-size nudity, we look back on the swimsuit issue's 60-year-history as the magazine itself turns 70..
. 10 Supermodels, athletes and a whole host of famous stars, like Beyonce, have graced the cover over the years Credit: Shutterstock 10 Elle Macpherson is the supermodel who has featured on the cover the most, with five swimsuit shoots Credit: Capital Pictures 'Soft porn' cover The magazine has featured a whole host of supermodels on its cover, from Christie Brinkley to Tyra Banks and Elle Macpherson, who has been the publication's star no less than five times. READ MORE FABULOUS FEATURES GIRLS RULE From Billie to Stacey.