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.' 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..
. '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 Three-time cover star Kate Upton even credited it for her professional success saying: "Sports Illustrated really launched my career and I have a lot to thank them for.
" However some critics have dubbed the shoots as 'soft porn'. There are far more scandalous pictures in the magazine if you open it up. It's a girl in a bikini, and I think it's empowering.
" In 2015 a raunchy shot of model Hannah Davis pulling her skimpy bikini bottoms down was labelled overly suggestive by.