The issue release party for the Sports Illustrated 2023 Swimsuit Issue at Swimsuit Island at The Guitar Hotel at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood was a special one on different levels, worth putting on your calendar for next year. Of course, there was the eye candy as in the models and celebs; Plus a chance to get made up, nails done, hair coiffed, portrait sketched, pickup exclusive fashion finds, get a personalized tote, shot with B-12 vitamin, all by professionals, and everything included in the ticket price. I also enjoyed the discovery of new products and services, my “finds”, that relate to all of the above. I was invited as a media person, but the event is open to the public, so keep it in mind for next year. No need, though, to wait until then to find out above some of these new products and services, so read up below.
First, a word about the Sports Illustrated cover or should I say “covers” as for the past few years there have been four different ones. They describe the selection as “ a celebration of beauty, diversity, and breaking boundaries,” Personalities included Martha Stewart, actress Megan Fox, transgender artist in the music industry Kim Petras, and Brooks Nader. The one getting the most coverage is of Martha Stewart who is 81! I’d like to know who did her makeup, hair and clothes styling as she looks amazing.
On Saturday and Sunday, The Guitar Hotel pool was transformed into Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Island featuring a stellar lineup of activities, celebrity guest appearances, live entertainment, exclusive SI Swimsuit installations, sips, bites, and more. Some of summer’s hottest looks and trends outfitted the SI Swimsuit Dream Closet curated by SI Swimsuit’s fashion team. Swimwear and accessories featured in this year’s issue were also on display!
Sports Illustrated Swimsuit talent attending the weekend festivities included: Brooks Nader, Camille Kostek, Nicole Williams English, Ellie Thumann, Lorena Duran, Katie Austin, Christen Harper, Livvy Dunne, rookie Madisin Rian,Geo Burke, and Sixtine Rouyre.
I didn’t get glammed up with the beauty services as I didn’t have time, but discovered several products in the “glam bar”. Attendees were treated to complimentary services from this official Beauty Bar, which featured nail bling from Nail Drip Miami, hair styling by Priv, and a giveaway of free samples from brands such as completely bare, dibs, and Sunless’s Mystic Tan and Norvell. Mystic Tan is a self tanner that comes with a cool blending brush of vegan fibers to apply it that can be used any number of ways.
Concierge IV therapy company called ParadocsIV had a tiki hut. They provide hydration and wellness services to clients in their own space (office, home, wherever). Infusions include basic hydration energy booster, recharge & restore; hangover helper to flush toxins in the body and get rid of headaches; and easy queasy . At the show they gave B-12 injections that are said to give a jolt of energy. I got one and did feel more energetic than usual in the afternoon. For more information go to www.paradocsiv.com.
And, of course, sprinkled around the pool area designed for the event were cash bars, a mobile bar dispensing craft beer and places to take your branded selfie.
I rounded out my visit with complimentary hand-drawn high-fashion portrait by Yaima Linares sponsored by shoe designer, Vince Camuto. These exquisite sketches were personally crafted by artist, Yaima Linares whom you can hire for parties.
Check her out on Instagram at @vincecamuto . Besides being talented, she’s a lovely person.
