On February 11, 2013, Sports Illustrated swimsuit models appeared on The Late Show with David Letterman as part of the magazine’s annual promotional tour.
📏 Jump to Model Heights Shoe Sizes:
Two days later, the models continued the celebration at the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit on Location Party, held at Marquee Nightclub at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas. All ten models stood noticeably taller than the average American woman. Here’s a closer look at how their heights compare.
Wearing a mix of bold, body-hugging, and fashion-forward dresses, the models—including Kate Upton, Ariel Meredith, Alyssa Miller, Anne V, Adaora, Emily Didonato, Genevieve Morton, Katherine Webb, Natasha Barnard, and Chrissy Teigen—turned heads on the red carpet. Over a decade later, their red carpet looks remain memorable. Which outfit stands out to you the most?
1. Kate Upton Stuns in a Dior Halter Dress with Stripes and Cross-Back Detail
Kate Upton made a striking impression in a bold Dior halter dress featuring horizontal stripes, a chic cross-back, and a tasteful cutout detail. Standing approximately 5 feet 10 inches (177.8 cm) and wearing a US shoe size 9.5, the statuesque model effortlessly carried the elegant yet body-conscious silhouette.
Kate Upton dazzled in a striking Dior halter dress featuring horizontal stripes and a sophisticated cross-back design, complemented by classic Christian Louboutin pumps and elegant accessories for a timeless Hollywood look at the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit on Location Party at Marquee Nightclub at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas on February 13, 2013 (Credit: Judy Eddy / WENN)
She completed her look with classic black Christian Louboutin pumps, dangling earrings, and a polished Hollywood updo that added timeless glamour to her red carpet appearance.
👠 Explore Kate Upton’s Iconic Shoe Moments:
- 📏 Kate Upton at the 2018 Met Gala – She elevated her emerald Zac Posen gown with Alexandre Birman’s gem-covered bow sandals.
- 🌟 Wearing Jimmy Choo ‘Shiloh’ jeweled sandals at the 2019 Venice Film Festival premiere of Marriage Story.
- 💃 Standing tall at 5′10″ in a US women’s shoe size 9.5, Kate’s go-to brands include Jimmy Choo and Salvatore Ferragamo.
- 🎤 Rocking Giuseppe Zanotti’s ‘Charline’ metallic heels with a J. Mendel dress at a star-studded event.
- 📌 Sizzling in Jimmy Choo strappy sandals at the Maxim Hot 100 Experience party at Hollywood Palladium.
- 📍 Debuting Jimmy Choo’s ‘Anouk’ pumps and Aquazzura ‘Amazon’ heels during her 2016 Met Gala engagement reveal.
2. Genevieve Morton Turns Heads in a Black Mini Dress With Cutouts
Genevieve Morton turned heads in a daring black mini dress with side cutouts, a plunging bodice, and a flowy skirt that added movement to the look.
Standing 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 m) and wearing a US shoe size 9, the South African model balanced bold sensuality with playful elegance, making her one of the evening’s standout style moments.
Genevieve Morton captivated attention in a daring black mini dress, designed with seductive side cutouts and a plunging neckline, perfectly paired with a floaty skirt for a blend of elegance and allure at the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit on Location Party at Marquee Nightclub at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas on February 13, 2013 (Credit: Judy Eddy / WENN)
3. Natasha Barnard Sizzles in a Curve-Hugging Blue Satin Dress
Natasha Barnard brought sultry sophistication to the red carpet in a curve-hugging blue satin dress highlighting her statuesque frame.
With wavy hair cascading over her shoulders, the South African model—who stands 5 feet 9¼ inches (1.76 m) and wears a US shoe size 7.5—exuded effortless glamour in a striking, refined look.
Natasha Barnard made a bold statement in a snug blue satin dress that gracefully accentuated her curves, adding an extra touch of glamour with her cascading wavy hair at the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit on Location Party at Marquee Nightclub at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas on February 13, 2013 (Credit: Judy Eddy / WENN)
4. Chrissy Teigen Exudes Sophistication in a Stella McCartney Mesh Peplum Dress
Chrissy Teigen stepped out in a sleek, sophisticated black mesh dress by Stella McCartney. The dress featured a structured peplum waist and subtly revealing panels that balanced elegance with a modern edge.
Chrissy Teigen shone in a sophisticated Stella McCartney dress featuring an elegant mesh and peplum design at the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit on Location Party at Marquee Nightclub at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas on February 13, 2013 (Credit: Judy Eddy / WENN)
Standing at 5 feet 7 inches (170.2 cm) and wearing a US women’s shoe size 8, Chrissy completed her polished look with confidence and style.
👠 Explore Chrissy Teigen’s Iconic Shoe Moments:
- 📏 Shining in Jimmy Choo open‑toe heels at the 2024 Vanity Fair Oscar Party—clear front straps and silver trim added a modern glow.
- 🌟 Standing 5′7″ in US women’s shoe size 8, Chrissy consistently chooses fearless designer footwear.
- 💃 Edgy in Alaïa fishnet pumps at the 2024 ChainFest LA VIP Night—pushing fashion-forward street style.
- 🎤 Glammed up in Tom Ford crystal‑embellished satin sandals ($1,550) at a 2018 event honoring David Chang.
- 📌 Wearing custom Swarovski glass‑slipper–inspired heels under a peach mini dress—pure fantasy elegance.
- 📍 Styling Gianvito Rossi triple‑strap sandals with a cape‑blazer and jeans look circa 2015—street style meets glamour.
5. Anne Vyalitsyna Dares in a Plunging Dress with a Chic Pleated Mini Skirt
Anne Vyalitsyna embraced bold fashion in one of the evening’s most daring looks—a plunging dress with a dramatic neckline that extended to her midriff.
The outfit featured a pleated, perforated miniskirt and sparkling embellishments for added texture and flair. Standing at 5 feet 9½ inches (176.5 cm) and wearing a US shoe size 10, the Russian-born model showcased her statuesque elegance in a head-turning ensemble that perfectly balanced edge and sophistication.
Anne Vyalitsyna embraced bold fashion with a daring dress, spotlighting a dramatic plunging neckline and a chic pleated miniskirt adorned with intricate embellishments for added flair at the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit on Location Party at Marquee Nightclub at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas on February 13, 2013 (Credit: Judy Eddy / WENN)
6. Katherine Webb Keeps It Sleek and Simple in a Bandage Mini Dress
Katherine Webb chose a sleek, understated look in a form-fitting bandage mini dress that accentuated her statuesque silhouette. The minimalist design highlighted her curves, while a subtle back cutout—partially visible in photos—added intrigue.
At 5 feet 11 inches (180.3 cm) and wearing a US shoe size 9.5, the former Miss Alabama USA brought effortless elegance to the red carpet with her refined and confident style.
Katherine Webb opted for understated elegance in a form-fitting bandage mini dress, showcasing her silhouette with a hint of mystery thanks to its unseen back cutout at the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit on Location Party at Marquee Nightclub at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas on February 13, 2013 (Credit: Judy Eddy / WENN)
7. Emily DiDonato Radiates Youthful Charm in a Playful Sleeveless Dress
Emily DiDonato embraced a youthful, charming look in a sleeveless dress with delicate pleats and mesh detailing on the bodice. The fresh, airy design brought a playful edge to the red carpet, setting her apart with understated elegance.
Standing at 5 feet 9½ inches (176.5 cm) and wearing a US shoe size 10, Emily’s minimalist style proved that less can sometimes be more in standout fashion moments.
Emily Didonato charmed in a playful sleeveless dress featuring delicate pleats and mesh details on the bodice, striking a balance between casual elegance and youthful exuberance at the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit on Location Party at Marquee Nightclub at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas on February 13, 2013 (Credit: Judy Eddy / WENN)
8. Adaora Stuns in a Black Mesh Dress with Three-Quarter Sleeves and an Open Back
Adaora turned heads in a striking black dress that combined sophistication with subtle allure. Featuring three-quarter sleeves, a sheer mesh V-neckline, an open back, and a fitted miniskirt, the look delivered a modern take on classic elegance.
At 5 feet 11 inches (1.80 m) and wearing a US shoe size 10, the Nigerian model showcased her statuesque presence in a bold ensemble that stood out among the evening’s best-dressed.
Adaora turned heads in a captivating black dress with three-fourth sleeves, a mesh V-neck, and an open back, combining grace with a hint of allure at the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit on Location Party at Marquee Nightclub at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas on February 13, 2013 (Credit: Judy Eddy / WENN)
9. Alyssa Miller Stands Out in a Modern Knee-Length Dress With Patent Detailing
Alyssa Miller brought a contemporary edge to the red carpet in a knee-length sleeveless dress, distinguished by glossy patent detailing at the bodice and waist. The structured accents gave her look a modern, fashion-forward twist that set her apart from the evening’s more traditional silhouettes.
Standing 5 feet 9 inches (1.75 m) and wearing a US shoe size 9, Alyssa confidently blended classic elegance with bold design elements.
Alyssa Miller stood out with a contemporary edge in a knee-length sleeveless dress featuring unique patent detailing for a modern and chic look at the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit on Location Party at Marquee Nightclub at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas on February 13, 2013 (Credit: Judy Eddy / WENN)
10. Ariel Meredith Embraces Retro Vibes in a Blue and Black Mesh Dress
Ariel Meredith embraced retro-inspired glamour in a blue-and-black dress with subtle mesh detailing that added depth and texture to the vintage silhouette.
Her sparkling heels brought a touch of modern flair, perfectly balancing the classic look. Standing at 5 feet 10½ inches (1.79 m) and wearing a US shoe size 9, Ariel exuded poise and timeless beauty on the red carpet.
Ariel Meredith embraced vintage charm in a retro-inspired blue and black dress, accentuated with mesh details and sparkling heels for a touch of glamour at the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit on Location Party at Marquee Nightclub at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas on February 13, 2013 (Credit: Judy Eddy / WENN)
Explore More Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Highlights
For readers eager to dive deeper into the world of Sports Illustrated models and their iconic fashion moments, check out these must-read articles on our site:
👠 Explore More Sports Illustrated Models Style Stories:
- 📏 Discover Elle Macpherson’s height and record-breaking SI covers — See how “The Body” became one of the most recognizable faces in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit history.
- ✨ See Erin Heatherton’s red-carpet style at SI events — Revisit the former Victoria’s Secret model’s dresses, heels, and standout Sports Illustrated Swimsuit appearances.
- 👡 Explore Hannah Ferguson’s glamorous model-off-duty style — See how the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model pairs statement fashion with chic designer footwear.
From timeless red carpet appearances to behind-the-scenes highlights, these stories celebrate the beauty and influence of Sports Illustrated swimsuit models.