The coveted cover of the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue [1] has been graced by a long list of hot models since the special edition kicked off in 1964. This year, Chrissy Teigen, Nina Agdal, and Lily Aldridge landed spots on the cover for the 50th-anniversary special, which also featured plenty of sexy bikini moments [2] inside. A whole group of past cover stars, including Christie Brinkley, got together to fete the publication in NYC on Monday night, and we couldn't help but notice just how much they haven't changed since their front-and-center days. Keep reading for more cover stars then and now!
Kathy Ireland
Kathy was named cover girl three times during her modeling days, including in 1992, when she donned a white bikini. She's since become a business powerhouse with her Kathy Ireland Worldwide firm, fitness videos, clothing lines, and more.
Elle Macpherson
Elle Macpherson's been an SI cover girl more than once, including in 1988, when she showed cleavage in racy black swimsuit.
Paulina Porizkova
In 1985, at just 19 years old, Paulina landed her second SI cover. She slowed down her modeling career after having a child in 1993 but is still in the spotlight for her television work.
Rebecca Romijn
Rebecca was SI's cover girl in 1999 and hit the red carpet to celebrate the 50th-anniversary issue just last month.
Carol Alt
Carol grabbed the cover in 1982 and looked equally glamorous on the red carpet at the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 50th Anniversary Pink Carpet event in NYC on Monday.
Tyra Banks
In 1997, Tyra Banks [15] made history as the first woman of color to land a solo cover [16] after she shared the coveted spot with Valeria Mazza in 1996.
Christie Brinkley
Christie is still glowing at 60 [19] — 33 years after landing her third Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue cover.