Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition 2012 - WOW !

     Boy – David Letterman really knows how to keep the guys up after the news.  On February 14, 2011 the top 10 was done by the Sports Illustrated swim suit models.  This was one of Letterman’s best ideas yet to keep the public staying up a little late.  Tho the model’s delivery was poor at best, they weren’t there to show their acting talents and they did their job perfectly.  Also that evening, a giant billboard in Times Square unveiled the 2012 cover of Kate Upton as the newest addition to SI Swimsuit covers.  I, like millions of others around the world, tuned in to Letterman and then purchased this issue of SII to check out the new swim wear designs and to see what lucky designers scantily cloth this year’s beauties.

       Let’s start at the beginning with a really brief history – it is interesting and obviously not without some controversy.

In the winter of 1964, Sports Illustrated magazine was in its usual sales slump. So the editorial staff at SI decided to try something new.  Fashion reporter Jule Campbell was chosen as SI’s first swimsuit editor and that changed the sport magazine for eternity. 

     Babette Marche, a model in a racy bikini was splashed across the cover for their new February issue and the very first SI swimsuit issue was a sellout.  From this point on the swimsuit edition became an annual winter tradition, having sports fans by the millions were waiting by their mailboxes for its delivery and mail men spending a bit of their lunch time catching up on the latest in the sporty world of swimwear.

     In 1983, SI rolled out its first swimsuit calendar. This was followed by a television documentary of Sports Illustrated's 25th Anniversary Swimsuit Issue. Over the next two decades, a compilation of videos, TV specials, trading cards, cell phone screen savers, and other secondary products have contributed to an additional $10 million in revenue.  Ms. Campbell must be so proud. 

     In 1997, SI's swimsuit edition received special-issue status. It has since become the single best-selling issue in Time Inc.'s magazine franchise.

     In 2005, the swimsuit issue brought in an estimated $35 MILLION in ad sales and today it generates 7 percent of Sports Illustrated's annual revenue, according to SI editor Terry McDonnell. The swimsuit issue isn't just a benefit to its advertisers — bikini and jewelry designers whose items are featured in the special issue also experience a major boost in sales. 

      Yep – here is yet another goal for Exposure Swimwear – a little hit in a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition.  We set our goals high and don’t plan on ever changing that. 

   

     The 2006 landmark "topless" cover featured models Veronica Varekova, Elle Macpherson, Rebecca Romijn, Rachel Hunter, Daniela Pestova, Elsa Benitez, Carolyn Murphy and Yamila Diaz. Inside, Heidi Klum was the featured photo spread and  to keep it fairly legit as a sports issue, tennis pro Maria Sharapova also appeared.  This cover may be a bit edgy but still done in great taste. 

     The models have gone electronic! In February 2011, Sport Illustrated also began selling its first-ever digital subscription apps, available on Google Android, which coincided with the release of its swimsuit issue. This year, Sports Illustrated and Sony released a half-hour "Swimsuit in 3-D" video, exclusively for PlayStation 3 owners available through the PlayStation store.

     During Jule Campbell’s 31-year reign from 1965 to 1996, Campbell transformed the publication from a daring little glossy section, featuring a few bikini-clad women into a commercial power house. Sports Illustrated can be credited with launching the era of the beach models, giving that all important break that boosted the careers of Tyra Banks, Christie Brinkley, Rachel Hunter, Elle Macpherson, Kathy Ireland and the many others who graced it’s cover. 

     Regular Sports Illustrated has more than three million subscribers and is read by about 23 million people a week.  The swimsuit issue traditionally sells more than 1 million copies on newsstands. This year, the magazine features Kate Upton and sells for $6.99 per copy.  Fortunately, fans no longer have to wait anxiously at their mailboxes for the hard copy, and enjoy almost instantaneous access to the swimsuit issue online - including model profiles, behind the scenes photo shoots and video clips, along with an entire archive of favorite editions.

                   

A few things that you can look forward to
A little something hot for the ladies - 

 

Fun with body paints -

and the cutest suits ever !

Our Absence !

     I am feeling just a bit lame here.  I am so into spreading the word about Exposure Swimwear and all the latest news in the swimwear world but it is that time of the year and we are all busting our butts designing new styles, finding models, photographing the latest of our designs and getting production out the door.  So - it is not an excuse but you can see why I am a bit slow at the posting.  We are  getting into the rhythm now so hopefully the post will return on a regular basis.  I guarantee there will be some new and exciting pics to share soon from our very own line of beach wear.
   In the mean time check out our Amazon Store that includes suits and everything you could want or need for your next pool, beach or spa outing.  And something for the entire family. 
     Thanks for your patience.

Happy Valentine's Day

     Think about the love in your life and get out there and buy a cute little swim suit that can double as your lingerie for the night.  Not difficult to do.  Add a little ribbon and bow for an even more sassy thrill.

     Most of all - enjoy this day with every one you love !

Add a few tunes to the day.  I like this little tune. Just a little different.  

Keepin' it at home

     Have you ever considered keeping your swim suit shopping at home?  Yep - that is what I said.  Try on your swim suit in the privacy of your very own home, with some of your closest friends.  Better yet, you can make a party of it.  Invite friend, family and even their friends over for a Swim Wear Party.  Believe me, this isn't your mom's Tupperware type of party! Heavens no.  It's fun and as crazy as you want.  To top it all off, if you are the host, you can score a free suit.

     My first experience with a home party was when a customer of mine went from the retail world to working and selling from home.  Thus the home party began.  In a later post I will tell you the whole story about Lori.  But for now I will tell you about the parties.

     If you live in the Phoenix area, Lori will bring an assortment of bikinis and other fun and feisty beach wear to your home.  She sets up racks of suits for a few hours for you and your guest to try.  Lori will also take orders for suits if you find a style you like but the fit isn't quite right for you.  She has fitted young girls who are just getting into the bikini phase and even a woman in need of a stylish FF size top.  Most of Lori's suits are priced under $50. 

     Now tell me - who else will do this for you.  And don't forget, you may earn a free suit or even more.  So check your calendar and call your friends to set a date.  Send me a message here and I will get you in contact with Lori's Home Swimsuit Parties.  If you live in the Tucson area, I can set you up with parties there also. 

Thanks for Spanx

     For anybody who has never heard of Spanx - they are the greatest thing since hot bread.  And if you love your hot bread, then you may really be in need of Spanx.  I first saw them a quite few years ago on The Today show and when the women of the view were talking about them.  Followed by little blips in magazines.  I was curious but never took time to look them up. 

     Here at Exposure Swimwear we would like to think that we make a suit for almost everyone.  Almost being the optimal word.  We specialize in bikinis, two piece suits for the sporting type woman, cutsie little one pieces that are more like the bikini with an added piece for a bit more coverage and all kinds of cover-ups.  (Shameless plug there)  But the reality is there are more women out there looking for a nice swimsuit with fuller coverage then there are teenagers wanting bikinis.  Well Spanx has some of the cutest one piece suit out there.  And to beat it all - they have control right where you need it.

The back ground of Spanx it fun too.  It is simple - Sara Blakely had a vision.  She pursued this vision in a way that most people could only dream of.  Now she has succeeded in a big way.  She managed to make contact with Sir Richard Branson (oooohh what a lucky girl), spent time with Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Mandella and travel the world.  All of this from a girl who had a vision, a goal and the will power to make it happen.  It's an inspiring 'must read' story.  Beware - envy could hit you smack in the face.  Or perhaps inspire you to go out there and make your dreams happen.  

     Back to the swim suits.  They are cute and functional.  Sold on line.  And now offering men's suits.  Check them out and definitely check out Sara Blakely.  Personally I think her story is more interesting than most anything currently on the news. 

     I want to share this little bit of what I found on line.  You can read  the rest at Sara's Whole Story.  Poke around while there and see what else you can find.
    

How I Spread the Word

"I had no money to advertise, so I hit the road. For the entire first year, I did in-store rallies about Spanx with the sales associates, and then stayed all day introducing customers to Spanx. I became notorious for lifting up my pant leg to every woman walking by. (My mom always said as long as I lifted my pants up and not down to show my product then I had her blessing!) My friends and I also called newspapers, magazines, and TV stations and got Spanx significant coverage in the media. "

                                          Remember -
       When looking for a cute little bikini or two piece for the beach or pool, look up Exposure Swimwear. 


     When looking for a really neat one piece, go to 
Sara Blakely and Spanx.  

      

     Don't forget to check out their new line of
men's  Shape Wear.