Christie Brinkley, Tyra Banks, and More Supermodels Stun in Designer Heels at SI’s 50th Anniversary

In January 2014, Sports Illustrated celebrated its 50th anniversary at the Dolby Theatre in Beverly Hills—an iconic milestone for the magazine, which is known for launching the careers of numerous supermodels.

While modern cover stars like Kate Upton and her contemporaries made a stylish appearance, it was the legendary alumni who stole the spotlight. Fashion icons including Rebecca Romijn, Christie Brinkley, Rachel Hunter, Tyra Banks, Heidi Klum, Marisa Miller, and Petra Němcová turned heads on the red carpet, proving that true style—and star power—transcend generations.

Christie Brinkley: Golden in Sergio Rossi–Style Butterfly Sandals

Christie Brinkley sizzling in black and gold at the 50th anniversary celebration of Sports Illustrated at Dolby Theatre in Beverly Hills on January 14, 2014 (Credit: Bridow / WENN)

Christie Brinkley was the most stunning Sports Illustrated alum at the event. She looked much younger than 59 and sizzled in gold-detailed t-strap sandals that reminded us a lot of a pair from Sergio Rossi.

Christie’s shoes were exquisite, but we could not quite understand why she wore them with stockings.

Christie Brinkley showcases her flawless pedicure in stunning gold and black butterfly-wing sandals

Rachel Hunter: Classic in Black Nicholas Kirkwood Lace Heels

Rachel Hunter looking elegant in a long black gown and Nicholas Kirkwood heels at the 50th anniversary celebration of Sports Illustrated at the Dolby Theatre in Beverly Hills on January 14, 2014

Rachel Hunter, also known as Rod Stewart’s ex-wife and famous for her role as the hot momma in the music video “Stacy’s Mom,” wore a long black gown for the occasion. She teamed the dress with lace Nicholas Kirkwood heels.

Rachel Hunter flaunts a chic pedicure in navy lace-up heels featuring sheer mesh panels and intricate cutout details

Tyra Banks: Bold in Lace and Cuffed Pointy Pumps

Tyra Banks channeled sexy and sensual in a lace dress, big bouncy hair, and a pair of ankle cuff pumps at the 50th anniversary celebration of Sports Illustrated at the Dolby Theatre in Beverly Hills on January 14, 2014

Tyra Banks reminded us of the models in those GUESS ads when she stepped on the red carpet in a lace-detailed number complete with big hair. Smokey-eye makeup and a pair of cuffed pointy pumps punctuated her look.

Tyra Banks highlights her flawless feet in chic black ankle-cuff pumps with a sleek pointed-toe design

Rebecca Romijn: Shines in Metallic Christian Louboutin Pumps

Rebecca Romijn dazzled in a sequined frock and metallic pointy-toe pumps at the 50th anniversary celebration of Sports Illustrated at the Dolby Theatre in Beverly Hills on January 14, 2014

Yes, Rebecca Romijn, the former Mrs. John Stamos and known to many as “Mystique” from the X-Men movies, was often a Sports Illustrated model.

For the occasion, she wore a dazzling dress and complemented it with silver metallic pointy pumps from Christian Louboutin.

Rebecca Romijn steps onto the red carpet in dazzling silver metallic pointy-toe pumps

Marisa Miller: Leg-Lengthening in Nude Louboutin ‘Lady Peep’ Heels

Marisa Miller wearing Christian Louboutin “Lady Peep” pumps in nude patent to the 50th anniversary celebration of Sports Illustrated at the Dolby Theatre in Beverly Hills on January 14, 2014

Another lady who graced the event in a sparkly number was Marissa Miller. The former model wore a bronze sequined shift dress and finished the outfit with nude “Lady Peep” pumps from Christian Louboutin.

Standing at 5ft 7 ½ (171.5 cm), Marisa Miller is already taller than the average American woman, but she skillfully enhances her height even further with the power of nude shoes. By choosing heels in a shade that matches her skin tone, she creates a seamless leg-lengthening effect, making her appear even taller and more statuesque on the red carpet.

Marisa Miller elongates her legs in nude patent Christian Louboutin peep-toe platform pumps, seamlessly blending sophistication with sky-high red carpet glamour

Heidi Klum: Fiery Red Pumps and Matching Leather Dress

Heidi Klum wearing red from head to toe at the 50th anniversary celebration of Sports Illustrated at the Dolby Theatre in Beverly Hills on January 14, 2014

Heidi Klum arrived at the event in head-to-toe red. She rocked a red leather dress coat and topped off the sassy piece with matching red pointy pumps. The look was simple but downright sexy. What do you think of Heidi’s style?

Heidi Klum commands attention in classic red pointy-toe pumps

Petra Němcová: Polished in Metallic Pointy-Toe Manolos

Petra kept it colorful yet classic by slipping into a short printed number punctuated with simple accessories such as a silver clutch and metallic pointy pumps at the 50th anniversary celebration of Sports Illustrated at the Dolby Theatre in Beverly Hills on January 14, 2014

The last looker to earn our nod was Petra Němcová. She slipped into a colorful, strapless number for the occasion, but kept the rest of her accessories simple, opting for a gray box clutch and textured, silver pointy pumps.

Petra Němcová sparkles in metallic silver pointy-toe pumps, effortlessly complementing her red carpet look with a touch of shimmering elegance and sky-high stiletto glamour

The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue has long been a platform where models showcase not only stunning swimwear but also impeccable footwear choices. Here are some memorable shoe highlights from SI Swimsuit stars:

Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Stars: Iconic Shoe Moments

1. Irina Shayk’s Silver Laser-Cut Heels

• Event: Sports Illustrated Celebrates Swimsuit 2016 VIP Press Event
• Outfit: Irina Shayk dazzled in a white babydoll dress.
• Footwear: She complemented her look with silver floral laser-cut sandals by Azzedine Alaïa, which highlighted her legs and added a touch of metallic flair.
• More Details: Irina Shayk’s stunning appearance in silver heels

2. Hailey Clauson’s Black Sequin Ensemble with Classic Pumps

• Event: Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year Ceremony 2016
• Outfit: Hailey Clauson showcased her supermodel frame in a plunging black sequin mini dress.
• Footwear: She paired her dazzling dress with classic black pointed-toe heels, emphasizing her long legs and adding a timeless touch to her ensemble.
• More Details: Hailey Clauson’s sequin dress and classic pumps at the SI event

3. Olivia Culpo’s Strappy Sandals at the SI Swimsuit Launch

• Event: Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2021 Issue Cover Reveal Party
• Outfit: Olivia Culpo turned heads in a daring white LaQuan Smith cutout dress.
• Footwear: She completed her bold look with strappy high-heeled sandals, adding height and elegance to her ensemble.
• More Details: Olivia Culpo’s show-stopping look at the SI Swimsuit launch

4. Chrissy Teigen’s Black Suede Pointy Mules

• Event: New York Knicks Game Courtside Appearance
• Outfit: Chrissy Teigen opted for a sultry look, pairing a black lace lingerie set with a black coat.
• Footwear: She opted for black suede pointy mules with slim high heels, blending comfort with high-fashion for her courtside appearance.
• More Details: Chrissy Teigen’s daring courtside fashion choice

5. Ashley Graham’s Two-Toned Sequin Gown with Metallic Heels

• Event: Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year Ceremony 2016
• Outfit: Ashley Graham flaunted her curves in a two-toned sequin gown.
• Footwear: She elevated her glamorous look with metallic high-heeled sandals, adding shine and sophistication to her ensemble.
• More Details: Ashley Graham’s sparkling appearance at the SI event

These moments highlight how Sports Illustrated Swimsuit stars not only set trends in swimwear but also make significant fashion statements with their choice of footwear.