Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Show Highlights Diversity: PHOTOS

MIAMI BEACH, FL — This year's Sports Illustrated Swimsuit’s 2019 Miami Swim Week runway show put the focus on diversity with plus-size models, older models and even a model in a wheelchair.

The event, which was held at the W South Beach on Sunday night, was one of the highlights of the annual week-long beachy fashion fest. Patch was there to capture the action with a special photo gallery.

Last year's event drew headlines for breastfeeding runway sensation Mara Martin. This year, the event featured various surprise moments by SI Swimsuit models and chosen model search winners.

Halima Aden opened the show with a custom designed burkini that read “DON’T CHANGE YOURSELF, CHANGE THE GAME.” Haley Kalil walked down the runway with a young girl while Djaniel Carter dazzled in a wheel chair pushed by the editor of the swimsuit issue.

At age 55, Kathy Jacobs became the oldest model to grace the Miami Swim Week runway and Christie Valdiserri, who suffers from alopecia, whipped off her blonde wig to reveal her natural hair as she made her way down the runway.

Last year, four Miamians were discovered by the magazine at the publication's open casting call, including FIU alum Manuela Alvarez and breastfeeding runway sensation Martin. This year, the magazine selected 16 women, who graced the runway alongside the 2019 Model Search Winner and fellow SI Swimsuit models.

The runway showcased a lineup of women who stand for important issues donning socially conscious swimwear looks by designers who encourage and promote sustainability, inclusivity and philanthropy, according to organizers.

Other models who walked the runway include: 2019 Model Search Winner, Brooks Nader, 2019 Cover Model Camille Kostek, Halima Aden, Jasmine Sanders, Kate Bock, Robin Holzken, Vita Sidorkina and Model Search Finalists, Ariadna Gutierrez, Ashley Alexiss, Brielle Anyea Cunningham, Christie Valdiserri, Clarissa Bowers, Courtney Smits, Djaniel Carter, Florinda Estrada, Hyun Joo (JooJoo) Hwang, Jamea Byrd, Kathy Jacobs, Katina Taylor, Miki Hamano, Nour Guiga, Salina Jade, Soraya Yd, and Tanaye White.