The assumption that women of any age should only be part of who they are in order to succeed is the problem. Models choosing to pose in a bikini aren’t the problem. Let her grow up not judged by how she dresses, even if it’s in heels not dismissed for how she looks, even if she’s pretty. Neither prevents girls from excelling in their own fashion. It’s easy to say the culprit is the color pink or the existence of makeup. Let us place no limitations on her dreams, and that includes being girly if she likes. Today, truly anything is possible for a girl. They are all great examples of confident and competent women. And yet, those featured are women who have broken barriers, established empires, built brands, branched out into careers as varied as authors, entrepreneurs and philanthropists. The word “model,” like the word “Barbie ®,” is often dismissed as a poseable plaything with nothing to say. I, for one, am honored to join the legendary swimsuit models.

In 2014, does any woman in the issue seriously need permission to appear there? Upon the launch of this year’s 50th anniversary issue, there will again be buzz and debate over the validity of the women in the magazine, questioning if posing in it is a blow to female equality and self-image. It’s simpler to keep me in a box-and since I am a doll-chances are that’s where I’ll stay.Įvery year, Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit drums up conversation and controversy.

And yet, I am still seen as just a pretty face. My bathing suit now hangs beside a Presidential power suit, Pastry Chef hat, and Astronaut gear in a wardrobe reflecting the more than 150 careers I’ve pursued to illustrate for girls that they can achieve anything for which they aim. Over time, I’ve become an icon, and as with all icons, I’ve been pulled into the cultural conversation. But I was designed by a woman and mother determined to give girls a way to play, to imagine and to dream-and it was those girls who understood me and made me an instant success. My creation was met with skepticism and judgment. And yet, I’ve always caused a bit of a stir, starting with my debut as a teenage fashion model in a swimsuit in 1959.

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