Sports Illustrated and Raj to launch swim collection early next year

By

Cassidy Mantor

Published
Jun 2, 2017

Sports Illustrated Swimsuit has given Raj Swim the brand's first ever apparel license to create a line of women's active and swim apparel that will launch alongside next year's SI Swimsuit edition.

The license is a multi year agreement giving the companies the chance to collaborate on a range of collections suited for all body types and ages. It will be positioned as premium apparel for "all types of women."

"This is a natural evolution for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, which has long been considered the authority on swim style,” said Bruce Gersh, SVP, Strategy and Business Development, Time Inc.

Traditionally a male-focused publication, Sports Illustrated Swimsuit reaches over 70 million 18-34 year old men, more than watch the Super Bowl. It has carved a space for itself over the past 54 years as a top name in the swim industry.

If there is a question about the practicality of the upcoming swim collection for women, Raj Swim should be able to step in and make consumer edits. Raj Swim holdings include licenses for Splendid, Ella Moss, Reef and Athena indicating they will bring a deep understanding of the contemporary women's market to the design and marketing process.

Brenda West, President of Raj Swim said of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, “The brand has instant recognition for consumers around the world. The swim and active ecosystems are evolving, and this collaboration sets the stage for infinite possibilities.”

The new Sports Illustrated apparel and swim collection will be showcased in next year's annual SI Swimsuit print edition and also across digital channels. A preview of the product line will be available this summer.

The official launch will be in early 2018 and will coincide with the annual SI Swimsuit campaign.