Brooks Nader on Sports Illustrated runway with sisters and embracing body confidence

Brooks Nader turned a Miami runway into a family affair, stepping out for Sports Illustrated’s first live-streamed runway event on Hulu with three of her sisters. The moment felt like a milestone for a model who first posed for the magazine as a teen and has grown into one of its most recognizable faces, navigating public life through covers, TV appearances, and personal highs and lows.

Between handing out bikinis at a Swim Week pop-up and striking three dramatic swim looks onstage, Nader reflected on the relationship she’s built with the magazine and the way the spotlight follows her. Her story at the show mixed pride, nostalgia, and a practical view of social media in today’s celebrity culture.

How Brooks Nader became a Sports Illustrated fixture

Brooks Nader’s path from an 18-year-old SI photoshoot to a marquee runway model is a story of steady growth and visibility. Over the past decade she has gone from newcomer to recurring cover star, and the brand has been a witness to many personal chapters—relationships, moves, and life changes—along the way.

• Early break: First SI shoot at 18.
• Cross-media profile: Appearances on Dancing with the Stars and her family reality series on Hulu, Love Thy Nader.
• Recent highlight: Participation in Sports Illustrated’s inaugural Hulu runway show in Miami.

Miami runway: family moment and Swim Week energy

The runway night doubled as a family celebration. After coordinating a pop-up event with her sisters Mary Holland, Grace Ann, and Sarah Jane—where they were handing out swim pieces from Agua Bendita—Nader strutted the SI catwalk with her siblings by her side. She described the experience as surreal, likening it to watching a dream unfold in real time and expressing genuine pride at seeing her family onstage with her.

What the day looked like

• Pop-up truck activation during Paraiso Miami Swim Week.
• Three wardrobe changes on the runway, including a standout red one-piece.
• Streamed broadcast on Hulu, marking a first for Sports Illustrated’s runway shows.

On-camera life and the realities of social media

Nader has become fluent in the mechanics of modern fame—knowing that candid moments and paparazzi images shape public perception. She admitted that, in the current age where everything is documented, carefully staged pictures are harder to control. Instead of chasing perfection, she curates the images she likes after the fact and embraces a more pragmatic approach to her online presence.

She also shared how family collaboration plays into her social media strategy: her sister Sarah Jane often shoots the photos that make it online, and Nader credits lighting and posture—plus a dose of self-assurance—for a successful shot.

Phone photography and the tech she trusts

As a Team Galaxy partner, Nader highlighted features of the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra that help her capture content quickly and effectively. She emphasized that good lighting and confident posing matter most, but praised the phone’s camera and AI tools for making shopping and discovery effortless.

• Camera quality: Sharp photos that help document behind-the-scenes moments.
• AI tools: Circle-to-search makes it simple to identify and buy items seen on the go.
• Practical impact: A swipe-to-cart ease that Nader jokingly calls “dangerous” because it leads to impulse buys.

Body representation: why SI still matters

When it comes to body diversity in fashion and media, Nader credits Sports Illustrated—with editorial leadership she respects—for maintaining a commitment to real, varied bodies. She noted that at fittings and shoots the magazine has encouraged models to present themselves authentically rather than conform to extreme, last-minute dieting or dramatic alterations. That editorial stance has been meaningful to her and has helped her feel comfortable and supported while working with the brand.

Runway nerves and signature moments

Walking under bright lights and cameras is naturally nerve-racking, Nader acknowledged, but she said she feels particularly at ease with Sports Illustrated because of its inclusive ethos. On show night, she delivered multiple looks, but the red one-piece drew attention both for its color and for its connection to a longstanding pop-culture image:

• Red one-piece that evoked the Baywatch aesthetic.
• She revealed that practicing the iconic slow-motion run was childhood training—something she’d been ready to do since she was young.

Acting and TV plans: Baywatch and beyond

Beyond modeling, Nader has been cast in a Baywatch reboot set for 2027, a role that aligns perfectly with her swimwear runway persona. She’s also still a familiar face on competitive TV circuits; while she previously competed on Dancing with the Stars, she’s likely to return to that world in a different capacity—this time cheering from the audience as friends join the cast.

Upcoming appearances to watch

• Baywatch reboot: Film role slated for release in 2027.
• Dancing with the Stars: Continued involvement expected, possibly as a spectator or guest.
• Hulu features: Continued collaboration with Sports Illustrated’s streamed programming.

Friendships on the runway and competition circuits

Nader spoke warmly about fellow runway model Maura Higgins, who was announced as one of the first contestants for the next Dancing with the Stars season. She described Higgins as outspoken, loyal, and humble—qualities that make her both a strong friend and a natural performer. Nader expects Higgins to excel on the show and celebrated her ability to speak her mind while maintaining grace.

Moments and takeaways from a milestone night

The Hulu-streamed runway marked a new chapter for Sports Illustrated and a personal high point for Nader: a convergence of family, fashion, and media savvy. Between handing out swimwear with her sisters, sharing behind-the-scenes content shot on her phone, and preparing for future acting work, she’s charting a career that blends modeling, television, and entrepreneurship.

Her relationship with Sports Illustrated stands out as one of mutual loyalty—one that has allowed her to evolve publicly while staying grounded in a brand that values authenticity.

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David Miller

David Miller is an entertainment expert with a passion for film, music, and series. With eight years in cultural criticism, he takes you behind the scenes of productions and studios. His energetic style guides you to the next big releases and trending sensations.