By 1994, the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue was not merely a magazine; it was a cultural juggernaut. That year, it delivered one of its most unforgettable covers, featuring the ultimate trio: Kathy Ireland, Rachel Hunter, and Elle Macpherson. Bronzed and bombshell, they slipped into matching black bikinis, earning the nickname the 'Dream Team'.
Kathy Ireland: From Supermodel to Business Empire
Ireland, now 63, was already SI royalty by then, having graced the coveted cover three times—in 1989, 1992, and the iconic 1994 issue. She did not rest on her supermodel status; she added titles as an actress, author, entrepreneur, designer, and philanthropist. She even participated in season eight of Dancing with the Stars. However, her most significant power move occurred off-camera. In 1993, she launched Kathy Ireland Worldwide, quietly building a retail empire that made her one of the wealthiest models globally. By 2015, she had amassed a reported fortune of $420 million. The numbers continued to climb, with her brand generating a staggering $3.1 billion in retail sales in 2021 alone, spanning home furnishings, fashion, and beyond.
Today, the boardroom faces serious competition as Ireland swaps business meetings for bait and nets, lobster fishing with her husband, physician Greg Olsen. The couple married in 1988 and share three children: Erik, Lily, and Chloe.
Rachel Hunter: Rock Star Romance and Spiritual Journey
Hunter, 56, was no stranger to the spotlight, landing two covers of her own and making eight appearances during the magazine's golden era. After being discovered at 16, she embarked on a headline-making path. At 21, she fell for rock legend Rod Stewart, marrying him three months later in Beverly Hills. They welcomed two children before their high-profile split in 2006.
These days, Hunter's life appears worlds away from red carpets. She has embraced spirituality, sharing reflective posts online and frequently traveling to India.
Elle Macpherson: 'The Body' Builds a Wellness Empire
Macpherson, 62, practically owned the club, scoring five covers, including a three-year run in the late '80s, before returning for more. She still holds the all-time record for the most Sports Illustrated Swimsuit covers, outpacing even Kate Upton, who has graced the cover four times. She also sits ahead of a roster of fellow icons—Christie Brinkley, Cheryl Tiegs, Tyra Banks, Heidi Klum, and Daniela Peštová—who have each landed three covers.
Her career extended far beyond the beach. She appeared in films like Batman & Robin and The Edge, proving she was more than just a swimsuit staple. She also had a memorable stint on Friends and hosted Saturday Night Live. Off-screen, her love life was equally headline-grabbing, from an early marriage to photographer Gilles Bensimon to a rollercoaster romance with billionaire developer Jeffrey Soffer.
Now, Macpherson has firmly entered her wellness era, fronting her supplements brand WelleCo and positioning herself as a lifestyle guru, describing herself online as a 'goddess with guts'.
