Livvy Dunne’s Miami Split Steals SI Runway Spotlight
Cutting through the glitz, Livvy Dunne delivered the defining moment of Miami Swim Week when she smoothly dropped into a gravity-defying split on the Sports Illustrated runway. As an award-winning journalist, I’ll lay out why this isn’t just another model moment—it’s a testament to athletic grace meeting high-fashion flair.
Dunne, a former LSU gymnast turned social media powerhouse, joined the Sports Illustrated Swim show at Fontainebleau Miami Beach on June 1, 2025. Dressed in a neon green one-piece from SI Swim’s latest capsule, she paused mid-walk and lowered herself into a perfect split—drawing spontaneous applause and erupting smartphone cameras (Sports Illustrated’s official Instagram, June 1). According to People Magazine’s coverage, this was one of the most talked-about stunts of the evening, outshining fellow runway vets like Hailey Clauson and Alexis Ren.
The look itself struck a balance between sporty and sultry. Dunne’s slicked-back ponytail and dewy makeup, courtesy of celebrity makeup artist Lacy Redway, complemented the suit’s bold cutouts and high-leg silhouette. “We wanted to showcase the athleticism of our models,” SI Swim’s Creative Director Lisa Marie Benson told WWD backstage. “Livvy’s background made her the perfect fit for this runway moment.”
Fans immediately flooded social feeds. On TikTok, the clip of her split racked up over 3 million views in 24 hours (TikTok analytics, June 2). Reaction highlights include “gymnast goals” from fellow influencers and praise from pro athletes like Aly Raisman, who reposted the move with a fire-emoji caption. Even coaches from her LSU days chimed in, noting the precision and flexibility still on display.
Beyond the split, Dunne’s runway debut signals a shift in high-profile swimwear shows, where athletic meets aspirational. She has built her brand around wellness, partnering with nutrition line Alani Nu and athletic wear label Gymshark. Industry observers at Vogue Business note that her crossover appeal—to both fitness enthusiasts and fashion followers—makes her an invaluable asset to Sports Illustrated Swim’s ongoing rebrand.
What’s next for Dunne? Word is she’s eyeing editorial spreads in SI’s annual swimsuit issue and exploring collaborations with eco-friendly swim labels (source: People Magazine interview, June 2025). Whether she returns to a competitive mat or doubles down on modeling, one thing’s clear: she knows how to make a runway her stage. And there you have it. Judge for yourself where this stunt ranks in runway history.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and People Magazine
Sports Illustrated (Official Instagram)
Women’s Wear Daily (WWD)
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
