Daily Front Row

2009 February 10

Swimming Not Required

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Hilary Rhoda and Jessica Gomes
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(NEW YORK) IMG Models scored a coup in this year's Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue. The modeling agency has six faces (and bodies) in the new issue, more than any other agency. To fête the talented models, IMG Models took over RDV for after-work cocktails Monday night.

The Daily caught up with five of the six famous faces about their shoots and upcoming tour--sadly, Daniella Sarahyba was travelling. "My most memorable moment was when me and the whole crew started singing the soundtrack from Hair, the musical,” said Tori Praver of her shoot in the Canary Islands. For Hilary Rhoda, the swimsuit issue was her first, and it was also her first time to the exotic locale. “We shot on Canouan in the Grenadines. I had no idea where it was," said Rhoda. "I had to Google it.” Esti Ginzburg, who is also new to the swimsuit issue, should be doubly proud as she has been cast as the lead in the new Joel Schumacher project, which begins filming in March. Jessica Gomes, an SI veteran, had to don a metal bra. "It was kind of uncomfortable," said Gomes. "But it ended up being pretty funny."

Today marks the launch of the issue, which features Bar Refaeli on the cover. The models included in the issue begin their promotional tour in New York before heading to Las Vegas. “I’m expecting debauchery in Vegas,” said Jarah Mariano. Most of the girls seemed excited to hit the blackjack tables--and with their luck currently on high, they should have no problems winning big.
ADAM P. SCHNEIDER