Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue models: Skin is in

There’s another big reason to get excited about the upcoming 2016 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue: The models are coming.

Two lovelies who will be prominently featured in Time Inc.’s annual eye candy, Chanel Iman, and Hannah Ferguson, were at 1 Hotel & Homes South Beach on Wednesday to announce a free-for-all Swim Beach fan festival from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb 17-18 at Lummus Park.

The magazine’s group publisher Brendan Ripp expects a good mix of guests.

“Though 70 percent of our audience is male, there is a large female fan base that loves the platform and the brand,” Ripp said. “This issue is known as the Oscars of swimwear. The Monday [Feb. 15] it drops, you’ll find that women immediately want to run out to the store and buy the styles they saw.”

Ah, so what will you see? Ferguson, though mum on details of the most recent shoot, would say she is proud of the outcome.

“Sports Illustrated is all about empowering the sexy woman and her body and showing it off,” the native Texan said. “So, yes, that means lots of skin.”

Iman is still pinching herself that the dream she had so many years ago came true.

“I remember getting [the issue] when I was a young girl; I put Tyra Banks’ cover on my wall,” said the 25-year-old who is from Atlanta. “This is a big deal, my third year. I feel very blessed to be chosen.”

Speaking of blessed: These genetically superior females swear that they don’t stick to a diet to maintain their sleek physiques.

“It’s not good to deprive yourself, because that can lead to overeating,” Ferguson said. “You need to pace yourself.”

Carbs aren’t the blonde bombshell’s Kryptonite. “I actually don’t crave pasta or bread or potatoes,” she said. “Sometimes I’ll have a bagel with cream cheese. What I crave is ice cream! Recently I tried to switch to frozen yogurt.”

Iman? She wants it all.

“Shame on me!” laughed the statuesque stunner. “I’m big on sweets, pizza, everything. I don’t have a special diet, but I do cut back when I know a shoot is coming up.”

When it comes to exercise, Ferguson is a do-it-yourself kind of gal.

“I feel better without a trainer,” said the gym aficionado, who usually logs about three miles on the treadmill three to four times a week. “I used to hate running and I still kind of do, but I trick myself into liking it.”

Iman prefers getting out there.

“I take hikes, plus I do a little boxing. I work with my trainer on toning. Whatever works!”

This story was originally published January 28, 2016 at 6:58 PM with the headline "Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue models: Skin is in."