Molly Sims Recalls the ‘Heavy’ Burden of Her $30 Million Diamond-encrusted Swimsuit for Sports Illustrated on ‘Watch What Happens Live’

On Wednesday night, Molly Sims appeared on “Watch What Happens Live” as a guest alongside “Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” star Lisa Barlow. The Sports Illustrated model and YSE Beauty founder opted for an all-black ensemble for the show, styled by Sonja Christensen in a black LBD that featured striking, detailed elements.

Sims donned a black sequined midi dress by Markarian that embraced the ongoing sheer trend, with long sleeves and a grid-patterned mesh overlay. The form-fitting silhouette highlighted Sims’ statuesque frame, while a sweetheart neckline added a subtle contrast beneath the sheer upper. Pairing the dress with Wolford tights, Sims completed the look further with black Christian Louboutin heels.

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For accessories, Sims kept it classic yet noticable, opting for a set of With Clarity diamond tennis bracelets that added just the right amount of sparkle to her ensemble. Her makeup was soft and glowing, while her hair was swept back into a slicked, low ponytail.

Though Sims’ appearance on “Watch What Happens Live” was not tied to her days as a Sports Illustrated swimsuit model, during the show, a fan called in to ask about the weight of Sims’ $30 million bikini from her 2006 shoot. “It didn’t cover much, but it wasn’t as heavy as you’d think,” Sims recalled. “It probably should have been heavier — and covered more. It was heavy in value, though.” The barely-there $30 million diamond-encrusted swimsuit designed by Steinmetz Diamonds for one of the most expensive shoots in the publication’s history.

Earlier this year, she returned to her Sports Illustrated roots, attending the launch party for the 2024 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue. Although she left the diamond look behind, Sims still made a statement by embracing the sheer trend in a pearl pink mesh gown by Aadnevik, sparkling from head to toe—a nod to her glittering history with the publication.

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