Jule Campbell (1926–2022), editor behind the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue

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Jule Campbell was a pioneering fashion editor who was behind the annual Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue.  

• Died: Saturday, November 19, 2022. (Who else died on November 19?)
• Details of death: Died at the age of 96. 
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Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue  

Jule Campbell started as an assistant in the fashion department at Sports Illustrated. In 1964, managing editor Andre Laguerre had an idea to do a swimwear feature to brighten up the winter months. The first swimsuit issue featured model Babette March on the cover. Campbell was the first editor to insist that the models in the swimsuit issues had their names featured. She wanted to give them an identity as real people beyond the swimwear. The annual issue became a cultural phenomenon that made many who graced the pages into supermodels including Cheryl Tiegs, Christie Brinkley, Tyra Banks, and Kathy Ireland. She was the editor of the swimsuit issue for 32 years, stepping down in 1996.  

Notable Quote

“I wanted them to look like real people that were beautiful, and I think our audience related to that.” – Sports Illustrated 

Tributes to Jule Campbell  

Jule Campbell was, first, a great friend. she believed in me as a writer, when not a lot of people were putting me on the back at Sports Illustrated, a very competitive place. But name me another businesswoman who made more money for her company in the 1970s and 80s. https://t.co/1E0BTZsi0H

— Bruce Newman (@BruceNewmanTwit) December 8, 2022

My mother-in-law Jule's Campbell's obit. I am too sad to go into more detail at the moment, but I am really proud of my second mom, mentor, and role model, Jule, and thank @greenpnyt for the authentic reporting and representation of an inspirational woman who lifted other women. https://t.co/9mGwfSAXXp

— Jill Campbell (@Jillcampbellnyc) December 8, 2022

Be it objectification or celebration, the annual rite she created earned millions for the magazine and helped usher in the supermodel era. https://t.co/6A2iR4qngG

— Poindexter (@Ahclem53) December 8, 2022

Full Obituary: Sports Illustrated