Sailor Brinkley-Cook is the spitting image of her supermodel mom Christie Brinkley, and she just proved it on Instagram.
At a Glance
- Sailor Brinkley-Cook recreates her mom’s iconic 1977 Cosmopolitan bikini in a new beach shoot.
- The 27-year-old posted a carousel on January 19, 2026 featuring royal-blue and lime-green swimsuits.
- Christie Brinkley reflected on the original 1977 cover, noting its impact on bikini fashion.
- Why it matters: The post sparks a broader conversation about body image, legacy, and the evolution of swimwear standards.
The latest Instagram carousel, shared by Sailor Brinkley-Cook on January 19, 2026, shows her posing in barely-there bikinis on a tropical beach. The 27-year-old’s outfits echo the style that made her mother a household name in the late 1970s.
A Look Back at 1977
Christie Brinkley, who was 23 when the cover was shot, has talked about the moment on several social-media posts. In a 2020 Instagram caption, she recalled:
> “In 1977 this bathing suit caused a stir! At the time all the bikinis were low slung on the hip, this high-leg cut made the hip a new erogenous zone.”
The cover featured a Norma Kamali iridescent purple halter top with a sweetheart neckline and a high-cut ruched bottom. Christie joked that the single string holding the top together made it difficult to wear:
> “I couldn’t figure out how to put it on as just one string holds it all together!”
Christie has also reflected on the lack of retouching in that era, admitting she felt insecure about her appearance:
> “I remember I was worried that I looked fat. I’m so glad that today our industry appreciates all shapes and sizes so we can just focus on being healthy. Not cookie cutter.”
Sailor’s Modern Tribute
In her beach-trip carousel, Sailor Brinkley-Cook wore a royal-blue strappy bikini that closely mirrors the purple hue of Christie’s 1977 piece. She also posted a lime-green bikini, adding a fresh twist to the classic look.
Sailor’s post is more than a fashion nod; it’s a personal statement about body confidence. In 2017, she shared a quote on Instagram after appearing in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue alongside her mother and sister Alexa Ray Joel:
> “I’ve had issues with my body image since before I can even remember. I grew up not loving how I looked and felt held back because of it … I don’t need to be a size 0 to believe in myself. My body carries me each and every day, it loves the people I love, it holds what makes me healthy and strong, it bends, it shakes, it runs and it CHANGES. That is okay and that is beautiful… As a growing young woman SI showed me all bodies are different and all bodies are worthy of celebrating.”
Sailor’s Instagram caption for the 2026 beach shoot emphasized the continuity between past and present:
> “Channeling my mom’s iconic 1977 cover on a sunny beach feels like a family legacy in motion.”
The Conversation About Body Image
Both mother and daughter have openly discussed insecurities. Christie noted that the original photo made her worry about looking fat, a feeling many still share today. Sailor’s 2017 reflection highlights how the swimwear industry has shifted toward celebrating diverse bodies.
The juxtaposition of the 1977 cover and Sailor’s 2026 photos underscores how swimwear standards have evolved. While the 1977 bikini was considered daring for its high-leg cut, modern swimsuits are often designed with a focus on comfort and body positivity.
Legacy and Influence
Christie Brinkley’s 1977 Cosmopolitan cover remains a touchstone in fashion history, influencing designers and models for decades. Sailor’s recent Instagram post serves as a reminder that the legacy continues, inspiring new generations to embrace their bodies while honoring the past.
The post also highlights the role of social media in bridging eras. By sharing her photos, Sailor invites her followers to reflect on how beauty standards have changed and what that means for self-confidence today.
Key Takeaways
- Sailor Brinkley-Cook has recreated her mother’s iconic 1977 bikini look in a modern beach shoot.
- Christie Brinkley’s 1977 cover was groundbreaking for its high-leg cut and minimal retouching.
- Both mother and daughter have spoken openly about body image struggles and the importance of self-acceptance.
- The comparison between 1977 and 2026 shows a shift toward celebrating diverse body types in swimwear.
- Sailor’s post invites a broader conversation about legacy, fashion evolution, and body positivity.
The conversation sparked by Sailor Brinkley-Cook‘s Instagram carousel reminds us that fashion is not just about style-it’s also about how we see ourselves and each other.
