Drama on Sports Illustrated’s Runway?
All eyes were eagerly fixed on Sports Illustrated Swimsuit's "Miami Swim Week" runway show on Saturday night. This year's event was a unique spectacle, marking the long-awaited reunion of two of TikTok's biggest stars, Alix Earle and Xandra Pohl. Once inseparable best friends, they had risen to instant fame after sharing their captivating stories and adventures with their friends at the University of Miami. Their bond was so strong that even after their May 2023 graduation, they continued their adventures, captivating their fans across Europe.
Alix and Xandra (@xandrapohl/Insta)
After their graduation trip, fans noticed a distance between Alix and Xandra. Some attributed this to the adjustment to life after college. Despite neither woman addressing their separation directly, Alix hinted at it on her podcast, Hot Mess with Alix Earle, in an episode titled "Friendship Breakups." Following this episode, fans began speculating that more than just readjusting led to their "breakup." Xandra also alluded to something deeper during an appearance on Barstool Sports' Chicks in the Office podcast.
Alix and Xandra (@xandrapohl/Insta)
The duo had not been photographed or spotted together for almost a year until Saturday night. Thanks to Sports Illustrated, fans got a mini-reunion. In April 2023, it was announced that Xandra was a rookie for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit's 60th Anniversary edition. This announcement came just a year after Xandra was first introduced to the SI family when she DJed last year's runway show. Xandra shared her excitement with fans the morning of the announcement in a TikTok, where she discussed how long she has dreamed of this moment.
From the moment Xandra was announced on April 24 to the day Alix was unveiled as Sports Illustrated's first-ever digital cover star on Friday, May 31, the excitement was palpable. Fans flooded Alix's Instagram with comments about Xandra, and creators began sharing their thoughts on TikTok. The SI Swimsuit family, including Katie Austin, Kamie Crawford, Hunter McGrady, and editor-in-chief MJ Day, welcomed Alix, but there was silence from Xandra. The timing couldn't have been more perfect for Sports Illustrated, as their runway show was the next day. Speculation was buzzing about when Xandra and Alix would see each other again.
Alix and her sisters (Getty Images)
On Saturday night, the show started with Alix Earle. Sports Illustrated posted on Instagram about Camille Kostek, Rob Gronkowski's partner, giving Alix advice for the perfect opening poses. The show went flawlessly. Both Alix and Xandra looked confident, happy, and gorgeous. At one point, Alix appeared with her sisters Ashtin, Penelope, and Izabel. Alix's adorable siblings, who have made multiple appearances in her TikToks and on her podcast, quickly captured the audience's hearts. The end of the show featured a sweet interaction between Alix and Xandra. Although there are no individual pictures of the two, a heartwarming moment was captured when Xandra helped one of Alix's younger sisters off the stage. The Earle Sisters stood next to Xandra in the big family photo.
@si_swimsuit/Insta
Alix's love of sports goes beyond the glitz and glam of Sports Illustrated. Her boyfriend, Braxton Berrios, is a wide receiver for the Miami Dolphins. The pair were first spotted in May 2023 and have been inseparable ever since. Before confirming the relationship, Alix kept fans hooked by referring to Braxton as "NFL man" in all her videos. Even after the two went public, Alix continued to sport jerseys and game-day apparel with Braxton's nickname on them. Braxton often appears in Alix's TikToks, helping her pick out clothes and providing comedic relief. They are truly one of the most adorable couples in sports right now. If you don't believe me, head to Braxton's Instagram and look at his post for Alix's birthday (warning: you may need tissues)!
Alix and Braxton (@alixearle/Insta)
Xandra may be joining Alix as the newest member of the WAGS club. Although nothing has been confirmed, the DJ has been linked to Louis Rees-Zamm of the Kansas City Chiefs. The pair have been seen together multiple times since the beginning of May. However, Xandra shared that she is “in her single era, but saying yes to dates.” She also hinted at attending a couple of Chiefs games in the upcoming season. Perhaps we will see a new face in Taylor Swift’s girl squad next season! It seems karma is more than just one guy on the Chiefs. This rumored WAG connection might also be the key to mending the relationship between Alix and Xandra.
Xandra and Louis at World’s of Fun Kansas City, May 2024 (@worldsoffun/Insta)
Alix and Xandra's ability to set aside any bad blood between them this weekend is a testament to the fact that friendships don't always end dramatically. Sometimes, we simply grow apart from those we were once close to. It's also a reminder to support other women and appreciate the careers each woman has built for herself. Alix has taken the world by storm, with seemingly every brand vying to collaborate with her. Xandra, on the other hand, has just announced her first official DJ tour. Most importantly, both women are living their dreams and proving that no goal is out of reach.