The 25-year-old has all but taken root in the big-selling edition, having blossomed on the cover three times.
However it is model Danielle Herrington, 24, who has grown into the role this year, becoming the third black cover girl after Tyra Banks and Beyonce.
Kate flashed her leg as well as her impressive cleavage in a stunning gown in New York yesterday.
The 25-year-old model was the envy of the Sports Illustrated party in Moxy, Times Square, as she showed off her exquisite cuʀvᴇs.
She went for an Angelina Jolie-style leg reveal as she revealed her super-toned leg through the thigh high split in her dress.
The flirty outfit featured cut-outs which flashed some skin as she arrived at the event.
She certainly made a statement in the outfit, which was sleeveless on one side.
Meanwhile supermodel Tyra Banks added plenty of drama with her ʀᴇvᴇᴀʟιɴԍ outfit.
The America’s Next Top Model legend looked chic and stylish in her down as she arrived on the red carpet.
Haliey Clauson also looked phenomenal in a тιԍнт white dress that showed off her sporty frame.
She did her best to avoid a boob malfunction on arrival too by arranging her dress before she went into the party.
Olivia Culpo ramped up the glam in her white number with a ruffled sleeve.
The mini dress revealed her incredibly toned legs as she worked the cameras.