Sports Illustrated Swimsuit

May 2026

For its latest destination editorial, Sports Illustrated Swimsuit heads to the breathtaking landscapes of Botswana, grounding the brand's quintessential high-fashion swimwear aesthetic in the raw, expansive beauty of the African savanna. The production, captured through the expert lens of photographer Ruven Afanador, masterfully bridges the gap between rugged adventure and luxury fashion. By utilizing natural light to cast a warm, golden-hour glow across the subjects, the imagery leans into a refined lifestyle aesthetic that prioritizes texture and atmosphere. The styling, curated by fashion editor Margot Zamet, deftly integrates earthy tones and intricate beaded details that harmonize with the wilderness backdrop, while hair stylist Chuckie Amos and makeup artist Tracy Murphy elevate the editorial portraits with meticulous attention to detail. Whether featuring Camille Kostek or Meredith Mickelson, the campaign avoids typical tropes, opting instead for a grounded, portrait-focused approach that highlights the human connection to the environment. The result is a series of cohesive, elevated compositions that trade artificial studio polish for the soft, diffused illumination of the savanna, positioning the swimwear line as both functional and inherently fashionable. By balancing editorial sensibilities with a sense of place, this project succeeds in capturing the intersection of adventurous spirit and sophisticated design, delivering a visual narrative that feels as authentic as it is aspirational within the global swimwear industry.

Lifestyle, Vertical

Natural light

Swimwear, Fashion