Last year the “barely there” bikini cover shot of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition caused a stir worldwide when it featured three unique covers, one of them being SI Swimsuit legend Tyra Banks. This year, Sports Illustrated raised the bar yet again… We’re thrilled to announce that the 2020 Sports Illustrated once again features the Dominican Republic!
Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition 2020 Halima Aden
The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2020 has four unique covers: one incredible triple shot featuring Kate Bock, Jasmine Sanders, and Olivia Culpo in addition to three more covers featuring each model individually. The magazine which hit the stands on July 21st features six first-time and returning models who came to the Dominican Republic in January 2020 for a nine-day photo and video shoot in the Samaná Peninsula.
In addition to a full day photoshoot, models Kelsey Merritt, Anna De Paula, Halima Aden, Josephine Skriver, Camille Kostek, and Anita Marshall had a dedicated day where they were able to experience a different aspect of culture and tourism in and around Samaná. Activities and excursions included learning to cook traditional Dominican cuisine, whale watching in Samaná Bay, zip-lining through the Samaná jungle, and surf lessons along the shores of Playa Bonita.
In 2016, Dominican Republic first welcomed Sports Illustrated Swimsuit to shoot an innovative virtual reality shoot in La Romana. On their website, they explain that Casa de Campo was the perfect spot for the innovative VIRTUAL REALITY SHOOT which is up for the FIRST TIME! The virtual reality videos showcase former cover models: Nina Agdal, Irina Shayk and Hannah Davis and are available on the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit app.
During their stay, models and crew enjoyed Casa de Campo’s Beach Club, Pubbelly Sushi, and SBG. The models also rode polo ponies, took a boat ride to Catalina Island, shopped for souvenirs in Altos de Chavón, and left quite a treat behind of their visit! Virtual reality videos require beauty in all directions, so what better place than Casa de Campo?!
This year on the final day, photographer Kate Powers, who was leading her first-ever SI Swimsuit shoot, and first-time model Anita Marshall, held an empowerment and photography workshop with the girls of the Politécnico Santo Esteban Rivera school. The sessions explored how to empower women through photography and use media to elevate female voices and perspectives. SI challenged more than 20 high school-aged girls to find beauty in themselves, each other and the world around them.
The 2020 issue hit the newsstands Tuesday, July 21. The Dominican Republic will be featured in the extensive photo and video content across SI’s online and social platforms, further driving awareness around the destination.
