Cindy Kimberly Wore the Cutest Red and White Crochet Two-Piece in Barbados

The one-time SI Swimsuit model and content creator posed for Ben Watts for the 2022 issue.
Cindy Kimberly was photographed by Ben Watts in Barbados.
Cindy Kimberly was photographed by Ben Watts in Barbados. / Ben Watts/Sports Illustrated

Cindy Kimberly’s SI Swimsuit photo shoot was full of colorful styles, crochet material and cool Y2K vibes. The model, who traveled to Barbados for the 2022 issue, worked with photographer Ben Watts and showed off her flawless, sculpted, hourglass figure and impeccable posing skills.

“Being [in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit] has been on my bucket list for a very long time, but it was one of those far-fetched goals that I put on the bottom of it and hope that it happens,” the content creator shared in an interview after her debut. She noted that her fitting the night before the photo shoot was so “special” because she felt like each look was carefully curated for her.

As a result, the LOBA clothing brand founder’s images are truly magical. The 25-year-old’s radiance, happiness and confidence are all palpable, especially in this sunning and trendy red and white crochet suit.

Donna Top Craie, €82 and Donna Bottom Craie, €80 (baindeminuitswim.com)

Cindy Kimberly was photographed by Ben Watts in Barbados. Swimsuit by Bain de Minuit. Earrings by En Route Jewelry.
Cindy Kimberly was photographed by Ben Watts in Barbados. Swimsuit by Bain de Minuit. Earrings by En Route Jewelry. / Ben Watts/Sports Illustrated

This string set includes a triangle top with wrap-around straps and cheeky tie-side bottoms. Both pieces are crafted with the cutest cherry red O-ring detail and are made of a scrunchy crochet material featuring UPF 50+ protection.

“Usually, when you do a shoot, you don’t get to pick everything that you want and it can feel as if they want to fit you into a mold, but this time, I feel like this shoot was a mold being made for me, which is something I haven’t really felt before,” Kimberly continued. “ ... I think when you’re shooting for swim or modeling in general, it can be a very vulnerable environment. Everyone was making me feel so confident and safe, which really allowed me to be myself and have fun.”

Cindy Kimberly
Cindy Kimberly was photographed by Ben Watts in Barbados. Swimsuit by Bain de Minuit. Earrings by En Route Jewelry. / Ben Watts/Sports Illustrated

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Ananya Panchal
ANANYA PANCHAL

Ananya Panchal is a writer on the Lifestyle and Trending News team for SI Swimsuit, where she covers fashion, beauty, pop culture and the internet’s favorite personalities and trends. She joined the brand in 2022 after roles at Bustle, the San Francisco Chronicle and the TODAY Show. Panchal loves to write about fashion in all its forms—from standout runway moments and evolving street style to the best accessories to elevate each season’s wardrobe (she rarely goes anywhere without a stack of jewelry and a coffee in hand). A self-proclaimed beauty fanatic, she’s always on the hunt for must-have products and loves breaking down viral trends. Her favorite series at the moment is spotlighting female founders and the stories behind the brands they’ve built—especially those shaping the future of fashion, wellness and tech. She is based between New York City and San Francisco and, when she’s not writing, can be found rewatching One Tree Hill, playing sudoku, trying new restaurants or ranking her favorite Disney Channel Original Movies. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communications and journalism with a minor in criminal justice from Boston University.