2023 Cover Model Brooks Nader Is a Barbie Girl in These 6 Photos From the Dominican Republic

The Swim Search open casting call alumna has been featured in five consecutive SI Swimsuit Issues.

Ananya Panchal | Nov 14, 2023

Brooks Nader was photographed by James Macari in the Dominican Republic.

James Macari/Sports Illustrated

SI Swimsuit star Brooks Nader put in the work to earn her Baywatch-inspired cover of this year’s magazine. The model, who was discovered through (and won!) the Swim Search open casting call in 2019, has returned to the magazine every year since her debut in Paradise Island. She’s traveled everywhere from Bali to Hollywood, Calif., and Montenegro with the brand.

The Baton Rouge native and New York City resident, who has three younger sisters, was photographed by James Macari in the Dominican Republic this year in a series of fun, flirty and colorful Barbiecore bikinis and one-pieces.

“I’ve dealt with rejection a million times over and I know I will again in my life forever. I feel like empowerment to me is just dealing with the rejection, moving on, [and] keeping a positive attitude about it,” Nader candidly explained about her modeling career. “And then it’s so much more worth it and empowering when you get the final ‘yes.’”

Editor in chief MJ Day has watched Nader grow over the past five years, and noted that the DIBS Beauty investor truly earned her cover girl moment.

“Brooks, you have come from our Swim Search world and you have stuck with us and you have hustled and you have worked so hard. You have represented this brand with every ounce of your soul,” Day said. “These women take a lot of the world’s weight on their shoulders when they choose to do this and when they end up on the cover. They’re not only beautiful and brilliant, but they’re also very brave.”

Below are six of our favorite photos from Nader’s 2023 cover photoshoot.

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Brooks Nader was photographed by James Macari in the Dominican Republic. Swimsuit by GIGI C.

Brooks Nader was photographed by James Macari in the Dominican Republic. Swimsuit by BANANHOT. Earrings by Cult Gaia.

Brooks Nader was photographed by James Macari in the Dominican Republic. Swimsuit by Andi Bagus.

Brooks Nader was photographed by James Macari in the Dominican Republic. Swimsuit by Monica Hansen Beachwear. Earrings from model’s own collection.

Brooks Nader was photographed by James Macari in the Dominican Republic. Swimsuit by It’s Now Cool. Earrings, necklaces, bracelets and ring by Gorjana.

Brooks Nader was photographed by James Macari in the Dominican Republic. Swimsuit by SAME.

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Published Nov 14, 2023

ANANYA PANCHAL

Ananya Panchal is a writer on the Lifestyle and Trending News team for SI Swimsuit. Before joining SI Swimsuit in 2022, she worked at Bustle, the San Francisco Chronicle and the TODAY Show. When she is not writing or doom-scrolling on social media, Panchal can be found playing sudoku, rewatching One Tree Hill or trying new restaurants. She's also a coffee and chocolate (separately) enthusiast. Panchal has a bachelor’s in communications and journalism from Boston University.