5 Outstanding Photos From Duckie Thot’s SI Swim Debut in Montenegro

The South Sudanese-Australian beauty was photographed for the SI Swimsuit Issue in ’22 and returned to the fold this year.

Ananya Panchal | Nov 24, 2023

Duckie Thot was photographed by James Macari in Montenegro.

James Macari/Sports Illustrated

Two-time SI Swimsuit star Duckie Thot returned to the fold this year, traveling to Puerto Rico with photographer Derek Kettela for a series of stunning denim-on-denim looks. The South Sudanese-Australian model certainly made a splash with her magazine debut in Montenegro, when she was captured by James Macari in the Southeast European country last year.

“The best part has been working with the team in Montenegro—it was an absolute dream. Even though our time there was short, the location was more beautiful than I could have ever imagined,” Thot said of her rookie experience. “Sometimes shooting on set with a large crew can be pretty intimidating, especially if you’re filming alone but the entire team was highly supportive, which calmed my nerves. I’ll never forget that. Immediately, they made me feel comfortable during this experience that I had dreamed about for years. I’m South Sudanese born and raised in Australia; this moment is rare for people like me. I’m grateful to represent both my home countries and represent Africa on a global scale. With my rookie status, I’m hoping to inspire young girls who look like me to see and know there is space for them, too.”

Thot, who turned 28 last month, first rose to fame at the age of 17 when she appeared on the 2013 season of Australia’s Next Top Model. She moved to New York City to pursue a full-time career in the industry and walked the runway for the Yeezy spring/summer ’17 ready-to-wear collection.

The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show alumna is perhaps best known as the face of Fenty Beauty, and her work as a longtime global ambassador for L’Oreal Paris.

Below are five of our favorite photos from Thot’s SI Swimsuit debut.

Duckie Thot was photographed by James Macari in Montenegro. Bottom by OOKIOH. Top by AYA Label. Earrings by IPPOLITA.

Duckie Thot was photographed by James Macari in Montenegro. Swimsuit by HAUS OF PINKLEMONAID. Earrings by SOKO.

Duckie Thot was photographed by James Macari in Montenegro. Swimsuit by Tropic of C. Earrings by Free People. Bracelets provided by New York Vintage.

Duckie Thot was photographed by James Macari in Montenegro. Swimsuit by Nessy Swim. Bracelets provided by New York Vintage.

Duckie Thot was photographed by James Macari in Montenegro. Swimsuit by YSL provided by New York Vintage. Bracelet by IPPOLITA.

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Published Nov 24, 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.