Swimsuit

6 Incredible Photos and Some Inspiring Words From Madisin Rian’s Trip to the Dominican Republic

You might recognize the 2023 SI Swimsuit rookie as the face of Giorgio Armani Beauty.

Martha Zaytoun

Madisin Rian poses in front of the ocean in a black onesie swimsuit and oversized gold earrings.

Madisin Rian was photographed by James Macari in the Dominican Republic.

Each year, one of the best parts of the annual SI Swimsuit Issue is the opportunity to get to know the outstanding talent that graces the pages of the magazine. Though they all have proven themselves skilled in front of a camera lens, every year they leave us in awe of their impressive and touching passions beyond their modeling careers. Not only do they work hard, but they have a lot to say about their convictions.

The same was certainly true about 2023 rookie Madisin Rian, a well-known face of Giorgio Armani Beauty. Her résumé includes appearances on several luxury runways and in countless fashion campaigns. She put her talent on display during her trip to the Dominican Republic with photographer James Macari.

For Rian, a significant part of her role as a model, and particularly in recent years, has been to change the narrative surrounding beauty and expectations. She chose to shave her head in 2017 in order to free herself “of all limitations” in a society that judges Black women “a lot by their hair,” she said on set.

But, more than that, she wanted to make the case that “as a woman, you don’t need hair to be beautiful. Beauty is not defined just by the length of your hair, the texture of your hair, or makeup or anything,” she expressed. According to Rian, “Who you show up as is just enough.”

She proved as much when she took to the beaches of the Dominican Republic this past year. Here are a few of our favorites from the trip.

Madisin Rian poses in an orange bikini on an orange lounge chair in the shallow water.

Madisin Rian was photographed by James Macari in the Dominican Republic. Swimsuit by Gonza. Earrings by Alexis Bittar.

Madisin Rian crouches on the sand in a black onesie and oversized gold earrings.

Madisin Rian was photographed by James Macari in the Dominican Republic. Swimsuit by Gottex provided by Brent Edward Vintage. Earrings by Christian Lacroix provided by New York Vintage.

Madisin Rian sits in the shallow water in a blue one-shoulder bikini and high-waisted bottoms.

Madisin Rian was photographed by James Macari in the Dominican Republic. Swimsuit by GOD SAVE QUEENS.

Madisin Rian leans against a wooden railing above a natural pool.

Madisin Rian was photographed by James Macari in the Dominican Republic. Swimsuit by Cleonie Swim.

Madisin Rian stands in the shallow water in a stringy pink bikini set.

Madisin Rian was photographed by James Macari in the Dominican Republic. Swimsuit by Monica Hansen Beachwear. Earrings by Lele Sadoughi.

Madisin Rian stands on the rocks edging a natural pool in a pink sequined bikini.

Madisin Rian was photographed by James Macari in the Dominican Republic. Swimsuit by HAUS OF PINKLEMONAID.

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Martha Zaytoun
MARTHA ZAYTOUN

Martha Zaytoun is a writer on the Lifestyle and Trending News team for SI Swimsuit. Before joining SI Swimsuit in 2023, she worked on the editorial board of the University of Notre Dame’s student magazine and on the editorial team at Chapel Hill, Durham and Chatham Magazines in North Carolina. When not working, Zaytoun loves to watercolor and oil paint, run and water ski. She is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame and a huge Fighting Irish fan.

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