6 Powerful Black-and-White Photos of Australian Model Kate Wasley

The beauty was photographed twice for the 2018 SI Swimsuit Issue.

Cara O’Bleness | Nov 10, 2023

Kate Wasley was photographed by Taylor Ballantyne in a New York studio.

Taylor Ballantyne/Sports Illustrated

When Kate Wasley made her SI Swimsuit debut in 2018, the Australian model double-dipped with two incredible features. While the rookie participated in a typical beachside photoshoot in Aruba, she also was featured in a unique black-and-white photography project called “In Her Own Words,” which was captured in a New York studio.

Her Caribbean feature, which was photographed by Yu Tsai, featured sparkly bikinis and bold monokinis, while Wasley’s work with visual artist Taylor Ballantyne took on a different vibe and aesthetic entirely.

Rather than donning swimwear for the occasion, the 29-year-old posed nude with terms written across her body. Words like “quality” and “vulnerable” ran down her legs, while “strong” and “healthy” were displayed across her chest and stomach.

On TikTok, the model regularly does clothing hauls from various retailers so her followers can see what typical garments look like on a size 20 body. Wasley continues to work in the industry and uses her platform to promote size inclusivity and self-love, a notion she reflected upon during her time with the SI Swimsuit Issue five years ago.

“I want to see more plus-sized models in advertising, especially in main brands,” she noted at the time. “There’s a lot of progress, but there’s still only a few, mature brands using plus-sized models. I want to see it more in younger brands. I want to see the Australian market take it up as well. And I just want to keep inspiring women however I can.”

In honor of Wasley’s continued success, below are a few of our favorite photos from her powerful studio session.

Kate Wasley — Taylor Ballantyne/Sports Illustrated

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Published Nov 10, 2023

CARA O’BLENESS

Cara O’Bleness is a writer and editor on the Lifestyle and Trending News team for SI Swimsuit. Prior to joining SI Swimsuit in 2022, she worked as a writer and editor across a number of content verticals, including food, lifestyle, health and wellness, and small business and entrepreneurship. In her free time, O’Bleness loves reading, spending time with her family and making her way through Michigan’s many microbreweries. She is a graduate of Michigan State University’s School of Journalism.