7 Marvelous Photos of Madisin Rian in the Dominican Republic

The model traveled to the Caribbean island for her rookie year photo shoot.

Bianca Alvarez | May 23, 2023

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

James Macari/Sports Illustrated

Madisin Rian has graced the cover of numerous global beauty and fashion campaigns but her latest pursuit is being one of SI Swimsuit’s 2023 rookies. The model is now amplifying her message to others with the look she has donned since 2017.

“I just woke up one day and I just buzzed it off,” Rian told SI. “I did that because I just wanted to be free.”

View Madisin Rian’s entire 2023 gallery here.

Although she is a rookie this year, Rian is no veteran to the industry. After being discovered in 2008, she has broken down barriers for others, including herself. The most liberating thing for her was when she decided to shave her head.

“What I’m doing is definitely, in my opinion, making a statement and changing a narrative for just women in general, but especially Black women in fashion,” Rian said. “To have this platform to also be the face of Armani Beauty, it’s like a duty. It’s a responsibility for me to represent for so many women out there that feel the same way and to free them of judgment or any pressure that anyone may have on them.”

After realizing the pressure society has on women, more specifically black women and their hair, Rian was ready to free herself from limitations and change the narrative. Now she is using her platform to represent and empower others by showing them that beauty does not define who they are.

“Beauty is not defined just by the length of your hair, the texture of your hair, or makeup or anything,” Rian said. “Who you show up as is just enough.”

To celebrate the release of the 2023 SI Swimsuit Issue, below are seven of our favorite images from her 2023 rookie photo shoot in the Dominican Republic.

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

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.