The Beautiful Madisin Rian Inspired on the Set of Her Tropical SI Swim Photoshoot

The model divulged why she chose to shave her head and shared her view of beauty.

Martha Zaytoun | Jan 1, 2024

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

James Macari/Sports Illustrated

On the beaches of the Dominican Republic, while posing for the 2023 SI Swimsuit Issue, Madisin Rian proved herself a force to be reckoned with in front of the camera.

During her photoshoot, she shared the story behind her shaved head, and inspired us all in the process. One day in 2017, she decided to buzz all of her hair off. “I did that because I wanted to be free,” she explained on set. “Within society I think that Black women are judged a lot by of their hair, and ... I just wanted to be free of all limitations.”

Rian felt the pressure of beauty norms and expectations, but chose to take her appearance into her own hands and decide for herself what made her feel most powerful and beautiful. By shaving her head, she hoped to “change the narrative that as a woman you ... need hair to be beautiful.”

According to the model, beauty has nothing to do with physical attributes. “Beauty is not defined just by the length of your hair, the texture of your hair, makeup or anything,” she explained. Rather, “who you show up as is just enough.”

Rian proved as much on the set of her tropical rookie photoshoot. Posing in a series of vibrant bikinis and one-pieces with grace and confidence, she showed that beauty is exactly what you make of it. Here are just a few of the wonderful photos from the trip.

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 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 Cleonie Swim.

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

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

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

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Published Jan 1, 2024

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.