Birthday Girl Christen Harper Took Our Breath Away in Portugal

The four-time SI Swimsuit model, who turns 31 today, nailed her latest feature with Ben Watts.

Ananya Panchal | May 28, 2024

Christen Harper was photographed by Ben Watts in Portugal. / Ben Watts/Sports Illustrated

This year, Christen Harper returned to SI Swimsuit for her fourth photo shoot with the brand, and we’re just as amazed by her today as we were during her Atlantic City debut in 2021.

The Southern California native, who is passionate about living a healthy, plant-based lifestyle, was discovered through the Swim Search. She went on to co-win the open casting call, and was named co-Rookie of the Year in ’22, following a marvelous photo shoot with Ben Watts in Barbados.

The model, who turns 31 today, May 28, traveled to Dominica with photographer Amanda Pratt for last year’s issue. While there, she had the exciting and “surreal” opportunity to wear a bikini she designed in collaboration with B Swim founder Elizabeth Turner.

“Once upon a time, I looked at the images of Sports Illustrated and I saw all of these women that were confident and sure of themselves and that’s what I wanted to be,” Harper told SI Swimsuit. “I wanted to be here today to hopefully do that for another girl. It’s important for girls to feel confident.”

This year, Harper, who is engaged to Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff, traded in her beachside moments for the gorgeous landscapes and dreamy, rainy weather of Porto and the North, Portugal.

“Every year has its own magic that keeps it exciting and fresh,” she added of her work with the brand.

Below are some of our favorite photos from Harper’s SI Swimsuit photo shoot with Ben Watts in Portugal.

Christen Harper was photographed by Ben Watts in Portugal. Swimsuit by Minimale Animale. / Ben Watts/Sports Illustrated

Christen Harper was photographed by Ben Watts in Portugal. Swimsuit by Svn Swim. / Ben Watts/Sports Illustrated

Christen Harper was photographed by Ben Watts in Portugal. Swimsuit by Daughters of the Sun Swim. / Ben Watts/Sports Illustrated

Christen Harper was photographed by Ben Watts in Portugal. Swimsuit by Angelys Balek. / Ben Watts/Sports Illustrated

Christen Harper was photographed by Ben Watts in Portugal. Swimsuit by Selina Rae Swimwear. / Ben Watts/Sports Illustrated

Christen Harper was photographed by Ben Watts in Portugal. Swimsuit by ONIA. / Ben Watts/Sports Illustrated

Published May 28, 2024

ANANYA PANCHAL

Ananya Panchal is a writer on the Lifestyle and Trending News team for SI Swimsuit, where she covers fashion, beauty, pop culture and the internet’s favorite personalities and trends. She joined the brand in 2022 after roles at Bustle, the San Francisco Chronicle and the TODAY Show. Panchal loves to write about fashion in all its forms—from standout runway moments and evolving street style to the best accessories to elevate each season’s wardrobe (she rarely goes anywhere without a stack of jewelry and a coffee in hand). A self-proclaimed beauty fanatic, she’s always on the hunt for must-have products and loves breaking down viral trends. Her favorite series at the moment is spotlighting female founders and the stories behind the brands they’ve built—especially those shaping the future of fashion, wellness and tech. She is based between New York City and San Francisco and, when she’s not writing, can be found rewatching One Tree Hill, playing sudoku, trying new restaurants or ranking her favorite Disney Channel Original Movies. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communications and journalism with a minor in criminal justice from Boston University.