Birthday Girl Ciara’s 6 Best SI Swim Photos in Barbados

The award-winning singer and 2022 SI Swimsuit Issue cover model turns 38 today.

Cara O’Bleness | Oct 24, 2023

Ciara was photographed by Ben Watts in Barbados.

Ben Watts/Sports Illustrated

Happy birthday, Ciara! The Grammy Award-winning artist turns 38 today, and in her honor, we’re throwing it back to the singer-songwriter’s 2022 SI Swimsuit cover photoshoot in Barbados.

The R&B superstar is also a soon-to-be mom of four and a successful entrepreneur. She and her husband, Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson, are cofounders of fashion brand The House of LR&C. The Texas native is also the cofounder of OAM, a line of luxury skincare products.

Ciara, who released her latest EP, CiCi, in August, called being on the cover of the 2022 SI Swimsuit Issue a “dream come true” and noted that one particular brand legend served as her inspiration.

“I remember the first time I saw Tyra Banks on Sports Illustrated and that was a big deal, especially being a Black woman, and at that time, a young Black girl,” Ciara told SI Swimsuit last year. “She was so powerful; she was a force. We all remember that iconic leopard swimsuit moment. There were just so many things about that issue and time that were really special and historic. It’s always been pretty significant in the entertainment space. It’s a big dream come true for me, and it was a special day when I got the call.”

Last year’s photoshoot in the Caribbean was styled by Kollin Carter, whom Ciara has worked with closely for years. She was photographed by Ben Watts in a number of incredible swimwear looks, from bold bikinis to strappy one-pieces. Below are a few of our favorites.

Ciara was photographed by Ben Watts in Barbados. Swimsuit by Calechie.

Ciara was photographed by Ben Watts in Barbados. Swimsuit by Mugler.

Ciara was photographed by Ben Watts in Barbados. Swimsuit by Baba Jagne. Harness by ANOESES.

Ciara was photographed by Ben Watts in Barbados. Swimsuit by LaQuan Smith.

Ciara was photographed by Ben Watts in Barbados. Swimsuit by Alon Livine. Cuff provided by New York Vintage.

Ciara was photographed by Ben Watts in Barbados. Romper by LaQuan Smith.

Now through Nov. 1, 100% of SI Swimsuit’s portion of proceeds from cover prints purchased here will be donated to the Maui Strong Fund, which is helping to support the people and places of Maui affected by the recent wildfires.

Shop Now and Make a Difference

Published Oct 24, 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.