Camille Kostek Truly Earned Her Cover Girl Moment With These 6 Photos From Australia

The six-time SI Swimsuit model was featured on the front of the 2019 issue following her photoshoot in Kangaroo Island.

Ananya Panchal | Dec 25, 2023

Camille Kostek was photographed by Josie Clough on Kangaroo Island, South Australia.

Josie Clough/Sports Illustrated

Camille Kostek landed on the cover of the 2019 SI Swimsuit Issue as a rookie—becoming the first Swim Search co-winner to do so—following her photoshoot with Josie Clough in Kangaroo Island, Australia.

That year, the photographer became the first woman (alongside Laretta Houston, who photographed Tyra Banks in the Bahamas) to snap a photo that would appear on the front of the publication.

The six-time brand model, who was discovered through the open casting call in 2018, believes she truly manifested her cover girl moment by believing in herself, never giving up and printing out Kate Upton’s gorgeous 2017 cover snap and hanging it above her bed.

“The cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, that photo put me on the map internationally in 2019,” the 31-year-old recalled while on location in the Dominican Republic earlier this year. “It literally changed my life. Whenever I’m feeling lost or looking for a new direction or not sure where I’m going to go next in life, that photo [is a] reminder of all the things I had to get through personally to be in a space where I could glow and be recognized.”

The Connecticut native, who is also a television host and jewelry and swimwear designer, has also traveled to Belize, Hollywood, Fla., and St. Croix with the brand.

Today, Kostek is the queen of #nevernotdancing and uses her platform to give back to her community through philanthropy. She inspires young girls and women to chase their dreams and love themselves at every stage of life.

Below are six stunning photos from her 2019 SI Swimsuit Issue cover photoshoot in Australia.

Camille Kostek was photographed by Josie Clough on Kangaroo Island, South Australia. Swimsuit by Haus Of PinkLemonaid

Camille Kostek was photographed by Josie Clough on Kangaroo Island, South Australia. Swimsuit by Are You Am I.

Camille Kostek was photographed by Josie Clough on Kangaroo Island, South Australia. Swimsuit by Andi Bagus.

Camille Kostek was photographed by Josie Clough on Kangaroo Island, South Australia. Swimsuit by MESHKI.

Camille Kostek was photographed by Josie Clough on Kangaroo Island, South Australia. Swimsuit by Monica Hansen Beachwear.

Camille Kostek was photographed by Josie Clough on Kangaroo Island, South Australia. Swimsuit by MESHKI.

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Published Dec 25, 2023

ANANYA PANCHAL

Ananya Panchal is a writer on the Lifestyle and Trending News team for SI Swimsuit. Before joining SI Swimsuit in 2022, she worked at Bustle, the San Francisco Chronicle and the TODAY Show. When she is not writing or doom-scrolling on social media, Panchal can be found playing sudoku, rewatching One Tree Hill or trying new restaurants. She's also a coffee and chocolate (separately) enthusiast. Panchal has a bachelor’s in communications and journalism from Boston University.