Swimsuit

Christen Harper on Surreal Feeling Modeling Her Own Designs in 2023 SI Swimsuit Issue

The reigning co-Rookie of the Year was photographed by Amanda Pratt in Dominica.

Ananya Panchal

Christen Harper was photographed by Amanda Pratt in Dominica. Swimsuit by Monica Hansen Beachwear. Bracelet by Eklexic Jewelry.

Christen Harper was photographed by Amanda Pratt in Dominica. Swimsuit by Monica Hansen Beachwear. Bracelet by Eklexic Jewelry.

Christen Harper’s 2023 SI Swimsuit experience was one to remember. The three-time brand model, who was named co-winner of the Swim Search in 2021 and earned co-Rookie of the Year honors in ’22 (both alongside BFF Katie Austin), was photographed by Amanda Pratt in Dominica for her most recent feature.

“The location was stunning. I had never even heard of Dominica [before my photo shoot]. It was just so jungly and green and lush and beautiful. It’s one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been,” she told SI Swimsuit during launch week events in Florida. “And we got to go under a waterfall which was really cool. It kind of made the whole shoot a little more moody. Every year has its own magic that keeps it exciting and fresh.”

View Christen Harper‘s full 2023 SI Swimsuit gallery here.

Christen Harper was photographed by Amanda Pratt in Dominica. Swimsuit by Elizabeth & Christen x B Swim. Earrings by Alexis Bittar.

The best part about Harper’s photo shoot, however, was getting to wear bikinis she designed in partnership with Elizabeth Turner and her brand, B Swim.

“We started [the collaboration] almost a year ago, probably right before last year’s issue came out. It’s just such a long process, and there’s so much time and effort and love that goes into it,” the 30-year-old shares. “So then to get the opportunity to wear it in the magazine is just like so insane. It was just a such a cool full-circle [moment]. I’ve worn a million bikinis in my life, but I’ve never worn my own.”

Shop the full B Swim x Elizabeth & Christen collection here.

Harper, who is engaged to Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff, adds that reuniting with fellow models and the SI Swimsuit team at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino - Hollywood, Fla., was super fun and long overdue.

“It’s been a whirlwind,” she says. “Being here with everybody and just getting to celebrate and literally open our magazine for the first time—it’s a crazy feeling. It just feels like you’re coming home.”

Christen Harper was photographed by Amanda Pratt in Dominica. Swimsuit by Elizabeth & Christen x B Swim. Earrings by Alexis Bittar.

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Ananya Panchal
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.

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