Swimsuit

Danielle Herrington’s Cover Photo Shoot in the Bahamas Is Unforgettable

The five-time brand star landed on the front of the 2018 issue, just a year after her magazine debut.

Ananya Panchal

Danielle Herrington

Danielle Herrington was photographed by Ben Watts in the Bahamas.

Danielle Herrington landed on the cover of the 2018 SI Swimsuit Issue, just one year after her debut brand feature with Yu Tsai in Fiji. And, just when she thought things couldn’t get any more surreal, the model’s idol, brand legend Tyra Banks was the one to break the news to her. Watch the heartwarming moment here.

The 30-year-old, who has also traveled to Costa Rica, Wyoming and Hollywood, Fla., with the magazine, entered the industry at the age of 13, landing her first major gigs with Victoria’s Secret and GQ.

“Two of my role models are Tyra Banks and Beyoncé, so the fact that I get to join this incredible group of women as I become the third black model on the cover of SI Swimsuit is a dream come true,” Herrington gushed at the time of her exciting cover girl moment. “I am so excited to be part of this iconic brand that has long given identity and voice to women of all shapes, colors and beliefs. I hope that young girls who look at this cover are inspired to dream as big as I did and work hard to attain all their goals.”

The Compton, Calif., native moved to New York City when she was 21 to focus on modeling. She famously wore her hair in braids for her 2021 SI Swimsuit feature with James Macari, her first time doing so for a professional campaign.

“Being apart of a brand that celebrates diversity and inclusivity is really a game changer. Not only for me but for the young women who are looking up to us. SI is all about breaking barriers and self acceptance and it is so refreshing,” she wrote on Instagram after the 2020 magazine was released. “The biggest lesson I’ve learned being a part of SI is to embrace yourself for who you are, exactly how you are. They are normalizing all the differences wether it’s race, gender, size, religion, or disabilities, it’s all celebrated. That’s what I’m most proud of being apart of SI. Women uplifting other women. It’s so true to who I am and how I was raised.”

Below are seven of our favorite photos from Herrington’s 2018 cover photo shoot with Ben Watts in the Bahamas.

Danielle Herrington
Danielle Herrington
Danielle Herrington
Danielle Herrington
Danielle Herrington
Danielle Herrington
Danielle Herrington
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Ananya Panchal

ANANYA PANCHAL

Ananya Panchal is a NYC-based Lifestyle & Trending News writer at SI Swimsuit. Before joining the Swim team, the Boston University Alum worked for culture & entertainment beats at Bustle, The San Francisco Chronicle and the TODAY Show. When Ananya is not writing or doom-scrolling on social media, she can be found playing sudoku, rewatching One Tree Hill or trying new restaurants. She's also a coffee and chocolate (separately) enthusiast.