Duckie Thot Dazzled During Her Denim-Inspired SI Swim Photo Shoot in Puerto Rico

The model grew up admiring the brand’s stars—then she became one herself.

Martha Zaytoun | May 3, 2024

Duckie Thot was photographed by Derek Kettela in Puerto Rico / Derek Kettela/Sports Illustrated

When Duckie Thot made her SI Swimsuit debut in 2022, she hoped to use her platform to inspire others. Best known as the face of Fenty Beauty, it was her first experience with the SI Swimsuit brand, and she wanted to make the very best of it.

“Being a minority in any line of work should encourage people to create space for others that reflect their ethnic backgrounds,” Thot said at the time of her rookie feature. “I’m South Sudanese born and raised in Australia; this moment is rare for people like me. I’m grateful to represent both my home countries and represent Africa on a global scale. With my rookie status, I’m hoping to inspire young girls who look like me to see and know there is space for them, too.”

We may be biased, but we would argue that Thot has definitely made a mark in the fashion modeling space. At least, she certainly made an impression on us at SI Swimsuit. For that reason, the 28-year-old returned to the issue for a second consecutive feature in 2023. For her sophomore appearance, she traveled to Puerto Rico, where she posed for a denim-inspired photo shoot captured by Derek Kettela.

Growing up, Thot was “motivated and inspired” by the women featured in the pages of the annual issue. Getting the chance to follow in their footsteps not once, but twice was a dream come true. Both of her features are worth a second look, but today we’re throwing it back to her second SI Swimsuit appearance.

Here are some of our favorites from the trip.

Duckie Thot was photographed by Derek Kettela in Puerto Rico. Swimsuit by Angelys Balek. / Derek Kettela/Sports Illustrated

Duckie Thot was photographed by Derek Kettela in Puerto Rico. Swimsuit by belle the label. Jacket by The Frankie Shop. / Derek Kettela/Sports Illustrated

Duckie Thot was photographed by Derek Kettela in Puerto Rico. Swimsuit by Deep Blue Bikini Co. Necklace by JIA JIA. / Derek Kettela/Sports Illustrated

Duckie Thot was photographed by Derek Kettela in Puerto Rico. Swimsuit by Los Angeles Apparel. / Derek Kettela/Sports Illustrated

Published May 3, 2024

MARTHA ZAYTOUN

Martha Zaytoun is a writer on the Lifestyle and Trending News team for SI Swimsuit. Before joining SI Swimsuit in 2023, she worked on the editorial board of the University of Notre Dame’s student magazine and on the editorial team at Chapel Hill, Durham and Chatham Magazines in North Carolina. When not working, Zaytoun loves to watercolor and oil paint, run and water ski. She is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame and a huge Fighting Irish fan.