Jasmine Sanders’s Puerto Rico Photos Prove Why Golden Barbie Is a Fitting Nickname

The five-time SI Swimsuit model and 2020 cover girl was captured by Ben Watts for her appearance in last year’s issue.

Ananya Panchal | Mar 12, 2024

Jasmine Sanders was photographed by Ben Watts in Puerto Rico.

Ben Watts/Sports Illustrated

SI Swimsuit model Jasmine Sanders made her epic debut with the brand in 2019, when she traveled to Costa Rica and wowed not only photographer James Macari, but also the rest of the team and earned the Rookie of the Year title. For her sophomore photo shoot, the 32-year-old was captured by Yu Tsai in Bali, and landed on the cover of that year’s magazine alongside Olivia Culpo and Kate Love.

The influencer, who first rose to fame on Tumblr, but has always stayed true to her first username on all platforms, @Goldenbarbie, has also posed for the magazine on the beaches of Tampa, Fla., Belize, and most recently, Puerto Rico.

The German-born model served the ultimate groovy, Malibu Barbie vibes last year, while she worked with visual artist Ben Watts and posed in stunning, colorful and flattering bikinis and one-pieces.

“I love these moments captured while shooting with the incredible @wattsupphoto! My confidence was on a million. I felt limitless. I had recently told my therapist, ‘I think this is the first time in my life that I truly love everything about myself. I can honestly say I LOVE ME!’ And it felt so good to celebrate just that,” she gushed on Instagram at the time. “Being able to love and embrace all that I am, around people that truly believe in me, and capture it all on camera. It felt damn good! I was no longer standing in my own way, no longer judging myself, and no longer trying to be something I wasn’t.. and it showed.”

Below are six stunning pics from her 2023 SI Swimsuit photo shoot in Puerto Rico.

Jasmine Sanders was photographed by Ben Watts in Puerto Rico. Swimsuit by Gooseberry Intimates. Shorts by American Apparel. Earrings by Eklexic Jewelry.

Jasmine Sanders was photographed by Ben Watts in Puerto Rico. Swimsuit by SHOP BALOU.

Jasmine Sanders was photographed by Ben Watts in Puerto Rico. Swimsuit by Andi Bagus. Necklaces by ByRoxStudio. Towel by Business & Pleasure Co.

Jasmine Sanders was photographed by Ben Watts in Puerto Rico. Swimsuit by Monica Hansen Beachwear. Necklace by Brinker + Eliza. Bracelets and ring by Jennifer Meyer.

Jasmine Sanders was photographed by Ben Watts in Puerto Rico. Swimsuit by Swim Like A Mermaid. Necklaces by ByRoxStudio.

Jasmine Sanders was photographed by Ben Watts in Puerto Rico. Swimsuit by Lauren Layne Swim. Top by Andi Bagus.

Published Mar 12, 2024

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.