Jennifer Atilemile Talks Rookie Experience in 2023 SI Swimsuit Issue

The Australian-French model was photographed in Puerto Rico for this year’s magazine.

Jennifer Atilémile was photographed by Derek Kettela in Puerto Rico.Derek Kettela/Sports Illustrated

Jennifer Atilémile traveled to Puerto Rico with photographer Derek Kettela for her rookie feature in the 2023 SI Swimsuit Issue, where the styling on location was inspired by denim. The Australian-French model donned swimsuits in a blue jean motif, from string bikinis to strapless one-pieces and more.

After walking the red carpet at the publication’s premiere event in New York City on May 18, Atilémile celebrated her 32nd birthday the following day. She and fellow magazine stars traveled from New York to Florida for more launch events with the SI Swimsuit team. We caught up with Atilémile during the fun-filled festivities at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino - Hollywood, Fla., to talk all about her first-ever photo shoot with the brand.

Although she admits that getting in the water in denim swimwear presented a few challenges, Atilémile calls her time on location with the SI Swimsuit team “so fun.”

Jennifer Atilémile was photographed by Derek Kettela in Puerto Rico. Swimsuit by Denimcratic.

Derek Kettela/Sports Illustrated

View Jennifer Atilémile’s full 2023 SI Swimsuit gallery here.

“The entire team was so supportive. Every single look I stepped out in, they were just like, ‘Wow, you look amazing.’ When we got the shot, they were like, ‘Wow,’” Atilémile said. “It was just nothing but love and support and really made me feel the most confident in my body and in my suit in a way.”

Atilémile notes that her very favorite look from her photo shoot was a tiny denim bikini by Denimcratic, which was gifted to her at the end of the day.

“It was so tiny that it barely covered anything,” she admits. “But as MJ [Day, editor in chief] says, the smaller bikini, the hotter your body.”

Jennifer Atilémile was photographed by Derek Kettela in Puerto Rico. Swimsuit by Denimcratic.

Derek Kettela/Sports Illustrated

As for the other 27 women featured in the SI Swimsuit Issue this year, Atilémile has nothing but love for her fellow models.

“The only words [to describe my rookie year] are ‘so fun,’ but also it’s just been an incredible experience that I’m literally in a room with some beautiful [individuals]. I can say beautiful, but like beautiful doesn’t even sum up these women,” Atilémile said. “Like they are so genuine. They’re amazing women, and they’re so successful in their own industries. And we’re all doing this together, and it’s just been a really beautiful experience.”

Make sure to follow SI Swimsuit on YouTube!