Swimsuit

Kirby Griffin’s Magnificent Photoshoot in Zambia Featured Lots of Fun Colors and Prints

The 2012 SI Swimsuit model and actress was captured by Derek Kettela.

Ananya Panchal

Kirby Griffin

Kirby Griffin was photographed by Derek Kettela in Livingstone, Zambia.

Years ago, Kirby Griffin began her spring break like every other University of Wisconsin college student: on a beach vacation. But, her entire career changed in the middle of that week in Miami, when she was scouted and decided to pursue high-fashion modeling. The Georgia native splits her time between Los Angeles and New York City and even spends chunks of time in Europe for various gigs.

The 31-year-old made her SI Swimsuit debut as a rookie in 2012, when she traveled to Livingstone, Zambia, and was photographed by Derek Kettela. The former Victoria’s Secret model has previously signed with IMG Models and is now represented by Photogenics, a Los Angeles-based agency.

“Resting in Gratitude,” reads Griffin’s Instagram bio. “As real as they come 👩🏾‍🌾🐒🙏🏾🍄.”

In addition to modeling, Griffin also served a short stint as an actress. She has appeared in small roles, like 2019’s Perfect and 2021’s Dying to Marry Him. She also guest starred in the FOX series House and on the Nickelodeon program Henry Danger.

During her 2012 SI Swimsuit photoshoot, Griffin rocked tons of neon colors and several funky prints, including a giraffe pattern, rainbow-colored fringe, zebra stripes, intricate florals, triangle shapes, cheetah print, leopard spots, snakeskin and more. She even posed in front of zebras and giraffes and against magnificent mountain, lush greenery, waterfalls, sand and nature backdrops while on location.

Below are five of our favorite looks from her photoshoot with Derek Kettela in Livingstone, Zambia.

Kirby Griffin
Kirby Griffin
Kirby Griffin
Kirby Griffin
Kirby Griffin

Now through Nov. 1, 100% of SI Swimsuit’s portion of proceeds from cover prints purchased here will be donated to the Maui Strong Fund, which is helping to support the people and places of Maui affected by the recent wildfires.

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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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