We’re Still Thinking About Lisa-Marie Jaftha’s Idyllic SI Swim Debut in a Vibrant Painted One-Piece

The model made an impression during her 2017 photoshoot in Anguilla.

Lisa-Marie Jaftha was photographed by Josie Clough in Anguilla.Josie Clough/Sports Illustrated

South African model Lisa-Marie Jaftha officially joined the SI Swimsuit model family in 2017. That year, she took to the beaches of Anguilla, an island paradise in the Caribbean Sea, alongside photographer Josie Clough and a handful of other models.

There, she posed for a stunning series of photos in the bright blue waters wearing a swimsuit painted by Joanne Gair to resemble one by the wonderful Mia Marcelle Swimwear brand. She danced around the beautiful light sand beaches in the colorful and vibrant number, which was only outdone by her bubbly personality.

It’s one of those photoshoots that we just can’t quite get over—it was that stunning. And, as it turns out, neither can Jaftha, who took to Instagram in September of 2023 to reminisce on the moment.

“Throw back to the biggest highlight of my career as a model,” she wrote in the caption of the post. “I was green in every sense of the word! So many invaluable lessons learnt/ continue to be learnt along the way. Thankful for the opportunity even though I don’t believe I fully understood what it meant at the time. Thank you Si 🩷🩵💛💚🧡💜.”

Alongside the sweet words, the model shared a throwback photo from the bright day in Anguilla, which we have included below.

Needless to say, it was a glamorous photoshoot, and one that we—and Jaftha—won’t soon forget. While every single snapshot is worth seeing, we have gathered a few of our favorites below.

Josie Clough/Sports Illustrated

Josie Clough/Sports Illustrated

Josie Clough/Sports Illustrated

Josie Clough/Sports Illustrated

Make sure to follow SI Swimsuit on YouTube!