Olivia Culpo Shines in SI Swim 2021

The 2020 cover model has a drive to pursue her dreams like no other.


Olivia Culpo has already proved she’s capable of dominating anything she puts her mind to. The former pageant queen was crowned Miss USA and then Miss Universe in 2012 before becoming a reality TV star and one of the country’s most sought-after fashion influencers. The Rhode Island native -- who has a following of nearly five million fans on Instagram -- has used her platform to launch several fashion capsule collections with brands like Express, is the creative director of VIDE (a fruit flavored vodka soda) and co-owner of restaurants Back40 and UNION & MAIN. Last year, in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, she founded More Than A Mask, donating the proceeds of a line of fashion masks to Feeding America. Culpo, who made her Sports Illustrated Swimsuit debut in 2018, was featured on the 2020 issue cover. This beauty queen knows how to rule.

Olivia Culpo was photographed by Ben Watts in Hollywood, FL.

Olivia Culpo was photographed by Ben Watts in Hollywood, FL.

MJ Day: Why Olivia?

Olivia Culpo is a modern day multi hyphenate. Model, designer, restaurateur, philanthropist, actor, and most recently, returning SI Swimsuit cover model. Her drive and hard work towards reaching her goals are noteworthy and the example she sets in pursuing and accomplishing her dreams is something worth sharing and celebrating. It's easy to point to her beauty, but it's just as important to recognize the many other spaces that Olivia exists in and pursues.


Published
Jordi Lippe-McGraw

JORDI LIPPE-MCGRAW

Jordi Lippe-McGraw is a Contributing Editor for SI Swimsuit covering all things lifestyle from travel and beauty to entertainment and wellness. Over her nearly 15-year-long journalism career, her work has appeared in the New York Times, WSJ Magazine, Forbes, and more. Plus, she’s appeared on TV shows such as Wendy Williams, TODAY, E!, and MSNBC for her expertise. Jordi's personal passion for travel has brought her to over 50 countries on all 7 continents, including Antarctica at 5 months pregnant. She's also an avid penguin and truffle lover.