Olivia Ponton’s Earth-Toned Swimwear in Montenegro Is Outstanding

The two-time SI Swimsuit star traveled to the Balkan country for her 2022 rookie feature.

Cara O’Bleness | Mar 1, 2024

Olivia Ponton was photographed by James Macari in Montenegro.

James Macari/Sports Illustrated

For her rookie feature in the 2022 SI Swimsuit Issue, Olivia Ponton traveled to Montenegro, where the 21-year-old TikTok star posed for James Macari. The Florida native returned to the fold last year, when she was captured by Amanda Pratt in Dominica.

The styling on set for each was vastly different. While the swimsuits Ponton wore in the Balkan country were muted tones designed to pick up the burnt oranges, olive greens and browns of the model’s surroundings, her 2023 feature was inspired by futuristic fashion.

“Through being a part of Sports Illustrated, I have been able to shoot with amazing photographers, travel to really cool places, and be a part of a really special community of women. I first started working with them when I was 18-years-old through TikTok, so I feel extremely honored that I was the first woman who they tapped into from that world,” Ponton told Galore late last year of working with the brand. “At that young of age, it gave me the confidence boost to chase what I wanted and that is really what catapulted the start of my career. Shooting with their team has given me the confidence to chase my dreams. I am so thankful to be a part of the Sports Illustrated family.”

We feel the same way! While both of the model’s brand features were equally stunning, today we’re throwing it back to a few of our favorite snaps from Ponton’s rookie photo shoot in Montenegro, courtesy of Macari.

Olivia Ponton was photographed by James Macari in Montenegro. Swimsuit by Navy Ray. Earrings by SOKO. Sunglasses by Poppy Lissiman.

Olivia Ponton was photographed by James Macari in Montenegro. Swimsuit by JADE Swim. Earrings by SOKO.

Olivia Ponton was photographed by James Macari in Montenegro. Swimsuit by Andi Bagus. Hat by Gladys Tamez Millinery. Bracelets by SOKO and New York Vintage.

Olivia Ponton was photographed by James Macari in Montenegro. Swimsuit by JADE Swim. Earrings by SOKO.

Olivia Ponton was photographed by James Macari in Montenegro. Swimsuit by Akoia Swim. Top by Savannah Morrow. Earrings by Michelle Ross.

Published Mar 1, 2024

CARA O’BLENESS

Cara is a trending news writer/editor for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit. A passionate writer and editor with more than 10 years of experience in print and online media, she loves storytelling and believes that words have the power to change the world. Prior to joining the team, Cara worked as a writer and editor across a number of content verticals, including food, lifestyle, health and wellness, and small business and entrepreneurship. In her free time, Cara loves reading, spending time with her family and making her way through Michigan’s many microbreweries. She is a graduate of Michigan State University's School of Journalism.