SI Swim Model Camille Kostek Looked Like a Goddess in St. Croix

The six-time brand star served ultimate dreamy summer vibes during her 2022 photo shoot.

Ananya Panchal | May 3, 2024

Camille Kostek was photographed by Derek Kettela in St. Croix. / Derek Kettela/Sports Illustrated

Six-time SI Swimsuit model Camille Kostek is a true brand legend. The Connecticut native, who was discovered through the open casting call in 2018 and has starred in every issue since, landed on the front of the 2019 issue as a rookie—becoming the first ever Swim Search alumna to become a cover girl.

The 33-year-old has traveled everywhere from St. Croix and Kangaroo Island, Australia to the Dominican Republic and Belize with the brand, and made so many lifelong memories along the way.

“It really was like stepping into a storybook,” the jewelry and swimwear designer recalled of her sophomore brand photo shoot. “It was the most euphoric day of my life, and that photo shoot ended up being my first ever cover for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, and one of the best years of my life.”

Kostek, who is the front page star of Maxim’s May/June issue this year, added that her SI Swimsuit cover really catapulted her modeling career.

“That photo put me on the map internationally in 2019. It literally changed my life,” she gushed. “Whenever I’m feeling lost or looking for a new direction or not sure where I’m going to go next in life, that photo [is a] reminder of all the things I had to get through personally to be in a space where I could glow and be recognized.”

Today, the Free Guy actress is an avid social media influencer. She uses her platform to share lifestyle and beauty hacks and encourage women to be confident.

Below are six dreamy photos from her 2022 SI Swimsuit Issue feature with photographer Derek Kettela in St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The TV host donned the most beautiful, neutral bikinis and cute satin, crochet and chiffon cover-ups for a perfect, elegant and summery feature.

Camille Kostek was photographed by Derek Kettela in St. Croix. Swimsuit by White Shore Swim. Top by Cult Gaia. / Derek Kettela/Sports Illustrated

Camille Kostek was photographed by Derek Kettela in St. Croix. Swimsuit by SXA. Top by Rumours. / Derek Kettela/Sports Illustrated

Camille Kostek was photographed by Derek Kettela in St. Croix. Swimsuit by Akoia Swim. Necklaces by Camille Collection by Dune Jewelry. / Derek Kettela/Sports Illustrated

Camille Kostek was photographed by Derek Kettela in St. Croix. Swimsuit by Ola Vida. Sarong by Natalia Fedner. / Derek Kettela/Sports Illustrated

Camille Kostek was photographed by Derek Kettela in St. Croix. Swimsuit by Ola Vida. / Derek Kettela/Sports Illustrated

Camille Kostek was photographed by Derek Kettela in St. Croix. Swimsuit by Ola Vida. / Camille Kostek

Published May 3, 2024

ANANYA PANCHAL

Ananya Panchal is a writer on the Lifestyle and Trending News team for SI Swimsuit, where she covers fashion, beauty, pop culture and the internet’s favorite personalities and trends. She joined the brand in 2022 after roles at Bustle, the San Francisco Chronicle and the TODAY Show. Panchal loves to write about fashion in all its forms—from standout runway moments and evolving street style to the best accessories to elevate each season’s wardrobe (she rarely goes anywhere without a stack of jewelry and a coffee in hand). A self-proclaimed beauty fanatic, she’s always on the hunt for must-have products and loves breaking down viral trends. Her favorite series at the moment is spotlighting female founders and the stories behind the brands they’ve built—especially those shaping the future of fashion, wellness and tech. She is based between New York City and San Francisco and, when she’s not writing, can be found rewatching One Tree Hill, playing sudoku, trying new restaurants or ranking her favorite Disney Channel Original Movies. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communications and journalism with a minor in criminal justice from Boston University.