South African Model Lisa-Marie Jaftha Stunned in Colorful Bodypaint in Anguilla

The beauty was photographed by Josie Clough for the 2017 SI Swimsuit Issue.

Ananya Panchal | Nov 28, 2023

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

Josie Clough/Sports Illustrated

South African model Lisa-Marie Jaftha made a splash during her SI Swimsuit photoshoot in 2017. The Model Search alumna was photographed by Josie Clough in a breathtaking, colorful and unique bodypaint photoshoot with the help of talented artist Joanne Gair, who recreated a swimsuit inspired by brand Mia Marcelle Swimwear.

Jaftha, a native of Cape Town, South Africa, was captured in Anguilla for her magazine feature. She has since modeled for major brands including Gucci, Carolina Herrera and BCBG Max Azria. She recently made her New York Fashion Week runway debut and landed on her first billboard with Brown & Co Jewelry.

“I have achieved all that I wanted to, and I am so thankful to still be actively working in the modeling industry. Things are always unpredictable. We’re just human beings. There have been ups and downs, but I’ve been very fortunate and I’m just thankful for my agents and all the opportunities that have come my way,” she said. “Once you understand what your role is it’s easier to navigate. Sometimes days are very busy and long. You have to be a people person even if you’re not—no one wants a sulky person around. As a professional model I feel like many understand this is not about us: we’re here to help our clients achieve their brand and product goals.“

Jaftha is outspoken about cautioning young models to take their time and never compare their career path to anyone else’s.

“Be careful who you associate yourself with and take care of yourself,” she added. “You will make mistakes along the way, but do what you have to do to make things right and keep going.”

Below are a few of our favorite photos from her SI Swimsuit bodypaint feature.

Lisa-Marie Jaftha — Josie Clough/Sports Illustrated

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Published Nov 28, 2023

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.