Swimsuit

These 8 Photos of Kelsey Merritt in Florida Capture the Perfect Summer Vibe

The model posed for the SI Swimsuit Issue three years in a row.

Cara O’Bleness

Kelsey Merritt was photographed by Ben Watts in Hollywood, Fla.

Kelsey Merritt was photographed by Ben Watts in Hollywood, Fla.

Kelsey Merritt posed for the SI Swimsuit Issue three years in a row, starting with her rookie year in 2019, when she was photographed by Laretta Houston in the Bahamas. When she returned to the fold the following year, Merritt traveled to the Dominican Republic where she worked with visual artist Kate Powers. Her most recent magazine feature took place in ’21, and the Filipino-American model posed for Ben Watts in Hollywood., Fla.

In addition to SI Swimsuit, the 26-year-old is known for her work with Victoria’s Secret. She’s also collaborated with notable brands like Calvin Klein and Philipp Plein. Merritt previously told the magazine she’s proud to collaborate with a brand like SI Swimsuit that promotes beauty in its various forms while creating a safe space for younger women.

“I wish I would’ve seen that, because when I was younger, I would see all of these beautiful girls [in media] and I was like, ‘They’re so perfect, they’re perfect, like there’s nothing wrong with them,’ and to see these girls [today] show that [they] have the same things as you is pretty important and has to be talked about more,” she stated.

Below are eight of our favorite photos from Merritt’s photo shoot in Florida that perfectly encapsulate the carefree, laid-back vibes of summer.

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Published
Cara O’Bleness

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.