Two-Time SI Swimsuit Model Sixtine Served Ethereal Angel Vibes in Belize

The ’23 rookie returned to the fold and worked with photographer Derek Kettela this year.

Ananya Panchal | May 21, 2024

Sixtine was photographed by Derek Kettela in Belize. / Derek Kettela/Sports Illustrated

TikTok sensation Sixtine took the world by storm when she made her SI Swimsuit debut in Dominica last year. She proved her impeccable modeling skills and confidence in the most stunning series of earthy, Mother Nature-inspired bikinis. This year, she strikes again, with an ethereal, angel-like photo shoot in Belize.

The ’23 rookie, who was born in Belgium, worked with photographer Derek Kettela for her feature in the 2024 issue, which also marks the brand’s 60th anniversary.

“it is such an honor to not only be back with my si swim family for a second year but to also be featured in the 60th edition of Sports Illustrated Swim,” the 26-year-old wrote on Instagram. “To everyone who has made my dreams come true, i am forever grateful for you 🫶🏼 i am just giddy with excitement at the fact that this is my life 🥹.”

The body neutrality influencer uses her platform to remind women that they are so much more than what they look like. From relatable mid-20s life to shopping content for finding the perfect mid-size swimsuit, she has built a close-knit community and is constantly empowering and inspiring other women.

“words can’t even begin to describe what a dream this has been and continues to be. to my @si_swimsuit family, thank you thank you thank you for not only welcoming me into such a wonderful family but for creating such a powerful community of incredible women. feeling like the luckiest girl in the world!! xx,” Sixtine added in another post, following launch week events in New York City and Florida.

Below are six stunning photos from her ’24 feature in Belize.

Sixtine was photographed by Derek Kettela in Belize. Swimsuit by ANTONINIAS. Earrings by Alexis Bittar. / Derek Kettela/Sports Illustrated

Sixtine was photographed by Derek Kettela in Belize. Dress by Santa Brands. Swimsuit bottom by Four Three Seven. / Derek Kettela/Sports Illustrated

Sixtine was photographed by Derek Kettela in Belize. Swimsuit by JADE Swim. / Derek Kettela/Sports Illustrated

Sixtine was photographed by Derek Kettela in Belize. Swimsuit by ViX Paula Hermanny. / Derek Kettela/Sports Illustrated

Sixtine was photographed by Derek Kettela in Belize. Swimsuit by Leslie Amon. Necklace by Monies. Bracelet by Monies. / Derek Kettela/Sports Illustrated

Published May 21, 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.