Valentina Sampaio Rocks Pastel Bikinis in These SI Swim Pics

The rookie made history with her feature in the 2020 magazine.

Valentina Sampaio was photographed by Josie Clough on Scrub Island, British Virgin Islands.Josie Clough/Sports Illustrated

When she posed for the SI Swimsuit Issue in 2020, Valentina Sampaio made history as the first transgender woman to grace the pages of the annual magazine. The Brazilian beauty posed for photographer Josie Clough on Scrub Island in the British Virgin Islands. 

The following year, Sampaio returned to the fold, this time working with visual artist Ben Watts in Hollywood, Fla. In addition to her work with SI Swimsuit, the 27-year-old model and actress is also known for her collaborations with Victoria’s Secret and L’Oreal Paris. In January of this year, she graced the cover of Vogue Brasil.

“I was filled with so many emotions of happiness when I heard the news. The feeling was surreal,” Sampaio told People of her rookie feature with SI Swimsuit. “Being in SI Swim has always been on my bucket list of things to achieve in my career. It’s a dream come true on so many levels. SI has been a deeply meaningful achievement. To come from a space of fear and marginalization, to now being included in one of the most iconic magazines that truly embraces and celebrates diversity—it is life changing.”

While on location for her feature in the British Virgin Islands, Sampaio modeled several neutral-colored swimsuits, along with pastel bikinis that make us dream of warm, spring days ahead. Below, we’re throwing it back to a few of our favorite snaps from that photo shoot that welcomed Sampaio into the SI Swimsuit family.

Josie Clough/Sports Illustrated

Josie Clough/Sports Illustrated

Josie Clough/Sports Illustrated

Josie Clough/Sports Illustrated

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