Ashley Byrd 2022: Dominican Republic

SI Swimsuit | May 15, 2022

Ashley Byrd makes her SI Swimsuit debut as a finalist for SI’s 2022 Swim Search, being photographed by Yu Tsai shooting alongside Sarafina El-Badry Nance, Gigi Robinson, Manju, Lotta Hintsa, Mady Dewey, Kelly Crump, Hillory Fields, Victoria Vesce, Nicole Petrie, Michelle Fuente Steffen, Drew Dorsey, and Ashley Callingbull in the Dominican Republic.

Byrd left her small hometown of Amite, La., to pursue her dream of being a model in Los Angeles. She is a first-generation college graduate with a degree in criminal justice from Southern University, where she played basketball for the Jaguars. She also holds a master’s in public administration. After several career changes, including a stint as a construction worker, she is now making her dream a reality.

Besides being the second-largest and most diverse Caribbean country, the Dominican Republic provides visitors with picturesque beaches, vibrant nightlife, world-class golfing and astounding natural beauty. The DR is filled with vivacious energy, and the Swim Search finalists definitely carried that in their shoot.

To learn more about the Dominican Republic click here. | To plan your vacation to the Dominican Republic click here.

Swim Search was the team’s last shoot of the year and they wanted to wrap up in a celebratory manner with pastels and bright colors. The term “drunk Easter Bunny” was definitely thrown around. If you’re looking for a new suit for summer, definitely get inspired here.

Hair: Adam Maclay of BA Reps
Make-up: Christyna Kay of Art Department
Photographer: Yu Tsai

Ashley Byrd was photographed by Yu Tsai in Dominican Republic. Swimsuit by Monica Hansen Beachwear.

Ashley Byrd was photographed by Yu Tsai in Dominican Republic. Swimsuit by Cynthia Rowley.

Ashley Byrd was photographed by Yu Tsai in Dominican Republic. Swimsuit by JMP The Label.

Ashley Byrd was photographed by Yu Tsai in Dominican Republic. Swimsuit by Ark Swimwear.

Ashley Byrd and Manju were photographed by Yu Tsai in Dominican Republic.

Ashley Byrd was photographed by Yu Tsai in Dominican Republic. Swimsuit by Monica Hansen Beachwear.

Ashley Byrd was photographed by Yu Tsai in Dominican Republic. Swimsuit by Ark Swimwear.

Ashley Byrd was photographed by Yu Tsai in Dominican Republic. Swimsuit by Cynthia Rowley.

Ashley Byrd was photographed by Yu Tsai in Dominican Republic. Swimsuit by Monica Hansen Beachwear.

Ashley Byrd was photographed by Yu Tsai in Dominican Republic. Swimsuit by JMP The Label.

Ashley Byrd was photographed by Yu Tsai in Dominican Republic. Swimsuit by Ark Swimwear.