Christen Harper 2022: Barbados

SI Swimsuit | May 15, 2022

Christen Harper was photographed in Barbados by Ben Watts along with Marquita Pring, Cindy Kimberly, Hailey Clauson, Tanaye White, and Georgina Burke.

The Southern Californian was one of the winners of 2021’s Swim Search and introduced as a Rookie for SI Swimsuit in ’22.

Harper decided to pursue a career in modeling at 20 to help pay her way through college. She often received pushback from agents and clients to lose weight. Instead of shrinking herself down to fit into the standard sizing, Harper stayed true to herself and continued to pursue modeling knowing she was enough exactly how she was.

Known as the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean and the birthplace of rum, Barbados is a go-to destination for all foodies, beach-lovers and anyone looking for some much needed R&R. For such a tiny island, Barbados is bursting with immense talent, creativity and structure. From sports, entertainment, cuisine, adventure, history, health and wellness and so on, Barbados has endless opportunities for all.

To learn more about Barbados click here. | To plan your vacation to Barbados click here.

The styling for this Barbados photoshoot was intended to be an un-fussy play on preppy dressing. We imagined being at the beach bar on vacation in an itsy plaid bikini, cool kicks and a bucket hat. It gave a young and cool aesthetic with functionality in mind, perfectly set to the beautiful Caribbean landscape.

Hair: Anthony Cristiano
Make-up: Jodie Boland
Photographer: Ben Watts

Christen Harper was photographed by Ben Watts in Barbados. Swimsuit by Daze Dayz. Earrings by Mejuri.

Shop swimsuits by Daze Dayz: Shop this look with the Jolly string bikini top ($111) and the Jolly string brief bikini bottom ($111). Pair it with the Jolly Pareo swim sarong ($84) for a complete look.

Shop earrings by Mejuri: If you’re looking for an assortment of beautiful hoop earrings, look no further. We love these Bold medium hoops ($450) in both yellow gold and silver. 14k gold will not oxidize or discolor, so you can wear your jewelry every day, everywhere.

Christen Harper was photographed by Ben Watts in Barbados. Swimsuit by Toxic Sadie Swimwear. Earrings by Mejuri. Hat by Lack of Color Accessories. Shoes by Converse.

Shop swimsuits by Toxic Sadie Swimwear: Shop the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit collection.

Shop hats by Lack of Color: Shop this look with the Wave Bucket Beige Terry hat ($99).

Shop shoes by Converse: We love the Custom Chuck Taylor All Star ($95), which can be customized, including the body, tongue, heel strip, stiching and colors.

Christen Harper was photographed by Ben Watts in Barbados. Swimsuit by Solid & Striped. Earrings by Electric Picks.

Shop swimsuits by Solid & Striped: The Elle Top Reversible ($88) is perfect for every destination. This pullover top with no padding or boning offers two printed sides to wear as you please. Pair it with the matching bottoms ($88) for a coordinated look.

Shop earrings by Electric Picks: Shop this look with the Mary Kate hoops ($64).

Christen Harper was photographed by Ben Watts in Barbados. Swimsuit by Sage Swim. Necklaces by SOKO and Phoenix and Roze.

Shop swimsuits by Sage Swim

Shop accessories by SOKO: SOKO has a wide selection of necklaces, like the Dash Layered necklace ($158) and pendants to chokers and collars.

Christen Harper was photographed by Ben Watts in Barbados. Swimsuit by Solid & Striped. Vintage earrings.

Shop swimsuits by Solid & Striped: Create this look with the Parker top ($84) and matching Parker bottoms ($84) in rainbow pinstripe.

Christen Harper was photographed by Ben Watts in Barbados. Swimsuit by MIKOH. Earrings by Mahrukh Akuly.

Shop swimsuits by MIKOH: Shop a similar striped look with this Santa Rosa bikini top ($57) and matching string bottoms ($33) in yellow.

Shop earrings by Mahrukh Akuly

Christen Harper was photographed by Ben Watts in Barbados. Swimsuit by Neena Swim. Hat by Lack of Color Accessories.

Shop swimsuits by Neena Swim

Shop hats by Lack of Color: Nothing says summertime like a beautifully crafted straw hat. Check out this Spencer Boater hat ($99) with a suede leather band.

Shop earrings by Mahrukh Akuly

Christen Harper was photographed by Ben Watts in Barbados. Swimsuit top by Solid & Striped. Swimsuit bottoms by It’s Now Cool. Earrings by Electric Picks. Shoes by Crocs.

Shop swimsuits by Solid & Striped: Shop a similar look with the Desi top ($88), a one-shoulder top with a ring detail in graphic leopard jacquard.

Shop swimsuits by It’s Now Cool: Shop a similar gathered-tie bottom ($50) in black.

Shop earrings by Electric Picks: We love the small, chunky hoop earrings. Create this look with the Mary Kate hoops ($64).

Shop shoes by Crocs: Who says clogs can’t be cool? The Classic clog ($49.99) comes in 26 different colors.

Christen Harper was photographed by Ben Watts in Barbados. Swimsuit by MIKOH.

Shop swimsuits by MIKOH: Shop a similar striped look with this Santa Rosa bikini top ($57) and matching string bottoms ($33) in yellow.

Shop earrings by Mahrukh Akuly

Christen Harper was photographed by Ben Watts in Barbados. Swimsuit by Sage Swim. Necklaces by SOKO and Phoenix and Roze.

Shop swimsuits by Sage Swim

Shop accessories by SOKO: SOKO has a wide selection of necklaces, like the Dash Layered necklace ($158) and pendants to chokers and collars.

Christen Harper was photographed by Ben Watts in Barbados. Swimsuit by Solid & Striped. Vintage earrings.

Shop swimsuits by Solid & Striped: Create this look with the Parker top ($84) and matching Parker bottoms ($84) in rainbow pinstripe.

Christen Harper was photographed by Ben Watts in Barbados. Set by Andi Bagus. Earrings by Mejuri.

Shop the set by Andi Bagus

Shop earrings by Mejuri: If you’re looking for an everyday pair of earrings, check out these Daily Mini hoops ($58).

Christen Harper was photographed by Ben Watts in Barbados. Swimsuit by Toxic Sadie Swimwear. Hat by Lack of Color Accessories. Shoes by Converse.

Shop swimsuits by Toxic Sadie Swimwear: Shop the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit collection.

Shop hats by Lack of Color: Shop this look with the Wave Bucket Beige Terry hat ($99).

Shop shoes by Converse: We love the Custom Chuck Taylor All Star ($95), which can be customized, including the body, tongue, heel strip, stiching and colors.

Christen Harper was photographed by Ben Watts in Barbados. Swimsuit by Left On Friday. Earrings by Mejuri.

Shop swimsuits by Left On Friday: We love the colorblock and mix-and-match style of this swimsuit. Shop a similar color with the Pool Days top ($85) in black and mauve, and matching Hi Tide bottoms ($85).

Christen Harper was photographed by Ben Watts in Barbados. Swimsuit by Solid & Striped. Vintage earrings.

Shop swimsuits by Solid & Striped: Create this look with the Parker top ($84) and matching Parker bottoms ($84) in rainbow pinstripe.

Christen Harper was photographed by Ben Watts in Barbados. Swimsuit by Solid & Striped. Earrings by Electric Picks.

Shop earrings by Electric Picks: Shop this look with the Mary Kate hoops ($64).

Christen Harper was photographed by Ben Watts in Barbados. Swimsuit by Ola Via. Jacket by Rowing Blazers. Earrings by Mejuri.

Shop swimsuits by Ola Via

Shop jackets by Rowing Blazers: Shop women’s blazers starting at $795.

Shop earrings by Mejuri: If you’re looking for an everyday pair of earrings, check out these Daily Mini hoops ($58).

Christen Harper was photographed by Ben Watts in Barbados. Swimsuit by Daze Dayz. Earrings by Mejuri.

Christen Harper was photographed by Ben Watts in Barbados. Swimsuit by Neena Swim. Hat by Lack of Color Accessories. Earrings by Mahrukh Akuly.

Shop swimsuits by Neena Swim

Shop hats by Lack of Color: Nothing says summertime like a beautifully crafted straw hat. Check out this Spencer Boater hat ($99) with a suede leather band.

Shop earrings by Mahrukh Akuly

Christen Harper was photographed by Ben Watts in Barbados. Swimsuit by Polo Ralph Lauren. Earrings by Mejuri.

Shop swimsuits by Ralph Lauren: Shop more swimsuits at Ralph Lauren, including a similar look with this Logo Icons Midkini top ($76) and high-waisted bottoms ($64).

Christen Harper was photographed by Ben Watts in Barbados. Swimsuit by Seven Swim. Necklaces by SOKO and Phoenix and Roze.

Shop swimsuits by Seven Swim

Shop accessories by SOKO: SOKO has a wide selection of necklaces, like the Dash Layered necklace ($158) and pendants to chokers and collars.

Christen Harper was photographed by Ben Watts in Barbados. Set by Andi Bagus. Earrings by Mejuri.

Shop the set by Andi Bagus

Shop earrings by Mejuri: If you’re looking for an everyday pair of earrings, check out these Daily Mini hoops ($58).

Christen Harper was photographed by Ben Watts in Barbados. Swimsuit by Seven Swim. Necklaces by SOKO and Phoenix and Roze.

Shop swimsuits by Seven Swim

Shop accessories by SOKO: SOKO has a wide selection of necklaces, like the Dash Layered necklace ($158) and pendants to chokers and collars.

Christen Harper was photographed by Ben Watts in Barbados. Swimsuit by Neena Swim. Hat by Lack of Color Accessories. Earrings by Mahrukh Akuly.

Shop swimsuits by Neena Swim

Shop hats by Lack of Color: Nothing says summertime like a beautifully crafted straw hat. Check out this Spencer Boater hat ($99) with a suede leather band.

Shop earrings by Mahrukh Akuly

Christen Harper was photographed by Ben Watts in Barbados. Swimsuit by Sage Swim. Necklaces by SOKO and Phoenix and Roze.

Shop swimsuits by Sage Swim

Shop accessories by SOKO: SOKO has a wide selection of necklaces, like the Dash Layered necklace ($158) and pendants to chokers and collars.

Christen Harper was photographed by Ben Watts in Barbados. Swimsuit by Daze Dayz. Earrings by Mejuri.

Christen Harper was photographed by Ben Watts in Barbados. Set by Andi Bagus. Earrings by Mejuri.

Shop the set by Andi Bagus

Shop earrings by Mejuri: If you’re looking for an everyday pair of earrings, check out these Daily Mini hoops ($58).

Christen Harper was photographed by Ben Watts in Barbados. Swimsuit by Daze Dayz. Earrings by Mejuri.

Christen Harper was photographed by Ben Watts in Barbados. Swimsuit by Polo Ralph Lauren. Earrings by Mejuri.

Shop swimsuits by Ralph Lauren: Shop more swimsuits at Ralph Lauren, including a similar look with this Logo Icons Midkini top ($76) and high-waisted bottoms ($64).

Christen Harper was photographed by Ben Watts in Barbados. Set by Andi Bagus. Earrings by Mejuri.

Shop the set by Andi Bagus

Shop earrings by Mejuri: If you’re looking for an everyday pair of earrings, check out these Daily Mini hoops ($58).

Christen Harper was photographed by Ben Watts in Barbados. Swimsuit by Left On Friday. Earrings by Mejuri.

Christen Harper was photographed by Ben Watts in Barbados. Swimsuit by Ola Via. Jacket by Rowing Blazers. Earrings by Mejuri.

Shop swimsuits by Ola Via

Shop jackets by Rowing Blazers: Shop women’s blazers starting at $795.

Shop earrings by Mejuri: If you’re looking for an everyday pair of earrings, check out these Daily Mini hoops ($58).

Christen Harper was photographed by Ben Watts in Barbados. Swimsuit by Seven Swim. Necklaces by SOKO and Phoenix and Roze.

Shop swimsuits by Seven Swim

Shop accessories by SOKO: SOKO has a wide selection of necklaces, like the Dash Layered necklace ($158) and pendants to chokers and collars.

Christen Harper was photographed by Ben Watts in Barbados. Swimsuit by Polo Ralph Lauren. Earrings by Mejuri.

Shop swimsuits by Ralph Lauren: Shop more swimsuits at Ralph Lauren, including a similar look with this Logo Icons Midkini top ($76) and high-waisted bottoms ($64).

Christen Harper was photographed by Ben Watts in Barbados. Swimsuit by MIKOH. Earrings by Mahrukh Akuly.

Shop swimsuits by MIKOH: Shop a similar striped look with this Santa Rosa bikini top ($57) and matching string bottoms ($33) in yellow.

Shop earrings by Mahrukh Akuly

Christen Harper was photographed by Ben Watts in Barbados. Swimsuit by Toxic Sadie Swimwear. Hat by Lack of Color Accessories. Shoes by Converse.

Shop swimsuits by Toxic Sadie Swimwear: Shop the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit collection.

Shop hats by Lack of Color: Shop this look with the Wave Bucket Beige Terry hat ($99).

Shop shoes by Converse: We love the Custom Chuck Taylor All Star ($95), which can be customized, including the body, tongue, heel strip, stiching and colors.

Christen Harper was photographed by Ben Watts in Barbados. Set by Andi Bagus. Earrings by Mejuri.

Shop the set by Andi Bagus

Shop earrings by Mejuri: If you’re looking for an everyday pair of earrings, check out these Daily Mini hoops ($58).

Christen Harper was photographed by Ben Watts in Barbados. Swimsuit by Frankies Bikinis. Earrings by Mejuri.

Shop swimsuits by Frankies Bikinis: Create this look with the Cash Shine one-piece swimsuit ($175) in strawberry shortcake. It’s also available in other fun colors like rainbow swirl and dolphin.

Shop earrings by Mejuri: If you’re looking for an everyday pair of earrings, check out these Daily Mini hoops ($58).

Christen Harper was photographed by Ben Watts in Barbados. Swimsuit by Montce. Earrings by Mahrukh Akuly.

Shop swimsuits by Montce: We love this colorful, checkered-pattern swimsuit. Shop this look with the Lucy bikini top ($132) and Lulu bikini bottoms ($88) in the color shrimp gingham.

Shop earrings by Mahrukh Akuly

Christen Harper was photographed by Ben Watts in Barbados. Swimsuit by Neena Swim. Hat by Lack of Color Accessories.

Shop swimsuits by Neena Swim

Shop hats by Lack of Color: Nothing says summertime like a beautifully crafted straw hat. Check out this Spencer Boater hat ($99) with a suede leather band.

Shop earrings by Mahrukh Akuly

Christen Harper was photographed by Ben Watts in Barbados. Swimsuit by Montce. Earrings by Mahrukh Akuly.

Shop swimsuits by Montce: We love this colorful, checkered-pattern swimsuit. Shop this look with the Lucy bikini top ($132) and Lulu bikini bottoms ($88) in the color shrimp gingham.

Shop earrings by Mahrukh Akuly

Christen Harper was photographed by Ben Watts in Barbados. Swimsuit by Onia. Earrings by Mahrukh Akuly.

Shop swimsuits by Onia: Shop a similar look with the Lina bikini top ($85) and Leila bikini bottoms ($85) in lemon periwinkle.

Shop earrings by Mahrukh Akuly

Christen Harper was photographed by Ben Watts in Barbados. Swimsuit by Neena Swim. Hat by Lack of Color Accessories. Earrings by Mahrukh Akuly.

Shop swimsuits by Neena Swim

Shop hats by Lack of Color: Nothing says summertime like a beautifully crafted straw hat. Check out this Spencer Boater hat ($99) with a suede leather band.

Shop earrings by Mahrukh Akuly