From “Love Island” to the beaches of Florida.
Olandria Carthen, who was a fan favorite on Season 7 of “Love Island USA,” was announced as a rookie model for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue 2026 Tuesday.
The reality TV star was lensed by Katherine Goguen in Fort Myers, Florida alongside six other models including Katie Austin, Christen Goff, Gabi Moura, Jasmine Sanders, Jena Sims and Ellie Thumann.
Carthen literally sparkles under the coastal sun, wearing a brown lurex bikini from Oséree ($235) that consists of an underwire top and classic bottom briefs.
As she kneels beneath a palm tree, her curls fly free in the wind, kept out of her face with one hand.
Her makeup is natural and glowy with no jewelry besides a small nose ring, stud earrings and a bellybutton piercing.
In a video posted on Olandria’s Instagram, she’s seen in a white wet T-shirt-inspired look, black cutout one-piece and more styles that will be revealed.
Fans were loving the steamy shoot in the comments, with one writing, “Alexa, play Body by Megan Thee Stallion!” and another said, “when i tell you my prayers have been answered!!!!!!”
WNBA player Angel Reese commented, “girl you fine affff” and Chloe Bailey wrote, “10s 10s across the board!!”
Carthen has been embraced by the fashion industry after her turn on the Peacock reality show. She was spotted in the front row at fashion weeks around the world, the Vanity Fair Oscar Party 2026 red carpet and more.
The model joins this year’s Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue rookies, which includes Bethenny Frankel, who posed for the publication in Mexico.
Alix Earle also will appear in the forthcoming glossy as the cover stars have yet to be announced.
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