Brooks Nader is once again pushing the boundaries of swimwear styling for the 2026 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. Photographed by James Macari on the rugged beach of Loreto, Baja California Sur, Mexico, the model traded a traditional bikini top for a sleek shell accessory from the SAME brand. She paired it with Andy Baggs bikini bottoms.
Brooks Nader Boldly Wears Bean Shell Disc Belt Over Andy Baggs Bikini for SI
Featured Look SAME’s Shell Disc BeltCrafted from oversized iridescent shell discs with a shiny natural finish. Designed as a sculptural accessory, this piece is typically worn as a belt around the waist or hips. However, Nader and the SI styling team transformed it into a bold statement top for the beach shoot. Cascading shell discs framed the look, adding a dramatic, mermaid-inspired effect against a backdrop of rocks and crashing sea.
Underneath, Nader wore tiny silver-gray string bikini bottoms from Andy Baggs, which had ultra-thin ties at the sides and flared up front. The minimalist silhouette contrasted the oversized shell accessory, creating one of the most daring fashion moments from the issue to date. Her tousled blonde waves added an undone, casual feel.
For makeup, she opted for bronzed glam, sun-kissed cheeks, soft eyes and pink lips, which tied the whole look together perfectly for the editorial. She recently got a baby pink manicure which didn’t match the rest of the colors.
Nader posed with fellow models Halle Bailey, Lauren Chan, Jocelyn Corona, Olivia Dunn and others for the 2026 SI Swimsuit Issue. The model entered the franchise for the first time after winning swim search open casting call 2019 and has appeared in every issue since then.
Loreto’s rocky coastlines, marine wildlife and untouched coastal scenes created a dramatic setting for the editorial, which featured bold, unconventional styling throughout the shoot.