“Love Island USA”’s Olandria Carthen Dials Up the Heat in a Wet T-Shirt and Bikini for“ Sports Illustrated Swimsuit” Debut

**Olandria Carthen Makes Waves with Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Debut**

Olandria Carthen, a recent household name following her triumph on *Love Island USA*, has officially stepped into the world of high fashion with her debut in the upcoming 2026 issue of *Sports Illustrated Swimsuit*. The 27-year-old’s recent photoshoot took place in Fort Myers, Florida, marking a significant milestone in her burgeoning modelling career.

Best known for her charismatic presence on the reality dating show, Carthen captured attention last summer when she emerged victorious alongside her boyfriend, Nic Vansteenberghe. This summer, she continues to captivate her audience as she models for *Sports Illustrated*, joining the ranks of other prominent figures like Gabi Moura, Christen Goff, and Katie Austin, all of whom were photographed by acclaimed photographer Katherin Goguen along the picturesque Gulf Coast.

Expressing her gratitude on Instagram, Carthen described the experience as a dream come true. “Once a dream. Now my lifestyle. Extremely grateful for this opportunity & my new Sports Illustrated family,” she shared, reflecting her excitement about this career leap.

Fans may recognise Carthen from her bikini shots on *Love Island*, but her latest pictures deliver a new level of fashion-forward style. Known affectionately as “Bama Barbie,” she showcases a bold variety of swimwear, including a daring wet T-shirt look, crochet bikinis, and striking one-pieces that push conventional fashion boundaries.

The modelling world has quickly taken note of Carthen’s talent since her return to the United States. Last summer proved transformative for her career, as she rapidly became a staple at high-profile fashion events, including New York Fashion Week. A standout moment occurred when she debuted on the runway for designer Sergio Hudson, drawing admiration not only for her modelling skills but also for her unique style sensibility, influenced by her Southern roots.

In a recent interview with *Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam*, Carthen detailed how her upbringing in Alabama shaped her approach to fashion. She stated, “Growing up in Alabama helped me develop a special love for dressing well. Southern fashion is beautiful—it’s clean, sophisticated, yet still has personality.” Her fashion philosophy centres on balancing elegance with self-expression, enabling her to craft a distinct visual identity that resonates with her growing fanbase.

The anticipation surrounding the latest *Sports Illustrated Swimsuit* issue has been heightened with the announcement of its featured models. Alongside Carthen, the lineup includes names such as Ilona Maher, Livvy Dunne, and Haley Kalil, with a slew of new faces joining the mix. The diverse group was captured in beautiful locations, including Loreto, Baja California Sur, Mexico, showcasing a vibrant blend of talent in this prestigious publication.

Carthen’s rise to fame has not gone unnoticed by her peers and fans alike. Fellow *Love Island* alumni, including Serena Page and Chloe Bailey, have publicly celebrated her achievements on social media, further solidifying her status as a rising star within both the realms of reality television and fashion.

As she steps into this new chapter of her career, Olandria Carthen is poised to leave an indelible mark on the fashion industry. With her mix of elegance, bold styling, and a dynamic presence, she is sure to be a name to watch in the coming years. As her star continues to rise, Carthen remains a testament to the power of authenticity and self-expression in the ever-evolving world of modelling.