Brooks Nader is pushing the boundaries of swimwear styling once again for the 2026 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. Photographed by James Macari along the rugged coastline of Loreto, Baja California Sur, Mexico, the model traded a traditional bikini top for a striking shell accessory from the brand SAME. She paired it with barely-there bikini bottoms from Andi Bagus.
Brooks Nader boldly uses SAME’s shell disc belt as top over Andi Bagus bikini for SI
The look featured SAME’s shell disc belt, crafted from oversized iridescent shell discs with a glossy natural finish. Designed as a sculptural accessory, the piece is typically worn around the waist or hips as a belt. Nader and the SI styling team, however, transformed it into a bold statement top for the beachside shoot. The cascading shell discs framed the look while adding a dramatic, mermaid-inspired effect against the rocks and crashing ocean backdrop.
Below, Nader wore tiny silver-gray string bikini bottoms from Andi Bagus with ultra-thin side ties and a ruched front detail. The minimal silhouette contrasted the oversized shell accessory, creating one of the most daring fashion moments from the issue so far. Her tousled blonde waves added an undone, casual feel.
For makeup, she opted for bronzed glam, sun-kissed cheeks, soft eyes, and a pink lip that tied the entire look perfectly to the editorial. She also had a freshly done baby pink manicure that did not clash with the rest of the colors.
Nader posed for the 2026 SI Swimsuit Issue alongside fellow models such as Haley Baylee, Lauren Chan, Jocelyn Corona, Olivia Dunne, and more. The model first entered the franchise after winning the Swim Search open casting call in 2019 and has appeared in every issue since.
Loreto’s rocky shorelines, marine wildlife, and untouched coastal scenery created a dramatic setting for the editorial, which leaned into bold, unconventional styling throughout the shoot.
Originally reported by Viha Shah on The Fashion Spot.
