Ilona Maher turned heads in the 2026 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue, posing along the shoreline of Loreto, Baja California Sur, Mexico. Photographed by James Macari, the Olympic rugby star appeared in a bold black swimsuit from Palondré The Label that blended minimal swimwear with statement layering.
Ilona Maher’s Palondre swimsuit features fully see-through top and bikini bottoms for SI
Ilona Maher’s look featured a classic black bikini set styled with a fully sheer, crochet-style crop top worn off the shoulders. The open-knit texture created a dramatic see-through effect while adding depth to the swim ensemble. The long sleeves and slightly oversized fit contrasted with the minimal bikini bottoms underneath, balancing coverage with a sultry edge. The textured knit also framed her shoulders and collarbones, giving the look a relaxed yet fashion-forward feel.
For the shoot, Maher knelt in shallow water along the beach. She let the waves wash around her as her wet hair fell loosely over her shoulders. Her glam stayed natural and beachy, with softly defined eyes, rosy lips, and a dark pink lip that added a pop of color. She flaunted a light pink manicure that complemented the minimal styling. The effortless beauty approach kept the focus on the striking swimwear and dramatic ocean backdrop.
The shoot took place in Loreto, a coastal destination located on Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula. Known for its warm climate and outdoor adventure scene, the region draws visitors for activities like boating, surfing, and diving. This made it an ideal location for the SI Swimsuit team’s high-energy beach editorial.
According to Sports Illustrated, Maher’s appearance was her third consecutive shoot for SI Swimsuit. Marking a milestone moment for the athlete. She has steadily become one of the magazine’s standout personalities thanks to her confident presence both on the field and in front of the camera.
Originally reported by Viha Shah on theFashionSpot.
