cnn.com Written by Kiely Westhoff 13th July 2020
she is no stranger to making history. In 2017 she became the first trans woman to appear on the cover of Vogue Paris. Two years later, she was the first openly transgender model to be hired by Victoria’s Secret. Now in 2020, 23-year-old Valentina Sampaio continues to break barriers in the modeling industry by becoming the first transgender woman to be featured in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.
The Brazilian model has been named as one of the edition’s 2020 “rookies,” and models a white one-piece by Haus of Pink Lemonaid and a shimmery taupe bikini by Triangl.
Sports Illustrated (SI) has become a respected brand in the modeling world. Its swimsuit issue has featured some of the industry’s most successful names, since launching 56 years ago. Sampaio is joining the elite ranks alongside stars like Heidi Klum and Tyra Banks.