Denise Bidot, a 38-year-old model, is breaking barriers and making history as a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2025 Rookie. The announcement, made by the brand on January 30th, has been met with widespread celebration and excitement. Bidot is a recognized advocate for body positivity and a trailblazer for curvy women, encouraging self-acceptance and challenging traditional beauty standards.
Bidot’s debut photo for the magazine features her in a striking green bikini with a stringy, cinched top and high-leg bottoms adorned with gold accents and beaded detailing.
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The image showcases Bidot’s natural beauty, complemented by thick gold bangles, leaf-shaped earrings, flowing beach waves, and soft, natural makeup. The overall effect is one of effortless glamour and confidence. Photographer Yu Tsai captured Bidot’s radiant energy perfectly.
Bidot expressed her gratitude for the opportunity on Instagram, thanking the team and sharing her excitement with her followers. She wrote, “Ahhhhhhh!!!!!! Thank you for this insane opportunity. I truly am at a loss for words. Thank you to everyone involved, it really takes a village. I’m still jumping for joy. THANK YOU🥹🙏🏽🥳.”
Sports Illustrated Swimsuit also released a behind-the-scenes video on Instagram, showing Bidot in a vibrant rainbow-striped bikini with a scoop neckline and high-leg bottoms.
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In the video, she playfully poses on a purple beach towel, switching between white-rimmed and black sunglasses, radiating joy and confidence. Before her modeling career, Bidot aspired to be an actress or work in the beauty and makeup industry. Her modeling journey began with brands like Forever 21, Old Navy, Target, and Nordstrom, eventually leading to campaigns with Olay, Elomi Lingerie, and Tribe 35. She hopes to work with Kim Kardashian’s SKIMS in the future. Bidot emphasizes the importance of aligning with brands that resonate with her personal values.
She believes authenticity is key, stating, “[There’s] no better feeling than organically working with brands you already love because your audience can always tell. I think actually liking the product is so important, at least for me. That makes everything else a lot easier and allows you to create content your audience will enjoy because they can see you enjoy it for real. The camera doesn’t lie.”
Beyond modeling, Bidot is a dedicated mother to her daughter Joselyn Adams and often highlights the achievements and strength of other mothers. She actively supports charities aiding families separated at the United States-Mexico border, such as This Is About Humanity, and has participated in several service trips to border shelters.
