Gabriela Moura is having a moment. The 21-year-old Brazilian model has officially joined the ranks of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit stars for its highly anticipated 2026 issue. Her debut alongside Love Island USA’s Olandria Carthen and cover girls like Alix Earle and Tiffany Haddish is a career milestone she calls a “dream come true.” But what makes Moura’s story so captivating is her openness about the surreal moments leading up to her debut, her personal style evolution, and her excitement for the future.
- Moura’s 2026 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit debut marks a pivotal moment in her modeling career.
- Her boyfriend, influencer Josh Richards, is her biggest supporter and celebrated the launch with her.
- She shares her favorite bikini trends for 2026, including Brazilian-inspired styles and colorful, embellished designs.
- Moura hopes to work with iconic brands like Prada and Dior and potentially launch her own fashion line inspired by Y2K loungewear.
Gabi Moura’s SI Debut
Moura’s rise to fame has been meteoric. Just six months after walking the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show runway for the first time, she now finds herself in the pages of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit. Reflecting on her journey, Moura told Elite Daily, “I’ve always dreamed about doing these things, but I never really thought that it was going to happen.” Her enthusiasm is evident, as she gushes about waking up early to see her photos live online and sharing the moment with her boyfriend, Josh Richards.
Richards, a popular influencer, didn’t hold back his excitement. “He immediately was like, ‘Oh, my God, you look insane,’” Moura shared. The couple celebrated her debut with a cozy dinner and an outpouring of support from friends and fans.
Bikini Trends for 2026
As someone who grew up in Brazil, bikinis have always been a staple for Moura. She’s thrilled about the revival of Brazilian-inspired swimwear, featuring tie-side designs and vibrant patterns. “I love bikinis that make me feel like a mermaid,” she said, highlighting her preference for whimsical details like shells and beads. Moura also noted the trend of incorporating bikinis into everyday outfits, from Coachella-inspired looks to casual summer ensembles.
Her favorite bikini from the SI shoot? A green, floral Agua Bendita design. “It is my dream bikini—so pretty, so whimsical, and the girliest bikini ever,” Moura said. She also expressed her love for colorful swimsuits that sparkle with glitter or beads, adding a playful touch to her beach-ready wardrobe.
Women Supporting Women
Sports Illustrated Swimsuit shoots are notorious for their high-pressure environment, but Moura credits her fellow models Katie Austin and Ellie Thumann for making her experience unforgettable. “They told me to try and live in the moment, have fun, and not get too much in my head,” she said. Their advice helped Moura savor the experience, which culminated in celebratory drinks and even a few bittersweet tears as the shoot wrapped up.
“We talk a lot about women supporting women, but I’ve never seen anything like that before,” Moura said. This camaraderie has left a lasting impression on her as she continues to navigate her burgeoning career.
Future Goals and Dreams
With two major milestones under her belt—Victoria’s Secret and Sports Illustrated—Moura is already looking ahead. “In the future, I want to focus more on modeling,” she shared, adding that she’s considering launching her own fashion brand inspired by Y2K loungewear. Low-rise leggings, fitted long shirts, and tracksuits are among her favorite styles, and she sees a gap in the market for these nostalgic looks.
She also dreams of working with iconic brands like Prada, Dior, and Miu Miu, as well as gracing the cover of a high-fashion magazine. “It’d be really cool to be on the cover of a fashion magazine someday,” Moura shared, manifesting her next big career move.
What This Means for You
Gabi Moura’s journey is a testament to the power of dreaming big and embracing opportunities as they come. For readers, her story can inspire a renewed sense of confidence in pursuing ambitious goals, whether personal or professional. Moura’s love for colorful, Brazilian-inspired bikinis also highlights a fun trend for summer 2026—don’t shy away from bold designs and playful details when refreshing your swimwear collection.
And if you’re looking for inspiration on how to celebrate milestones, Moura’s simple yet meaningful dinner with her boyfriend reminds us that it’s the little moments that often mean the most.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Gabi Moura’s favorite bikini trends for 2026? Moura loves Brazilian-inspired bikinis with tie-side designs, colorful patterns, and whimsical details like shells and beads.
How did Gabi Moura celebrate her Sports Illustrated debut? She celebrated with a cozy dinner with her boyfriend, Josh Richards, and enjoyed an influx of supportive messages from friends and fans.
What brands does Gabi Moura hope to work with next? Moura dreams of collaborating with Prada, Dior, and Miu Miu.
What inspired Gabi Moura’s interest in launching her own fashion brand? Moura is drawn to Y2K loungewear styles like low-rise leggings and tracksuits, which she finds hard to source in the current market.
What was Gabi Moura’s favorite bikini from the SI shoot? Her favorite was a green, floral Agua Bendita bikini that she described as whimsical and girly.
