Chiara Moreira won the New Model Search competition in 2011. She jetted off to the Seychelles for her Swimwear shoot and appeared in the 2011 Swimwear Issue and the Swimwear Calendar. This is what she had to say about her Sports Illustrated experience…

SI:What have you been up to since your Sports Illustrated Swimwear shoot?

Since the Sports Illustrated shoot I have been studying as well as modelling. I represented Sports Illustrated at the Castle Lager Trinations rugby match in Durban, and I appeared at the launch of the Sports Illustrated Swimwear edition in Cape Town. I have also recently been modelling in Cape Town.

SI: Do people recognise you from the Swimwear Issue and Swimwear Calendar?

CM: A few people do. I get a few funny looks from time to time which always makes me chuckle.

SI: What are your favourite memories from your shoot?

CM: Definitely working with such professional, yet fun people at the same time. Another favourite memory was just being in one of the most beautiful places in the world and being able to relax and enjoy what Seychelles had to offer.

Do you still keep in contact with the other models?

Unfortunately not since I live in Durban and most of them live in Cape Town, although I do follow a few of them on Twitter and on their Facebook pages.J I also got to meet the rest of the models at the launch of the magazine, which was great.

Would you do it again?

Definitely! It was one of my most memorable experiences, I learnt a lot and it got a lot of exposure for me and my career as a model.

Any advice to aspiring swimwear models and New Model Search entrants?

I would say no matter who you are, always keep humble and down-to-earth, and be yourself, because that will stand out more than anything! It’s also very important to be confident in who you are, and to believe in yourself. Hard work and positivity always pays off!

You can find out more about Chiara on her Facebook page.

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