Charlotte McKinney is the face and designer of GUESS’ latest swimwear campaign and her capsule, ICON. Charlotte, the star of the SS19 campaign, played an instrumental role in the design and creation of each iconic swimsuit. McKinney is an American actress and model whose energetic appeal has been featured in several previous GUESS swimwear and lingerie advertising campaigns. With a strong social media presence, McKinney was chosen for her American beauty and personality, which perfectly represents the spirit of GUESS and this highly feminine capsule collection. We chatted to the stunning model, who is signed with ONE Management, about the exciting new campaign and all things summer.
Congrats on the new campaign! What's been the best part?
CHARLOTTE MCKINNEY: Thank you! I’ve worked with Guess since I was 17 years old, but this time around it was so different and exciting. I wasn’t just the ‘model’— I designed each swimsuit, I put together the photo shoot for the campaign, choosing the photographer Derek Kettela and glam team—all of those details that you never have any control over when you are booked as just the model. It’s been really special being involved in the entire creative process!
Being a GUESS Girl is majorly iconic! Who are your favorite GUESS Girls from years past?
CM: GUESS Girls are just known to be iconic bombshells, and I’m so happy to be one! To be put in the same category of the likes of Anna Nicole Smith, Claudia Schiffer, and Eva Herzigova is surreal.
What's your favorite summer destination?
CM: I have two! If you can’t tell, I love the beach and sunshine! One being the Bahamas, my family are from there, so not only is it incredibly beautiful, but I have the best memories spending time with family at the beach since I was a little kid. Secondly, I can’t get over the beauty of Capri. I went last year and can’t wait to go back this year. Simply magical.
What are you doing to get summer body ready?
CM: I’m a big believer in treating your body like a temple year round. For me, any day I may have to be in a bikini. So I focus on eating a nutritious and well-rounded diet, focusing on seafood and fruit and vegetables. I’m a pescatarian, and I steer clear of dairy and gluten (I have a very sensitive stomach). It’s getting so much easier to maintain a healthy diet when traveling too—I’m obsessed with these Sakara Life detox bars, I always have one of those in my purse. Luckily I love working out, and it’s something I look forward. I’m really into yoga, I try to go daily and make my friends join me too. We usually take a class at the Alo Yoga studios and stick around for coffee after class (they seriously have the best coffee).
What's your favorite beach time activity?
CM: Does a wine spritzer with your girlfriends on the beach count?
Photography by: Photography Courtesy of Derek Kettela
