Flawless Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue star Ellie Thumann was born to model. And she took to social media to show her very first trip to LA when she was starting to make her dreams come true.
The beachy throwback — showing Thumann in a black string bikini, an off-the-shoulder cover-up, and a triangle bikini top paired with a long skirt — was part of the viral trend where influencers take a look back at what they were doing in 2016.
”2016 was my first trip to West Hollywood and begging my mom to take me to Alfred where I had my first coffee,” she captioned the Thursday, January 15 post. Over the montage video she wrote, “2016 core.”
“Been a fan since then!!! 🤗💞” wrote one commenter.
“Needing a 2016 type of year,” said another.
“This is the energy we need coming into 2026,” agreed a third.
“Omg,” added a fourth.
@elliethumannlol 2016 was my first trip to West Hollywood and begging my mom to take me to Alfred where I had my first coffee ❤️
♬ Lean On - Major Lazer / MØ / DJ Snake
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Over the past year, Thumann appeared in the current swimsuit issue of Sports Illustrated, took a break from modeling to travel, and then returned in enough time to host part of the brand’s Tailgate Tours last fall.
She also walked in the Sports Illustrated Runway Show during Miami Swim Week. Also walking in the show were the 2025 cover stars (and gymnastics phenoms) Livvy Dunne and Jordan Chiles, plus models including golfer Brooks Koepka’s wife Jena Sims, Gronk’s girlfriend Camille Kostek, and NFL wag Nicole Williams English.
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