Maura Higgins stole the spotlight at the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit beach club party in Miami on Friday, solidifying her status as a breakout star in the United States.
The 35-year-old Love Island UK alumnus turned heads at the luxury event held at the W South Beach resort during Miami Swim Week 2026.
Higgins wore a daring, backless white racerback maxi dress, confidently ditching her bra for the daytime beach club gathering.
She accessorized her look with chunky gold jewelry, black sunglasses, and a handheld wave fan while posing for photographers.
Later that evening, the television personality showcased a second high-fashion look for the SI Swimsuit VIP Kick-Off Dinner hosted by KYU x Drinking Pig.
She flaunted her toned abs in a black bralette, a matching cropped blazer, and a figure-hugging monochrome skirt.
Her presence at Miami Swim Week extends beyond the red carpet. Sports Illustrated Swimsuit confirmed that Higgins will make her official SI Swimsuit Runway Show debut later this week.
The heavily anticipated fashion show will stream as a television special on Hulu on June 9, 2026. Higgins joins a star-studded runway lineup that includes Tiffany Haddish, Brooks Nader, and Olympic rugby player Ilona Maher.
Originally rising to fame on season five of Love Island UK in 2019, Higgins has orchestrated one of the most successful post-reality television careers in the industry.
While early years focused on influencer campaigns and major cosmetics deals, Higgins shifted her strategy to cross the Atlantic.
The Irish star transitioned into presenting roles, guest-hosting on Love Island USA and fronting Love Island Games: Aftersun.
Her American breakthrough reached a fever pitch following her appearance on season four of the Emmy-winning reality competition The Traitors US.
Higgins finished as the runner-up of the season, earning a viral pop-culture moment when fellow contestant Rob Rausch gifted her a Hermès Birkin bag as an apology for an in-game betrayal.
The Hollywood Game Plan
Industry experts suggest Higgins is actively positioning herself for transition into scripted Hollywood roles. Betting odds currently place her at 2/1 to secure a role in a major American feature film.
This corporate push is backed by a powerful entertainment roster. Higgins recently signed with the elite public relations firm Align PR, which represents global icons like Madonna and Matthew McConaughey.
To manage her upcoming theatrical and commercial pursuits, she also signed with Creative Artists Agency (CAA), widely regarded as the most influential talent agency in Hollywood.
Her growing stateside profile earned her invitations to major Hollywood events earlier this year, including the Golden Globes in Los Angeles.
Walking the red carpet alongside A-listers like Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence, Higgins generated over 100 million digital impressions in 24 hours.
She was also photographed at the event interacting with rap icon Snoop Dogg.
Higgins will continue her US television run this fall, having officially been announced as a celebrity contestant for Season 35 of Dancing With The Stars.
With a net worth projected to hit $6 million in 2026, the presenter and model has successfully separated herself from traditional reality TV limits to build a sustainable global brand.