Elsa Benítez (born on December 8, 1977 in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico) is a Mexican model perhaps best known for her appearances in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, including appearing on the cover in 2001.
Benítez began modeling after winning an international model search in Costa Rica in 1995 . She subsequently began modeling in Mexico, the United States and Europe. She rose to prominence after being chosen by photographer Steven Meisel and being featured many times in the American and Italian editions of Vogue for Meisel’s layouts.
In 1996, she appeared on the cover of Vogue (Italy) three times, for the April, August and September covers. She has also appeared on the covers of ELLE, Glamour, Mademoiselle, Harper’s Bazaar, and Marie Claire. Benítez has also done advertising campaign work for Dolce & Gabbana, Macy’s, Episode, I-N-C, J.Crew, Óscar de la Renta, Rena Lange, Nine West, Valentino, and Jones New York, and has modeled for Victoria’s Secret. Benítez appeared in the 1999 Pirelli Calendar that featured “Women Through the Decades.”
She also appeared in Enrique Iglesias‘ music video “Love to See You Cry” in 2002. In 2003, she appeared in the ad for the perfume Mahora Guerlain, which was shot by Bruno Aveillan.
