Danish model Nina Agdal is the latest model to suddenly see their career blossom after appearing in the 2012 Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue. She’s no Kate Upton, but close, very close.

The five-foot, nine-inch tall model makes her latest appearance for Sauvage swimwear for its 2013 resort collection.

Sauvage is French for Savage, but these swimsuits are pure California. Designer Elizabeth Southwood is a native of San Diego and established the brand there more than a decade ago. All of her suits are made in the United States.

Nina Agdal Smokin’ Hot Bikini Body

Agdal, 20, who is the face of the brand has also modeled for Macys spring/summer 2012 swimwear line.

For the SI swimsuit issue, Agdal was photographed by James Macari in Desroches Island, Seychelles in swimsuits by Kikidoll. Check out the video below.

Agdal says there really is no secret to her fantastic body. “It’s sweat and tears!” she tells Shape magazine.

“A regular workout for me is 30 minutes of intense cardio followed by lifting weights. I try to hit the gym three or four times a week,” she says.

Her diet, she says, is all about self control. I think about what I eat and when I eat it. I enjoy a big fat burger with bacon and cheddar cheese as much as everyone else,.

“But I’m usually able to control myself and eat half instead of the whole thing. Overall, I try to have five small meals a day to keep my metabolism up,” she says.

Check out Nina’s Sports Illustrated swimsuit video below and her photos for Sauvage above. And, click here to follow TheImproper on Twitter for more updates on fashion and modeling.