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Plus-Size Model Ashley Graham Makes Sports Illustrated History

The 27-year-old will be the first plus-size model to appear in the infamous Swimsuit Issue


2015 is shaping up to be the year of the plus-size model.

First we had Tess Munster, the only model of her size signed to a major agency.

Now comes Ashley Graham, a size 16 model who is set to make history when she appears in the iconic Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue this year.

The 27-year-old American joins the likes of Kate Upton, Heidi Klum and Irina Shayk in gracing the pages of the annual edition that has become famous the world over.

Ashley Graham stars in this ad, which will appear in the 2015 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition [Swimsuits For All]
Ashley Graham stars in this ad, which will appear in the 2015 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition [Swimsuits For All]



Ashley will be starring in an ad for the brand Swimsuits For All, a retailer specialising in bikinis for plus-size women, as she heads up their #CurvesInBikinis campaign.

The glossy ad depicts Ashley enjoying the sun in a classic black triangle bikini, completely unaware that her presence has distracted some poor bloke who ends up walking straight into a pool.

“I know my curves are sexy and I want everyone else to know theirs are too,” said Ashley in a statement.

“There’s no reason to hide and every reason to flaunt.”

Ashley has been modeling since she was a teenager and is on a mission to promote healthy, happy body images no matter what your size.

Ashley: I love my body and I love showing it off [Swimsuits For All]
Ashley: I love my body and I love showing it off [Swimsuits For All]



“I am always being asked to gain or lose weight, but I am at a point now where I don’t care anymore,” the model told The Edit magazine.

“I love my body, I love my super-hourglass shape and I love showing it off.”

One of the biggest issues facing women and their ability to love the skin they’re in is a lack of relatable sized role models in the media, according to Ashley.

“Jennifer Lawrence is the media’s poster girl for curves – she’s tiny.”

At a size 16, Ashley is considered a plus-sized model [Swimsuits For All]
At a size 16, Ashley is considered a plus-sized model [Swimsuits For All]



But its not just plus-sized women who should feel proud of their bodies – confidence and security should be for women of all sizes.

“It doesn’t matter if you’re a size 2 or 22, you can be healthy as long as you’re taking care of your body.”

The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue goes on sale on February 9th.

What do you think of the emergence of more plus-sized models? Is it about time we saw more realistic representations of women in our magazines? Let us know on Twitter!

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