Ashley Graham makes history as first plus size model to feature in Sports Illustrated

Ashley Graham has made history as the first ever plus size model to feature in an issue of Sports Illustrated magazine. The 27-year-old bikini model stars in the magazine’s iconic Swimsuit Issue, as part of a beautiful advertising campaign by swimwear brand Swimsuits for All.

The inclusion of famous plus size models like Ashley Graham in mainstream media marks a significant shift in the fashion industry’s standards. This representation helps challenge long-standing beauty conventions, empowering women to embrace their natural curves.

Graham, a size 16 American model from Lincoln, Nebraska can be seen flaunting her curves in several poolside shots in a flattering halter neck black bikini as a man in a suit falls distractedly into the swimming pool behind her.

The advertising campaign is accompanied with the hashtag #curvesinbikinis, which is clearly something that Graham feels passionately about, as she stated: “There is no reason to hide and every reason to flaunt. The world is ready for more curves in bikinis.”

The groundbreaking swimwear campaign marks an important milestone for Sports Illustrated and the fashion industry, which has faced heavy criticism in recent months for the lack of plus size models featured on the runways, in magazines and in ad campaigns.

Moshe Laniado, CEO and president of the brand Swimsuits For All said: “Tastes and body types change over time and curves have never been more “in”. Graham insists however that curves will not merely become one of the latest trends to grace the catwalks. It’s a curvy-girl era – curves are in, but they are not a trend. This is here to stay.”

“One standard of beauty has dominated our world for so long, but the change is definitely happening”, said the curvaceous beauty, “It is in our power to change the convention, and once women learn to accept and embrace their curves, the world will follow.”

Alexandra Davis