Plus-size model Ashley Graham named Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue Rookie #SwimSexy

Model and body activist, Ashley Graham has become the latest rookie to grace the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. Graham, the face of plus-size clothing line Lane Bryant, has donned a two-piece as part of the #SwimSexy campaign ad photos by  ‘swimsuitforall’ company. The ad also features two other UK based plus-size models – Philomena Kwao and also 56-year-old Nicola Griffin, the oldest person ever to be featured in the magazine.

28-year-old Graham started modelling at the age of 13, after she was scouted at a shopping mall in her hometown. At the age of 17, she relocated to New York, becoming a full-time model ever since. Graham once recalled how people would react with raised eyebrows when they come to know that she does modelling for a living, given her unconventional body type.  

Graham is of the opinion that there shouldn’t be an ideal standard when it comes to beauty, and she believes that it should come from inside out, not the other way around. Despite being a model, she admitted to having insecurities during her initial years.

“I felt free, once I realised that I was never going to fit the narrow mould that society wanted me to fit in. I was never going to be perfect enough for an industry that defines perfection from the outside in. And that’s ok. Rolls, curves, cellulite…all of it, I love every part of me!,” she said during one of her TED talks.

In US, size 8-16 is considered plus-size, and a lot of young women experience body confidence issues. Graham says she wants to be a voice for such people who struggle to find someone whom they can look up to.

Graham’s inclusion in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue marks a paradigm shift, and is considered a big step towards acceptance. The latest issue will hit the newsstands on February 15.