Breaking stereotypes! Ashley Graham, the curvy model who’s an advocate for beauty in all sizes, has been named one of five rookies who will pose for Sports Illustrated‘s annual Swimsuit Issue this month.
In a steamy reveal pic for the mag, Graham, 28, poses in a vibrant purple and pink bikini, lying on the beach. “Without further ado, introducing Rookie No. 2 – @theashleygraham! 👙🔥 Click the link in our bio to find out all about Ashley! #SISwim,” the mag wrote via Instagram.
The Addition Elle lingerie designer and Lane Bryant spokeswoman shared her excitement over the new gig with the same sultry snap on her own social media account. “It’s official – I’m a @si_swimsuit model!! This is a dream come true,” she wrote. “Thank you to everyone who stood up for curves- our voices were heard and together we can help me win Rookie of the Year. Stay tuned for voting instructions.”
Technically, the Nebraska native isn’t the only plus-size model to have been photographed in a Swim issue — Robyn Lawley, a size 12, was one of seven rookies in the 2015 issue. But Graham’s inclusion in the volume speaks to an acceptance of all body types — not just those of typical plus-size models. The body activist’s campaigns #IAmNoAngel and #PlusIsEqual directly challenge the perception of plus-size and sample-size modeling.
What do you think of Ashley’s first SI photo shoot?
