Ashley Graham is a name that resonates with empowerment, beauty, and breaking boundaries in the fashion industry. Born on October 30, 1987, in Lincoln, Nebraska, Ashley has become one of the most prominent figures in the world of modeling, advocating for body positivity and inclusivity. This blog will dive into her remarkable journey, highlighting her influence as a plus-size model, her advocacy for body positivity, her rise to fame, and how she has transformed the landscape of the fashion industry.
Early Life and Modeling Career
Ashley Graham was discovered at the age of 12 by a modeling agency while shopping at a mall in Nebraska. At the time, the modeling industry was still deeply entrenched in traditional beauty standards, often prioritizing slim figures over diversity in body types. Ashley, standing at 5’9” with a curvy figure, was not the conventional model sought after by agencies. However, she found her place in the plus-size division of the industry, which was still a niche market at the time.
Graham’s early career involved catalog work and commercials. It wasn’t until she signed with Wilhelmina Models in 2001 and later with Ford Models in 2003 that her career truly began to take off. She appeared in numerous fashion campaigns, including those for Lane Bryant, a leading plus-size women’s clothing retailer. These early opportunities helped Ashley carve out her space in the industry, but it was only the beginning.
| Instagram Link | https://www.instagram.com/ashleygraham |
| Name | Ashley Graham |
| Nick Name | Ashley |
| Maiden Name | Ashley Ann Graham |
| Birthday | October 30, 1987 |
| Birthday place | Lincoln, Nebraska, USA |
| Residence | New York City, New York, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Religion | Christian |
| Ethnicity | Mixed (White and African-American ancestry) |
| Profession: | Model, Entrepreneur, Body Positivity Advocate |
| Active Since: | 2001-Present |
| Parents: | Linda Graham (mother); father’s name not widely publicized |
| Siblings: | Two younger sisters |
| High School: | Lincoln Southwest High School, Nebraska |
| University: | Did not attend university, focused on her modeling career from a young age |
| Zodiac: | Scorpio |
| Age: | 36 years old (as of 2024) |
| Height: | 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) |
| Weight: | Approximately 91 kg (201 lbs) |
| Bust: | 42 inches |
| Waist | 30 inches |
| Hips: | 46 inches |
| Measurements: | 42-30-46 inches |
| Body type: | Voluptuous/Curvy |
| Hair color: | Dark Brown |
| Eye color: | Dark Brown |
| Net Worth: | Estimated around $10 million (as of 2024) |
| Relationship: | Married |
| Partners/ Dated: | Justin Ervin (married in 2010) |
| Children | Isaac Menelik Giovanni Ervin (born 2020) and twin boys Roman and Malachi (born 2022) |
Breaking Boundaries: Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue
Ashley Graham’s groundbreaking moment came in 2016 when she made history as the first plus-size model to appear on the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. This cover was more than just a personal triumph for Ashley; it was a cultural milestone. For years, the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue had featured only models who fit the traditional mold of thin, lean, and often unattainable beauty standards. Ashley’s inclusion on the cover signified a major shift toward body inclusivity and diversity in the modeling industry.
The response to Ashley’s cover was overwhelmingly positive, with many celebrating her as a role model for women of all sizes. The significance of this moment cannot be overstated, as it not only elevated Ashley’s career but also helped to change the narrative around beauty in mainstream media.
One of the most defining moments in Ashley Graham’s career came in 2016 when she made history by becoming the first plus-size model to grace the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. This groundbreaking achievement was not only a personal milestone for Ashley but also a significant cultural shift in the fashion and modeling industries, which had long adhered to narrow beauty standards.
The Significance of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue
For decades, the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue has been a key publication in the fashion and entertainment industries. It is renowned for featuring some of the world’s most beautiful women in glamorous beachwear, shot in exotic locations around the world. However, for much of its history, the magazine primarily showcased models who conformed to traditional beauty ideals: tall, thin, and conventionally attractive by societal standards.
The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue was often criticized for promoting an unrealistic and narrow representation of female beauty. Women who did not fit these stringent physical criteria were rarely, if ever, featured in the magazine. This limited definition of beauty excluded countless women and perpetuated harmful body image standards.
That all began to change in 2016 when Ashley Graham, with her curvier figure, became the first plus-size model to be featured on the cover of the magazine. Her inclusion represented a seismic shift in the way the fashion and media industries approach beauty, body diversity, and inclusivity.
Ashley Graham’s Journey to the Cover
Ashley Graham’s appearance on the cover of Sports Illustrated was the culmination of years of hard work, perseverance, and a relentless determination to challenge the status quo in the modeling industry. Throughout her career, Ashley faced rejection and criticism for not fitting the industry’s typical body standards. However, rather than conforming to these unrealistic expectations, she embraced her body and used her platform to promote body positivity and self-acceptance.
Prior to her Sports Illustrated cover, Ashley was already a well-established figure in the plus-size fashion world. She had worked with major brands like Lane Bryant and Addition Elle and had become a vocal advocate for inclusivity. Her confidence, charisma, and refusal to be limited by industry standards made her a natural fit for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, which was beginning to evolve and expand its definition of beauty.
In 2015, a year before her historic cover, Ashley appeared in an advertisement for Swimsuits For All that ran within the pages of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. The ad, featuring Ashley in a bikini, generated significant buzz and was celebrated as a step toward body inclusivity. This early appearance set the stage for Ashley to become a full-fledged cover model the following year.
The 2016 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Cover
In 2016, Ashley Graham made history by being featured on the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. This achievement was groundbreaking not only because of her size but because it challenged long-held beauty standards in mainstream media. Ashley’s inclusion on the cover symbolized a broader cultural movement toward body acceptance and representation of diverse body types in fashion.
The cover photo, shot by photographer James Macari, showed Ashley confidently posing in a stunning purple and gold bikini. Her radiant smile and bold stance embodied the confidence and empowerment that Ashley had championed throughout her career. She wasn’t just being included in the issue; she was the star of it.
The cover was accompanied by a full feature inside the magazine, which included additional images of Ashley modeling swimwear. These photos, like the cover, were celebrated for their representation of a body type that had long been excluded from the pages of fashion’s most elite publications.
Public Reception and Impact
Ashley Graham’s Sports Illustrated cover was met with overwhelming praise and celebration. For many, it was a moment of validation—finally, a woman with a body shape that more closely resembled that of the average American woman was being featured on one of the most iconic and influential magazine covers in the world.
The response from women across the globe was particularly notable. Ashley’s cover sparked a conversation about beauty standards, self-acceptance, and the importance of representation in media. Women of all shapes and sizes saw Ashley’s success as a step forward for body inclusivity and an opportunity to break free from the unrealistic beauty ideals that had dominated the industry for so long.
However, Ashley’s cover was not without its critics. Some detractors argued that featuring a plus-size model on the cover was a departure from the magazine’s tradition, while others questioned whether this move toward inclusivity would have a lasting impact on the fashion industry. Despite these criticisms, the overwhelming majority of the public celebrated Ashley’s cover as a groundbreaking moment that signaled a shift toward greater diversity in media and fashion.
A Shift in the Fashion Industry
Ashley Graham’s appearance on the cover of Sports Illustrated had a ripple effect throughout the fashion industry. It demonstrated that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes and that the modeling industry had to become more inclusive to stay relevant. In the years following Ashley’s historic cover, other plus-size models like Hunter McGrady, Tara Lynn, and Paloma Elsesser began to gain visibility, further advancing the body positivity movement.
Moreover, fashion brands and designers began to recognize the importance of inclusivity in their campaigns and runway shows. What was once considered a niche market—plus-size fashion—was now gaining mainstream attention. Major brands, including Victoria’s Secret, faced pressure to diversify their casting choices and expand their sizing options to reflect the diversity of their customer base.
Ashley’s presence in the magazine also paved the way for more inclusive representation in future issues of Sports Illustrated. Since her cover, the magazine has featured models of varying body types, ages, and ethnicities, continuing to expand the definition of beauty that it promotes. This shift reflects a broader cultural movement that embraces diversity and celebrates all forms of beauty.
Ashley’s Continued Advocacy
Ashley Graham has continued to use her platform to advocate for body positivity and inclusivity in the years since her Sports Illustrated cover. She remains one of the most vocal and influential figures in the body positivity movement, consistently pushing for greater representation of different body types in media and fashion.
Ashley’s message extends beyond modeling. She regularly speaks about the importance of self-love, mental health, and breaking down societal beauty standards. Her TED Talk, Plus Size? More Like My Size, further solidified her role as a thought leader in the body positivity movement, inspiring millions of people to embrace their individuality.
In addition to her advocacy, Ashley continues to be a successful model and entrepreneur. Her various collaborations with fashion brands, such as Addition Elle and Swimsuits For All, have been successful, and she continues to design inclusive clothing for women of all sizes. She has also written a memoir, A New Model: What Confidence, Beauty, and Power Really Look Like, in which she shares her journey and the lessons she has learned about self-acceptance and confidence.
Advocacy for Body Positivity and Inclusivity
One of the reasons Ashley Graham has become a household name is her commitment to promoting body positivity and inclusivity. Throughout her career, she has used her platform to challenge conventional beauty standards and encourage women to embrace their bodies, regardless of size.
Ashley has spoken openly about her own struggles with body image and how she overcame societal pressures to conform to a certain look. In interviews, she has discussed the challenges she faced as a plus-size model in an industry that often celebrates thinness above all else. However, rather than succumbing to these pressures, Ashley chose to embrace her curves and advocate for other women to do the same.
In addition to her work as a model, Ashley Graham has become a vocal advocate for body positivity on social media. She frequently shares unretouched photos of herself, showing her cellulite, stretch marks, and other so-called “imperfections.” By doing so, she normalizes the natural appearance of women’s bodies and encourages her followers to reject unrealistic beauty standards.
Her activism extends beyond social media. In 2017, Ashley gave a powerful TED Talk titled “Plus Size? More Like My Size,” where she discussed the harmful effects of labeling women based on their body size and urged society to embrace all body types. The talk has since garnered millions of views, further cementing her role as a leading voice in the body positivity movement.
Fashion Collaborations and Entrepreneurship
In addition to her modeling work, Ashley Graham has made significant strides as an entrepreneur. She has collaborated with several fashion brands to create collections that cater to women of all sizes, helping to make fashion more inclusive for everyone.
One of her most notable collaborations was with the plus-size retailer Addition Elle. Together, they launched a line of lingerie designed specifically for curvy women. The collection was a massive success, not only because it offered stylish and comfortable options for plus-size women but also because it challenged the notion that lingerie was only meant for women with certain body types.
In 2017, Ashley collaborated with Swimsuits For All, a swimwear brand that caters to women of all sizes. Her swimwear line featured bold, sexy designs that empowered women to feel confident and beautiful in their own skin. The campaign for the collection featured unretouched photos of Ashley, further emphasizing her commitment to body positivity.
Beyond her fashion collaborations, Ashley has ventured into the world of entrepreneurship with the launch of her own shapewear line called “Ashley Graham x Knix.” The line, which debuted in 2020, was designed to offer comfortable and stylish shapewear for women of all sizes. Ashley’s involvement in the design process ensured that the collection was not only functional but also empowering for the women who wore it.
Ashley Graham has made a lasting impact not only as a model but also as an entrepreneur and designer who champions inclusivity in fashion. Her fashion collaborations and ventures into entrepreneurship have made her a leading figure in creating stylish and accessible clothing for women of all shapes and sizes. Below is a deep dive into some of her most successful collaborations and entrepreneurial efforts that have further cemented her position as a trailblazer in the industry.
Lingerie Collaboration with Addition Elle
One of Ashley Graham’s most prominent fashion collaborations was with Addition Elle, a Canadian retailer specializing in plus-size clothing. Graham partnered with Addition Elle to create her own line of lingerie, which debuted in 2013. This collection was groundbreaking because it emphasized that lingerie could be sexy, luxurious, and made for women with curves. Traditionally, the lingerie industry catered mostly to smaller sizes, and plus-size options were often limited in style and design. Ashley sought to change that narrative by offering intimate wear that was fashionable, comfortable, and size-inclusive.
Her lingerie collection with Addition Elle was a commercial success and was applauded for offering something previously lacking in the market—gorgeous, well-made pieces for curvier women. The collection’s appeal wasn’t just limited to the garments themselves; the marketing campaigns that accompanied the line featured Ashley proudly showing her curves, without any retouching or photo manipulation. This transparent approach made the lingerie line resonate with women who longed to see their own bodies represented in the fashion world.
In 2015, Ashley walked the runway at New York Fashion Week to showcase the lingerie line with Addition Elle, making a statement that runway shows could—and should—feature models of all sizes.
Swimwear Collaboration with Swimsuits For All
Ashley Graham’s collaboration with Swimsuits For All, a leading swimwear brand known for its size-inclusive designs, was another milestone in her career as a designer. Her first collection with the brand launched in 2016, and it was an immediate hit. The collection featured swimsuits that were bold, stylish, and empowering, catering to women of all sizes, from petite to plus-size.
What made this collaboration so impactful was the unapologetic celebration of women’s bodies in the campaign. Graham was featured in unretouched photos wearing the swimsuits, further promoting body positivity. The photos highlighted her curves, cellulite, and stretch marks, encouraging women to embrace their bodies in all their natural glory.
The designs in Ashley’s swimwear collection focused on combining comfort and style, proving that women, regardless of size, could feel confident and beautiful at the beach or pool. The campaign’s inclusive message and stunning visuals helped the collection resonate with women worldwide. Ashley later released multiple successful swimwear collections with Swimsuits For All, cementing her status as both a model and a fashion innovator.
Denim Line with Marina Rinaldi
In 2017, Ashley Graham collaborated with Marina Rinaldi, an Italian luxury fashion house specializing in plus-size clothing, to create a denim collection. This partnership was especially significant because it brought Ashley’s designs into the realm of high fashion, a space where plus-size women have historically been underrepresented.
Denim is a wardrobe staple, but finding well-fitting, stylish jeans can be a challenge for women with curves. Ashley’s collection with Marina Rinaldi aimed to solve this problem by offering jeans designed to flatter curvier body types without sacrificing style. The collection featured a variety of cuts, including skinny, bootcut, and flared jeans, as well as denim jackets and other casual pieces. The pieces were crafted from high-quality materials and designed to fit comfortably, allowing women to look chic and feel good.
The success of the denim line showed that luxury fashion could—and should—be inclusive. By bringing plus-size fashion into the high-fashion space, Ashley challenged the industry to reconsider its approach to sizing and representation.
Shapewear Line: Ashley Graham x Knix
In 2020, Ashley Graham launched her own shapewear line in partnership with Knix, a brand known for creating comfortable, functional intimates. The Ashley Graham x Knix collection was designed with the same mission that has driven much of Ashley’s career: empowering women to feel confident in their bodies.
The shapewear collection focused on comfort and versatility, with pieces that could be worn under various types of clothing. The designs were intended to smooth and shape without constricting, offering a more comfortable alternative to traditional shapewear. The line also embraced inclusivity, with sizes ranging from small to 3XL.
Ashley played an active role in the design process, ensuring that the shapewear was functional while still being stylish. She understood that women wanted garments that not only enhanced their silhouettes but also allowed them to feel good about themselves. This collection was another extension of Ashley’s broader message of body positivity, encouraging women to embrace their natural curves.
The line was well-received, with many customers praising the comfort and fit of the pieces. By launching her shapewear line, Ashley further solidified her place in the fashion industry as an entrepreneur dedicated to inclusivity and innovation.
Advocacy Through Fashion
Ashley Graham’s fashion collaborations are more than just business ventures; they are a form of advocacy. Through each of her collections, Ashley has worked to expand the range of fashionable, high-quality clothing available to women of all sizes. By partnering with brands that are committed to inclusivity, she has helped change the conversation around fashion and beauty standards.
Ashley’s designs have often been accompanied by campaigns that promote body positivity and challenge traditional beauty norms. Her work has helped to shift the fashion industry toward a more inclusive future, where women of all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds can see themselves represented in mainstream media and fashion.
Her efforts in fashion go hand-in-hand with her larger mission to empower women to love themselves as they are. In interviews, Ashley has repeatedly emphasized the importance of designing clothing that makes women feel confident and beautiful, regardless of their size.
Expanding Her Influence
Beyond fashion, Ashley Graham has diversified her entrepreneurial efforts by venturing into other industries. She has been involved in media, writing, and even podcasting. In 2019, Ashley launched her podcast, Pretty Big Deal, where she discusses topics like beauty, fashion, business, and body positivity with influential guests from various industries. The podcast reflects Ashley’s broader goal of sparking meaningful conversations about body image and self-love while also celebrating individuality and personal success.
Her memoir, A New Model: What Confidence, Beauty, and Power Really Look Like, is another example of her foray into entrepreneurship. Published in 2017, the memoir dives into Ashley’s personal journey, detailing her experiences in the modeling industry and her efforts to redefine beauty standards. Through the book, she offers advice to readers on how to build self-confidence, overcome insecurities, and achieve their own version of success.
In everything she does, Ashley Graham continues to push boundaries and redefine what it means to be a successful woman in fashion and business. Her entrepreneurial spirit, combined with her advocacy for body positivity, has made her a powerful force of change.
Media Appearances and Expanding Influence
Ashley Graham’s influence extends beyond the fashion industry. She has made numerous television appearances, including serving as a judge on “America’s Next Top Model” and hosting her own talk show, “Pretty Big Deal.” Through these media appearances, Ashley has continued to challenge beauty norms and inspire women to embrace their individuality.
In 2019, Ashley published her memoir, A New Model: What Confidence, Beauty, and Power Really Look Like. In the book, she shares her personal journey and the lessons she has learned about self-acceptance, confidence, and resilience. The memoir received widespread praise for its honesty and vulnerability, further solidifying Ashley’s role as a leading advocate for body positivity.
Ashley has also used her platform to advocate for important social issues. She has spoken out about the importance of diversity and representation in the fashion industry, calling for more opportunities for models of all sizes, races, and backgrounds. Her commitment to social justice has earned her a reputation as not only a model but also a role model for women around the world.
Motherhood and Continued Advocacy
In 2020, Ashley Graham became a mother, welcoming her son Isaac with her husband, Justin Ervin. Motherhood has brought new challenges and opportunities for Ashley, as she continues to balance her career with her role as a mother.
Throughout her pregnancy and postpartum journey, Ashley remained open and honest with her followers about the changes her body was going through. She posted candid photos of her stretch marks, weight gain, and postpartum body, further challenging the unrealistic expectations placed on women’s bodies during and after pregnancy.
Ashley has also spoken about the challenges of being a working mother and the importance of creating a supportive environment for women in the workforce. In an interview with Glamour, she emphasized the need for better maternity leave policies and more flexible work arrangements for mothers. Her advocacy for working mothers has further cemented her role as a leader in the fight for gender equality.
The Future of Fashion and Inclusivity
As the fashion industry continues to evolve, Ashley Graham remains at the forefront of the movement toward inclusivity and diversity. Her success as a plus-size model has paved the way for other models of all sizes to break into the industry, and her advocacy for body positivity has inspired countless women to embrace their bodies, regardless of societal standards.
In recent years, more fashion brands have followed Ashley’s lead by offering size-inclusive collections and featuring models of all body types in their campaigns. This shift toward inclusivity is a direct result of the work that Ashley and other body positivity advocates have done to challenge traditional beauty norms.
However, despite the progress that has been made, there is still work to be done. Ashley has spoken out about the need for continued efforts to diversify the fashion industry, both in terms of size and representation of different races, genders, and backgrounds. She has called on fashion brands to do more than just offer token representation and to commit to making lasting changes in the industry.
Ashley Graham’s Impact on Society
Ashley Graham’s influence extends far beyond the runway. She has used her platform to speak on issues that affect women across the globe, including body image, mental health, and social justice. Her message of self-love and empowerment resonates with millions of people, particularly young women who look up to her as a role model.
Her success as a model and entrepreneur has also helped to shatter the myth that success in the fashion industry is limited to those who fit a certain mold. By embracing her own body and encouraging others to do the same, Ashley has redefined what it means to be beautiful and successful in the fashion world.
Ashley Graham’s legacy will be one of empowerment, inclusivity, and positive change. As she continues to use her platform to advocate for body positivity and diversity, she remains a trailblazer in the fashion industry and a source of inspiration for women everywhere.
Conclusion
Ashley Graham has transformed the fashion industry with her groundbreaking achievements, from being the first plus-size model on the cover of Sports Illustrated to launching successful fashion collaborations. Her advocacy for body positivity and inclusivity has inspired countless individuals, challenging the narrow beauty standards perpetuated by society.
Ashley’s journey is a testament to the power of self-love, perseverance, and breaking down barriers. Her work as a model, entrepreneur, and advocate continues to create a more inclusive future for women of all sizes, proving that beauty and success know no size limits. As she continues to expand her influence, Ashley Graham’s impact on the fashion industry and society will undoubtedly be felt for generations to come.
