History in the making: Ashley Graham will become the first ever plus size model to grace the pages of Sport Illustrated
Model Ashley Graham has become the first plus size model to ever feature in an issue of Sports Illustrated magazine.
The
26-year-old model, who was raised in Lincoln, Nebraska, features in a
beautiful new campaign for swimwear brand swimsuitsforall, which was
today unveiled as the first ever plus size ad to have been selected to
grace the pages of the publication's iconic Swimsuit Issue.
'I
know my curves are sexy and I want everyone else to know that theirs
are too,' the size 16 fashion star said of her ground-breaking campaign.
Fashion revolution: The 26-year-old's print campaign for swimwear brand swimsuitsforall will appear in the magazine's annual Swimsuit Issue
Screen star: As well as the print campaign, Ashley also stars in a saucy video ad for the brand
There is no reason to hide and every reason to flaunt. The world is ready for more curves in bikinis.
'swimsuitsforall helps women feel confident and sexy in swimsuits and I am so thrilled to be a part of the Curves in Bikinis campaign!'
The stunning campaign marks an important milestone for both Sports Illustrated and the wider fashion industry, which has come under heavy fire from critics in recent months for its alleged discrimination of plus size women.
Fashion expert and TV presenter Louise Roe told DailyMail.com that she was 'thrilled' to see Sports Illustrated taking a stand in support of the plus size industry, adding that the magazine was helping to set a positive example for other fashion publications around the world.
'Honestly, i'm thrilled to see this,' she said. 'Over the last couple of years, the fashion industry has changed so much and opened up to new ways of doing things - from transgender models on the runway to the rise of power-bloggers on the front row - it's enlightening to see old 'rules' being broken down.
Open-mouthed: In the video, Ashley captures the attention of some very eager male admirers
Flaunt it: The Nebraska-born model wants to encourage all women to embrace and celebrate their curves
New era: Ashley insists that the 'world is ready for more curves in bikinis' and urged women to follow in her footsteps
Baring all: At the end of the video, the model flings her bikini top into a nearby swimming pool
'And such an infamous magazine embracing curves is a big deal. Representing all body types sets a positive example, not to mention a super sexy one.'
Alongside the print campaign, the brand have also launched a risque video ad, which sees a bikini-clad Ashley strolling along the beach, capturing the attention of some overwhelmed male admirers in the process.
The saucy ad ends with the brunette model flinging her bikini top into a nearby swimming pool, while flashing a cheeky smile at the camera.
“Tastes and body types change over time and curves have never been more "in",' Moshe Laniado, CEO and President of swimsuitsforall said.
'There is no better way to celebrate and show off than by donning a bikini.
'When the Curves in Bikinis ad in Sports Illustrated is released, the world will be watching and they’ll like what they see.'