In a groundbreaking move, Sports Illustrated featured a curvy model on the cover of its annual swimsuit issue for the first time ever. This year, the stunning size 16 model, Ashley Graham, has taken center stage, causing quite a stir online.
Last year, Graham was part of the #CurvesInBikinis campaign with Bikinis For All, which caught the attention of SI. The magazine allowed the brand to buy ad space in their swimsuit edition, resulting in a significant buzz. While many applauded Sports Illustrated for including a woman who doesn’t fit the typical mold, it’s crucial to note that Graham wasn’t even one of the models they paid to feature.
Interestingly, the magazine had previously included a “plus-sized” model, Robyn Lawley, who is a size 12. This raises the question of why we still label women as “plus-sized” when the average American woman is 5’4” and wears a size 14. It seems SI merely opened their eyes to the reality of beauty, rather than making history.
Ashley Graham embodies conventional beauty and has become a symbol for body positivity. She has shared her journey toward self-acceptance on various platforms, including a TED talk. Graham described how the term “plus-sized model” caused her to feel out of place in the fashion world, despite her success. “I felt free once I realized I was never going to fit the narrow mold society wanted me to fit in,” she stated. This suggests that labeling women as “plus-sized” can be limiting and reductive.
The assistant managing editor of SI, Jordan Marks, stated, “The three covers this year celebrate the diversity of beauty.” It’s clear that beauty comes in many forms, not confined to a single standard.
Graham’s influence on the fashion industry highlights a significant shift toward inclusivity, but it begs the question: should we still use terms like “plus-sized”? Perhaps it’s time to embrace a more expansive view of beauty that celebrates all women, regardless of size.
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In summary, while the inclusion of Ashley Graham on the cover of Sports Illustrated is a step forward, it also highlights the need to rethink the way we label women in the industry. Beauty is diverse, and it’s time we acknowledge that all bodies are worthy of celebration.