Sports Illustrated has made headlines by featuring a curvy model on the cover of their annual swimsuit issue for the very first time. And while it’s a significant moment, it seems like the internet has reacted as if the magazine has just solved world hunger.
Ashley Graham, a stunning size 16, is one of the three cover models this year, and social media is abuzz with excitement. Last year, Graham was part of the #curvesinbikinis campaign for Bikinis For All, where the magazine allowed ad space for the company in their swimsuit edition. The response was overwhelming, with praises pouring in for SI’s decision to include a woman who doesn’t fit their typical mold. It’s almost amusing how much credit they received for simply allowing a different body type in their prestigious issue, even though Graham was not one of the models they initially paid.
However, this isn’t the first time SI has included a “plus-sized” model in their issue. Just last year, they featured a model who was a size 12. Yes, you read that right; a size 12 is considered “plus-sized.” It’s high time we retire these outdated labels. They tested the waters with the inclusion of Robin Lawley, and when the world didn’t end, they decided a size 16 model on the cover wouldn’t be catastrophic either.
Now, don’t get me wrong. Graham is absolutely gorgeous, and she should flaunt her bikini-clad figure everywhere. The lack of representation for curvy women in swimsuit issues makes this moment feel monumental. Yet, it’s disheartening that we still operate under the misconception that curvy women are outside the norm. We celebrated Lawley as the first “plus-sized” model in SI, despite the fact that many can see there’s nothing “plus-sized” about her.
Speaking of that term, who came up with “plus-sized” anyway? The average woman in the United States is 5’4” tall and wears a size 14. SI didn’t “make history” by putting a plus-sized model on its cover; they merely opened their eyes to the reality of beauty in diversity. Graham is undeniably sexy, by conventional standards.
In a statement, SI assistant managing editor MJ Day mentioned, “The three covers of Ashley, Ronda, and Hailey celebrate the new SI Swimsuit. All three women are beautiful, sexy, and strong. Beauty is not cookie cutter. Beauty is not ‘one size fits all.’” Well, duh. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see that these women shine in their own unique ways.
Graham delivered a powerful TED talk last year about her journey to body acceptance. She expressed how the label “plus-sized model” made her feel like an outsider in the fashion world, despite her successful career. “I felt free once I realized I was never going to fit the narrow mold society wanted me to fit in,” she said. “The fashion industry might continue to label me as plus-sized, but I like to think of it as my-sized.”
She also mentioned how answering the question, “What do you do for a living?” was often followed by the raised eyebrow response when she said, “I’m a model!” and then felt compelled to add, “Well, I’m a plus-sized model.” Graham is spreading the essential message of body positivity, but I can’t help but wonder if that’s the label she wanted or one that was imposed on her. Regardless, it’s a blessing that she has embraced it, delivering a message that resonates deeply.
“You know, people in the fashion industry actually told me that I would never be in magazines, let alone on their covers,” Graham reflected. “Well, I guess we’ve proven them wrong.” While it might be debatable if SI truly deserves applause for recognizing that a variety of women are beautiful, Graham undoubtedly deserves a standing ovation.
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In summary, Ashley Graham’s presence in Sports Illustrated is more than just a milestone for representation; it’s a reflection of the ongoing battle against outdated beauty standards. It’s time we embrace all forms of beauty without labels.
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