Sports Illustrated is making strides to being more inclusive with its annual swimsuit issue. Yesterday, Ashley Graham, a plus-size model, announced that she’s one of the issue’s models. She also hit one million followers the same day. Super casual Tuesday, right?
“It’s official,” Graham said on Instagram. “I’m a @si_swimsuit model!! This is a dream come true. 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 #beautybeyondsize #siswim."
Previously, Graham made headlines for fronting Forever 21’s plus-size activewear line, creating her own lingerie collection with Addition Elle, and modeling in Lane Bryant’s campaigns. Slowly but surely, body diversity in fashion is happening. It’s shooting models like Graham for iconic, notoriously non-diverse issues—like SI’s swimsuit issue—that make strides in the right direction. Let’s work to get Graham that Rookie of the Year award. That’ll be something worth celebrating with Graham and her now one million followers.
