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Ashley Graham

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While British Vogue recently took the (long overdue) opportunity to celebrate American model Ashley Graham, it seems countless fashion houses decided to ignore the opportunity.

In a move which shines a light on the unrealistic beauty ideals propagated by many in the fashion industry, British Vogue editor, Alexandra Shulman, revealed that the publication had difficulty finding designers who were willing to style the plus-size model for the shoot.

In her editor's letter for the iconic publication, Alexandra admitted that while Coach were more than happy to participate, the same could not be said for other major fashion brands.

"It seems strange to me that while the rest of the world is desperate for fashion to embrace broader definitions of physical beauty, some of our most famous fashion brands appear to be travelling in the opposite – and, in my opinion, unwise – direction," she wrote for the magazine's January edition.

Ashley has, in the past, spoken of the impact she hopes to have on young girls, saying: "Growing up I didn't have curvy role models, mainly because I didn't see enough curvy women represented in major ads."

And while Ashley was indeed dismissed by brands for her recent Vogue shoot, she has previously said that she thinks the tide is, in fact, turning.

The model, who has had a Barbie created after her, said: “Now we're seeing curvy women on runways, on magazine covers and in major advertising campaigns alongside "straight size" models."

"We're seeing more inclusivity when it comes to size, and we have to continue featuring more and more diversity," she added.

Unfortunately, it doesn't sound like Alexandra Shulman is as optimistic as Ashley.

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Ashley Graham has been breaking down indutry barriers since she arrived on the modelling scene, but her new Vogue cover is officially historic.

The body positivity activist will be the first plus sized model to grace the cover. 

It's been a pretty great year for the model, who was honoured at the Glamour Women of the Year awards for her work as a body positive activist, got her very own Barbie doll, as well as becoming the first plus size woman to grace the cover of Sports Illustrated

 

A photo posted by British Vogue (@britishvogue) on

British Vogue will feature the brunette, who they call “the model with attitude" as their January cover girl to kick start the new year in style.

“For 10 years I’d been told I was always going to be a catalogue girl, never a cover girl,” she told Vogue. 

“Well, I got with IMG Models and did five covers in a year, boom, boom, boom. See, if you have a pretty face doors will open, but your job isn’t just to walk through them, it’s to get invited back.”

She was photographed for the issue by long-time and esteemed Vogue photographer Patrick Demarchelier.

The choice of the size 16 model for the cover has received a unanimously positive response across social media. 

Speaking about her size, the model has shunned the term plus size as she feels it is too narrow a way to describe someone.

 "Do I sometimes wish I were thinner? God, in the old days, absolutely I did, but now I feel that to lose weight would be disloyal to myself," she told Vogue.

"A lot of who I am is connected to my size, and I am so happy with who I am."

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The makers of Barbie, Mattel Incorporated, have revealed a brand new doll, and she is very special. 

The new Barbie doll was created to resemble the plus size model Ashley Graham, to enhance body positivity in young girls.

 

Ashley Ghraham #Barbie #AshleyGrahamBarbie #BarbieDolls

A photo posted by @fanofthings256 on

According to the Hollywood Reporter, Ashley insisted that the doll "had to have her thighs touch. No ands, ifs or buts about it."

 

Come on @Barbie, let's go party!!! Thank you to my new and incredible @Mattel family for this honor! #beautybeyondsize #barbie #curvybarbie

A video posted by A S H L E Y G R A H A M (@theashleygraham) on

As a result, the Ashley doll does not have the infamous "thigh gap" that many Barbies have become known for. 

Ashley also said that "it was important that the Barbie resembled me as much as possible."

 

Thighs touching, round hips, arms and tummy!! Thank you @Mattel and @Barbie for immortalizing me into plastic! #beautybeyondsize

A photo posted by A S H L E Y G R A H A M (@theashleygraham) on

"The thighs touching was one way to show young girls that it's OK for your thighs to touch, despite society saying that a 'thigh gap' is more beautiful."

Ashley Graham has become an important figure in paving the way for body positivity, and has popularised the slogan "beauty beyond size".

Keep slaying, girl! 

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Plus sized model Ashley Graham has been immortalised in plastic by Barbie manufacturer Mattel.

It's been a pretty great year for the model, who was honoured at the Glamour Women of the Year awards for her work as a body positive activist, as well as becoming the first plus size woman to grace the cover of Sports Illustrated

The super model worked with the toy company to create the relatable doll, after disclosing in an interview earlier this year that she was proud of Mattel for producing more size-inclusive Barbie dolls. 

"She had to have her thighs touch. No ands, ifs or buts about it. And I asked for cellulite but obviously plastic and cellulite don't go hand in hand," she shared with the Hollywood Reporter.

"It was important that the Barbie resembled me as much as possible. The thighs touching was one way to show young girls that it is OK for your thighs to touch, despite society saying that a 'thigh gap' is more beautiful."

Mattel is is not currently planning on selling the Ashley doll, but previously the company received such a positive response to its Sheroes, a line of Barbies who represent strong women, that they inevitably produced them after initially not intending to.  

 

Come on @Barbie, let's go party!!!Thank you to my new and incredible @Mattel family for this honor! #beautybeyondsize #barbie #curvybarbie

A video posted by A S H L E Y G R A H A M (@theashleygraham) on

For her Barbie outfit, the model chose to exactly replicate one of her New York Fashion Week looks, a sparkly bodycon dress paired with a Sonia Rykiel patched denim jacket, and spiky stiletto Pierre Hardy boots.

"Would I have looked at my body differently if I were playing with Barbies that looked like me? Would I have accepted my thighs and my round arms and my round stomach a little bit more? Probably."

"I think it's absolutely incredible that an iconic image in the fashion world, like Barbie, is keeping up with the times and following along with body diversity in such a big way," she finished.

The new doll is receiving a warm response, with Twitter users celebrating Mattel's move to further embrace body positivity. 

"I love the Ashley Graham Barbie doll! Finally a Barbie with curves! Thank you @theashleygraham for proving that beauty is more than 'skinny'" tweeted one fan. 

Fingers crossed that Mattel decides to produce the doll, and just in time for Christmas!

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Nebraskan beauty Ashley Graham is so loved for her body positive image that she received major backlash earlier this summer when she was thought to be slimming her curvy frame. 

But it seems the plus-size star is just the right shape for H&M’s upcoming Studio collection, as she has been named the new face of the brand’s high-end Autumn 2016 campaign.

Speaking of the news to BAZAAR.com, the first plus-size model to front Sports Illustrated said: “Growing up I didn't have curvy role models, mainly because I didn't see enough curvy women represented in major ads.  My hope is that young women who shop at H&M see me in the ads and are reminded that there is not one standard definition of beauty or one perfect size.”

The 28-year-old swimwear entrepreneur also detailed for the site how the modelling industry has changed since she was first discovered at the age of 12, but was sure to stress that while advances have been made, the new trend of diversity promotion cannot end here.

She said: “The industry was much different.  There wasn't social media helping to launch careers, and "plus size" models weren't considered supermodels.”

“Now we're seeing curvy women on runways, on magazine covers and in major advertising campaigns alongside "straight size" models.  We're seeing more inclusivity when it comes to size, and we have to continue featuring more and more diversity.”

 

 

Over the years Ashley has gained a vast and dedicated group of fans.  She currently has over two million followers on Instagram alone and has worked with everyone from Vogue and Levi to Glamour and MTV.

Despite her success, H&M’s latest Studio collection will be one of Ashley's first mainstream fashion campaigns.  The line will appear in-store and online on September 8.

 

 

Click the link in my bio for more!

A photo posted by A S H L E Y  G R A H A M (@theashleygraham) on

 

Centre image: BAZAAR.com

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As a proud plus-size model, Ashley Graham has come in for criticism from various corners of society, and as her star continues to ascend it really looks like the girl can't win.

From politicians dubbing her 'unhealthy' and suggesting she has years of ill health ahead of her to speculation that Amy Schumer was unimpressed by her inclusion in the same body-shape category as Ashley – a claim she has since dismissed – the 27-year-old has been forced to defend her shape and size time and time again.

And while the vast majority of criticism has come from those who consider Ashley too large, the model is now facing another group of critics who are currently slamming her for looking like she's dropped a few lbs.

After sharing photos of herself working out, Ashley, who was the first plus-size model to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated, was inexplicably met with negativity by some of her followers.

"Fake fat person. You're not overweight, Stop saying you are. If you are fit, own it," wrote one. "If you changed, just keep it real, don't tell me you're fat when you look like perfection."

"I don't want you to stop from going to the gym at all. I just want to say, that I hope you will stand for your body and your curves like everybody should," commented another.

Taking aim at a snap of Ashley rocking white co-ords and a cropped leather jacket, another Instagram user wrote: "I knew it you did lose a lot of weight! I am no longer a fan of yours you betrayed a lot of people!"

"So I'll find another plus size beautiful woman bcuz you're full of s**t!!! #damnshame #justliketherest," she added. (sic)

Stunned by the outburst, Ashley defended her against the criticism, writing: "People come on my page and body shame me because I'm too big, because I'm too small, because I'm not good enough for their standards…But at the end of the day I'm good enough for me."

Many fans wasted no time supporting the model's stance, with one writing: "All you women shaming get are disgusting."

"Body positivity isn't about size or her size, it's about acceptance. Any women shaming her should be ashamed of themselves." she finished.

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She might be one of the biggest stars in the TV and movie industry right now, but that doesn't mean everyone is always a fan of Amy Schumer.

Taking the opportunity to throw a little shade at the Trainwreck star recently, world-famous model, Ashley Graham, suggested Amy was playing it fast and loose with her perspective on plus-size women.

Reflecting on Amy's apparent irritation that she had been grouped alongside Ashley and Melissa McCarthy in a feature for Glamour magazine, Ashley questioned the star's supposed hypocrisy on the matter.

Commenting at the time, Amy said: "Glamour put me in their plus size only issue without asking or letting me know and it doesn't feel right to me. Young girls seeing my body type thinking that is plus size?"

"I can see both sides, but Amy talks about being a big girl in the industry," Ashley said during a recent interview with Cosmopolitan.

"You thrive on being a big girl, but when you’re grouped in with us, you’re not happy about it? Ashley asked. "That, to me, felt like a double standard."

 

Curves on a mission. Shop my new collection @swimsuitsforall #ashleygrahamxswimsuitsforall #licensetoslay #myswimbody

A photo posted by A S H L E Y G R A H A M (@theashleygraham) on

But if people were hoping Ashley's comments might lead to an online spat between the two women, they were left sorely disappointed.

Responding to Ashley's remarks on Twitter, Amy wrote: "I totally understand Ashley's feelings. I don't group myself in with her because she is unbelievably beautiful. Nothing but respect for her."

Equally gushing, Ashley replied: "I have the greatest respect for @amyschumer! So glad to be able to exchange thoughts, ideas & opinions w/ another incredible female force."

"Rock on girl. I'm so grateful for you," Amy replied "You inspire me!"

And that, ladies, is how it's done.

 

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We got a lot of love for uber-successful plus sized model Ashley Graham. 

Not only is she challenging beauty standards in the fashion industry, but she has managed to hit back at criticism in a wonderfully poised way. 

Last week, former Sports Illustrated model Cheryl Tiegs criticised Sports Illustrated for putting Ashley on the coveted cover of the 2016 Swimsuit Edition. 

But Ashley has finally answered back after the internet quickly jumped to her defence. 

"Cheryl Tiegs may have said what she said and it may have hurt a lot of peoples feelings," Graham said to E! News

"But my skin is so thick. I kind of rolled my eyes, I was like, 'Oh whatever, another one of these ladies.' 

"But what's great is that—the fact that she said it—it means that other women think like her. And what that means is that we really need to change the industry.

"There are too many people thinking they can look at a girl my size and say that we are unhealthy. You can't, only my doctor can!"

Despite Ashley being the first plus-sized model to ever grace the swimsuit issue of the magazine, Cheryl did not have positive comments. 

"Actually I don’t like it that we’re talking about full figured women because it’s glamorising them," said the 68-year-old to E! News

"Your waist should be smaller than 35 inches. That’s what Dr.Oz [American health expert] said and I’m sticking to it.

"No I don’t think it’s healthy. Her face is beautiful. Beautiful. But I don’t think it’s healthy in the long run."

We bet you're eating your words now Cheryl. 

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American model and former Sports Illustrated covergirl, Cheryl Tiegs, has come under public scrutiny after criticising Sports Illustrated for featuring plus-sized model Ashley Graham on the cover of it's new issue. 

Ashley has recently made history by becoming the first plus-sized body to front the cover of the highly coveted Swimsuit Issue for 2016.

And while we think she looks absolutely out of this world, it seems that former covergirl Cheryl is not impressed. 

"Actually I don’t like it that we’re talking about full figured women because it’s glamorising them," said the 68-year-old to E! News

"Your waist should be smaller than 35 inches. That’s what Dr.Oz [American health expert] said and I’m sticking to it.

"No I don’t think it’s healthy. Her face is beautiful. Beautiful. But I don’t think it’s healthy in the long run."

And as you can imagine, no one has been particularly impressed with Cheryl's comment and the model has been forced to attempt to defend herself on social media. 

"I would like to clarify my thoughts regarding bodyweight. I don't think being anorexic, bulimic or overweight are healthy," said Cheryl on Facebook last night. 

"All of these can be connected to serious health issues. I want everyone to be as healthy as they can be." 

Fans were quick to comment that Ashley's website revealed her waist to measure in at 30 inches, making her well within the healthy sizeframe according to Dr. Oz. 

At a size 14, we think she just slays the cover. 

The 28-year-old revealed that she broke into tears when she heard that she had landed the cover. 

You do you, Ashley Graham. 

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Ashley Graham nearly broke the Internet when pictures of her walking the runway in lingerie went viral all over the world at New York Fashion Week. 

Now the gorgeous, plus-sized model is spreading body positivity as she was named as one of the breakout stars of the year for ABC's 20/20's The Year.  

And she has had a pretty amazing year. 

Apart from going viral, she featured in a campaign for Sports Illustrated celebrating curvy bikini bodies and Khloe Kardashian publicly became a fan of her work. 

"To me, it made a huge impact because you can see my full body," said Ashley speaking about her turn in Sports Illustrated. "I think the beauty in that I'm just such a full figured woman, people were just like 'hubba hubba.' "

"I know my curves are sexy and I want everyone else to know that theirs are too. There is no reason to hide and every reason to flaunt."

Hear hear! 

And why does Ashley think people have connected with her in such a prominent way? Because she is a real women and unafraid to discuss society's perception of women. 

"I'm not afraid to talk about it. Love it or get over it."

We think we may have a new idol. 

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She's worked with the likes of Levi's and has appeared to great acclaim in the Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition. 

But when Ashley Graham sashaying down the Fashion Week runway in New York – a platform which ordinarily champions very slim women – she really caused a storm.

Walking for Canadian retailer Addition Elle, the size-16 beauty was not only the star of the catwalk – she also designed the lingerie being showcased. 

Entitled Black Orchid, her collection includes black, blue and purple bras, corsets, and underwear – all of which have been specifically designed to complement the curves of fuller-figured women. 

Ashley, 28, is also a body-positive activist and during yesterday's show, guests were encouraged to use the hashtag #IAmSizeSexy to promote body diversity.

Speaking to the Huffington Post in advance, Ms Graham described the #IAmSizeSexy drive as an "amazing, all-inclusive, high-end fashion campaign".

She also said: "Everyone deserves to see themselves being represented equally."

And taking to Instagram after the show, the US model stated: “What an amazing experience!! All the girls looked amazing," adding: "Thank you to everyone who was involved behind stage as well! We rocked it! #IAmSizeSexy."

In further Instagram (a platform on which she boosts 450,000 followers) snaps today, Ashley also said that her "curves and lingerie" had slayed the runway. "Still pinching myself!!" she went on to say.

Meanwhile, the Addition Elle label stated that "history was made!"

"Curves took over the runway at #NYFW. Thank you to everyone who made this possible!

"And thank you to all the delicious curves that strutted their stuff and who showed the world what #iamsizesexy means!"

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