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.”

 

A little cellulite never hurt nobody.. Stop judging yourself, embrace the things that society has called 'ugly'. #lovetheskinyourein #beautybeyondsize

A photo posted by A S H L E Y  G R A H A M (@theashleygraham) on Jun 15, 2016 at 2:56pm PDT

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.

 

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A photo posted by A S H L E Y  G R A H A M (@theashleygraham) on Aug 4, 2016 at 9:41am PDT

Centre image: BAZAAR.com