The 2015 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue is coming out on February 9th (aka, in five days) and for the first time in the history of the magazine, they’re including an ad that features a “plus-size” model. The model, Ashley Graham, is featured wearing a tiny black string bikini, and she looks AMAZING —naturally.
The ad, according to ETonline, is part of the SwimsuitsForAll campaign (if you recall, SwimsuitsForAll recreated last year’s Swimsuit Issue and replaced the models with more full-bodied, curvier ladies to challenge our impossible beauty standards), #CurvesinBikinis. The viral movement encourages curvy women to feel gorgeous in their own skin, and in any kind of swimsuit.
This is monumental news, considering Sports Illustrated is known for solely selecting smaller-sized models for their swimsuit layouts. While ALL bodies are beautiful, it’s important to represent every kind of body type by including diverse shapes and sizes in the media. In a press release, Graham states, “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. The world is ready for more curves in bikinis.”
And we agree full-heartedly. Every woman, regardless of her size, should know that her body is beautiful, and it’s awesome that this sentiment will be reflected in Sports Illustrated.
