Ashley Graham: Plus-Size Bikini Model Makes Sports Illustrated History

Ashley Graham is making headlines as the first plus-sized model in Sports Illustrated’s annual swimsuit issue, which hits the stands on Feb. 9.

“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,” Graham said, according to Entertainment Tonight.

The model is part of a campaign sponsored by plus-size swimsuit company swimsuitsforall using the hashtag #CurvesinBikinis to help women feel confident about their bodies.

Graham, 27, was discovered in a mall at age 12 and has appeared in ads for Levi's, Target, Hanes, Bloomingdale's, Nordstrom, Macy's, Old Navy, Lane Bryant, and others.

Graham told Fashion Times about shooting a video that accompanies the photo campaign: "I loved it! I truly am happy to show off my curves, and when you're shooting at a pool on a tropical island with three hot guys, there really isn't much to complain about. I'd wear a string bikini every day if I could."

Twitter users reacted to the ad.

Beautiful and NORMAL-> Sports Illustrated Makes History By Featuring 'Plus-Size' Model In Ad http://t.co/pgdOzgwckF http://t.co/KPQ5KpnqF2

— RICHELLE CAREY (@RichelleCarey) February 4, 2015

Beauty comes in all sizes! Plus-size model Ashley Graham is making history in @SI_Swimsuit! http://t.co/VEZqFZuyQR pic.twitter.com/tydIWTh5rW”

— Vanessa Ruiz (@VanessaNBCLA) February 4, 2015

She's what the industry considers +sized? MRT @ELLEmagazine +size model Ashley Graham http://t.co/zEC6LtxbSr pic.twitter.com/w7EKOnsQiI

— याक प्रभु (@Whisky_Yak) February 4, 2015

Let the record show that while Ashley Graham is larger than most Models... she is hardly "Plus Sized".

— BiasedGirl (@BiasedGirl) February 4, 2015

A step in the right direction: Ashley Graham's Historic Plus-Size Ad Runs In Sports Illustrated's Swimsuit Issue http://t.co/O8Epy7qQGu

— Tanisha L. Ramirez (@TanishaLove) February 4, 2015

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