'It's official!' Size 14 model Ashley Graham unveils sexy spread in Sports Illustrated's Swimsuit Issue as she thanks 'everyone who stood up for curves'
- The 28-year-old made history last year when she became the first plus-size model to appear in an ad featured in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue
- Ashley took to Instagram on Tuesday to share the exciting news
- The model from Lincoln, Nebraska, will be joining the ranks of Robyn Lawley, the first plus-size model to ever be featured in an editorial last year
- Ashley is already encouraging her fans to vote for her to be named the issue's 2016 Rookie of the Year
Ashley Graham made history in 2015 when she became the first plus-size model to appear in an ad featured in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, and just a year later the brunette beauty has scored her own editorial in the highly-anticipated edition of the magazine, which hits newsstands next week.
The 28-year-old from Lincoln, Nebraska, will be joining the ranks of Robyn Lawley, the first plus-size model to ever be featured in a spread in the issue last year. Ashley took to Instagram on Tuesday to confirm the exciting news, while giving her one million followers a sneak peak at one of the sultry images from the shoot.
'It's official - I'm a @si_swimsuit model!! This is a dream come true,' she wrote. 'Thank you to everyone who stood up for curves- our voices were heard and together we can help me win Rookie of the Year.
Amazing honor: Ashley Graham took to Instagram on Tuesday to reveal that she will be featured in an editorial in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, which hits newsstands next week
Campaign trail: The 28-year-old from Lincoln, Nebraska, thanked her supporters and urged them to help name her 2016 Rookie of the Year
'Stay tuned for voting instructions #beautybeyondsize #siswim,' she added.
Each year, the magazine has its readers vote for their favorite model to make her debut in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue in order to name its Rookie of the Year, and it is clear that Ashley, who is official a 2016 Rookie, is already gunning for the position.
In the image shared on her Instagram page, the size 14 body activist is pictured laying on the beach in a bright purple bikini as her feet graze the surf.
Ashley is balance on her forearms as she arches her back and lets her damp hair dangle towards the sand.
In-demand model: Ashley will also star in plus-size retailer Swimsuits For All's second ad to grace the pages of the iconic issue
Striking beauty: Ashley made history in 2015 when she became the first plus-size model to appear in an ad featured in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue
Sultry star: 'I know my curves are sexy,' Ashley said of her ground-breaking ad, which sees her in a black bikini
Show off those curves in a black bikini like Ashley
Ashley Graham is officially the first 'plus-sized' model to be in the swimsuit issu and fashion finder has no issues with that.
This shoot has got us lusting after summer and thinking about investing in some new swimwear! Even if you're not jetting off for some winter sun, it will serve as inspiration to get down the gym in preparation for summer!
Ashley's classic black bikini is a must have in every wardrobe. Especially since this one features triple straps for added support and surprise, it's actually plus size so that means you skinny minnies sized under 10 need to check out our edit below for similar styles.
However if you're a size 10 and up, head over to the right and pick up this ultra flattering number for only $44.20
If you're a label lover Ondedemar and Melissa Odabash have some great picks; meanwhile Topshop has a more affordable option.
Within four hours of being posted the sultry image earned more than 28,000 likes, with fans thanking Ashley for being an advocate for women of all shapes and sizes.
'Thank you for all you have done for curvy women. You are amazing and my inspiration!' one fan wrote, while another added: 'You're beautiful and sexy and an inspiration to all.'
And there is plenty to celebrate as a Ashley is going to be featured in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue not once - but twice this year.
In addition to her first-ever editorial with the brand, she will also star alongside models Philomena Kwao and Nicola Griffin in plus-size retailer Swim Suits For All's second ad to featured in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition.
Role model: Ashley is pictured at the NYDJ 2016 Fit To Be Campaign Launch at Lord & Taylor in January (L) and walking down the runway modeling her lingerie collection for Addition Elle last September (R)
Stretching in heels: The brunette beauty struck a yoga pose at the Lord & Taylor event in New York City
'Body positivity and women’s empowerment are issues close to my heart. Swimsuits For All has shown strong support for curvy women everywhere, and I am honored to be a part of the #SwimSexy movement!' Ashley said of her latest ad with the brand.
Ashley also appeared in last year's history-making ad from the brand, which was the first ever plus-size ad to be selected to grace the pages of the publication's iconic Swimsuit Issue.
'I know my curves are sexy and I want everyone else to know that theirs are too,' the fashion star said of her ground-breaking campaign at the time.'
This year, Swimsuits For All will continue to make history by having 56-year-old Nicola featured in its ad, making her the oldest woman to grace the pages of the highly-anticipated Swimsuit issue.
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