Ashley Graham has been making waves in the fashion industry for her body positivity and promotion of inclusivity. The supermodel is known for her stunning curves and confidence, breaking traditional beauty standards and inspiring women all over the world to embrace their bodies. In this article, we will dive into the world of Ashley Graham’s body measurements, discussing how she has become a role model for body positivity and why her impact is so important.
Early Life and Career
Born in 1987 in Lincoln, Nebraska, Ashley Graham grew up with two sisters in a predominantly white neighborhood. Her mother, a homemaker, and her father, a database marketer, always encouraged her to embrace and love her body. In an interview with Elle, Graham revealed how her mother would always tell her, “You are bold, you are brilliant, you are beautiful.” These words instilled confidence in a young Ashley, and she never let societal expectations affect her.
At the age of 12, Graham was discovered by a modeling agency at a local mall. However, due to her height and size, she struggled to find work in the traditional modeling industry. Despite facing rejection and criticism for her body, Graham never gave up on her dream of becoming a model. She moved to New York City at the age of 17 and made a name for herself in the plus-size market.
Over the years, Graham has graced the covers of top fashion magazines like Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Sports Illustrated. She has also walked the runway for high-end designers like Christian Siriano and Michael Kors. In 2016, she made history as the first plus-size model to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated’s swimsuit issue.
Ashley Graham’s Body Measurements
Height: 5’9” (175 cm)
Weight: 201 lbs (91 kg)
Bust: 42 inches (107 cm)
Waist: 30 inches (76 cm)
Hips: 46 inches (117 cm)
Bra Size: 38D
Dress Size: 16 US (46 EU)
Shoe Size: 10 US (40-41 EU)
Many have speculated about Ashley Graham’s true body measurements, but she has been open and transparent about her figure. In an interview with Health magazine, Graham shared that her weight fluctuates between 150 and 200 pounds, depending on her level of physical activity and diet. She also revealed that she has a lean mass of 190 pounds, meaning that she has a higher muscle-to-fat ratio compared to a traditional model. This is a testament to the fact that health and weight are not always directly correlated.
Body Positivity and Self-Love
Ashley Graham’s journey to self-love and body positivity was not an easy one. Growing up in a society that idolized thinness and set unrealistic beauty standards, she often felt self-conscious about her body. “My body has always been treated as a problem to solve rather than a vessel to embrace,” Graham wrote in her book, ‘A New Model: What Confidence, Beauty, and Power Really Look Like.’
However, as she embarked on her modeling career and started to gain recognition, Graham realized the impact she could have on women in the fashion industry, especially those who shared similar struggles with body image. She uses her platform to promote diversity and inclusivity, challenging the narrow standards of beauty perpetuated by the fashion industry.
Graham believes that self-love and body positivity go hand in hand. “If you can be confident in your skin and rock what you’ve got, you’re going to be a really powerful woman,” she said in an interview with Elle UK. She has also emphasized the importance of loving oneself first before expecting others to love you.
Impact on the Fashion Industry
Ashley Graham’s influence on the fashion industry is undeniable. She has helped open doors for plus-size models and has sparked conversations about inclusivity and representation in the fashion world. In 2016, she was chosen as one of the judges for the hit TV show, ‘America’s Next Top Model,’ and has also hosted her own podcast, ‘Pretty Big Deal,’ where she talks about body positivity, entrepreneurship, and other topics with influential guests.
Graham has also collaborated with various fashion brands to create inclusive collections, including lingerie for Addition Elle and swimwear for Swimsuits For All. These partnerships have proven successful, with her collections selling out within hours of their release. This showcases the demand for more inclusive and diverse options in the fashion market.
However, despite these strides, the fashion industry still has a long way to go. Graham has been honest about the challenges she faces in the industry, from being Photoshopped without her consent to being labeled “plus-size” even though she is a size 16, which is the average size for American women. She continues to use her voice and platform to advocate for change and to push for body diversity and inclusivity to be the new norm.
Conclusion
Ashley Graham’s body measurements are more than just numbers. They represent her journey to self-love, body positivity, and her impact on the fashion industry. By embracing her curves and promoting body diversity, she has become a role model and inspiration for women all over the world. Graham’s confidence, determination and dedication to promoting inclusivity serve as a reminder that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes. As she once said, ‘True change happens when we look at ourselves and decide who we want to be: not what we want to get rid of.
