A few days ago I posted on Facebook “I’m interviewing a supermodel …anyone have any questions?”
I was curious to see what kind of questions would pop up. You see, I was prepping for an interview with Ashley Graham…a model who was visiting the city to promote the new lingerie line for Canadian retailer, Addition Elle.
WHAT? Yes, she’s a “plus size” model. Well, I was really surprised that I didn’t get questions that assumed she was a stereotypical stick-thin model. Instead, my friends wanted to know about how her parents supported her decisions in a modelling career, what causes she was involved in and what her thoughts were on self-esteem issues and teen girls today.
Ashley was discovered at the age of 12 in her hometown Nebraska. By 15, she officially signed on with Ford Models and has since graced the fashion pages and runways around the world. For the last three years, Ashley has been in the fore-front of Addition Elle’s advertising campaigns. But like many teenage girls, she was self-conscious of her looks even though she was “discovered’ she still faced negative comments like “oh, you’re a fat model..that doesn’t count“. Ouch.
However, Ashley was raised in a positive family environment who were supportive of her decisions, “my mom and I are about the same size and we’ve never felt like we needed to hide anything. We’d sometimes walk around almost naked because we’re so comfortable with who we are“. And with all the attention she gets in the media she says, “you can’t help but feel confident when everyone else tells you that you’re beautiful”.
Ashley also visits girls at schools in the U.S. to speak about how confidence is what makes someone beautiful while she continues to shatter the stereotypical image of models. At age 22, she’s become a role model for teens and today’s woman.
The lingerie event was held at the Thompson Hotel. Addition Elle hosted TV, newspapers, magazine and web fashion writers from across the city in a very intimate setting. We entered the suite (how sexy) and at a quick glance I immediately noticed Ashley. She is beyond gorgeous!
(photo with Ashley..BTW I’m standing on my tiptoes!)
Ashley effortlessly took off her dress and strutted her stuff. She chatted away to us while wearing a lacy bra and matching panties. Yep, I could learn a thing or two from her as I haven’t had the confidence to “bare” myself in a bikini for years!
She’s proud of who she is and what she’s got. Her “no apologies” attitude is empowering for women of all ages. “We should embrace whatever we have been given“, says Ashley. I’m inspired!
But she is well-aware of the pressures and competitive nature in the modelling industry. Like most models she needs to maintain her appearance – she’s even had people ask if she’s lost weight that don’t want her to! The upside? She can still enjoy chocolate without hesitation! LOVE IT!
Ashley is considered the “muse” for Addition Elle. The retailer has been updating their “look” to address the needs of what women want. Their mandate is to provide a shopping experience that is fashion forward – so size isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. They know that most women are shopping for more younger looks so they take the styles and make them work…and better.
Both Ashley and Addition Elle mentioned that women need to understand how to work with their body types – but it all starts with your foundation pieces. If you’re bulging with ill-fitting undergarments, it will all show through regardless of what size you are. Proper fit is so important. And why not have fun with fashion and colour? Let that turquoise bra strap peek from your shoulder! Yes, you can have SEXY and SUPPORT ladies!
Ashley is a great spokesperson for Addition Elle and a great role model for women of all ages especially teens. And sorry boys…. she’s happily married.
Take a look at this video created by Additional Elle with Ashley Graham and I’m sure you’ll agree that she’s definitely ALL THAT and more!
Guys, she’s a size 16. She’s a plus size model and even plus size models can be a size 12. The reason why she doesn’t look that big is because she’s in shape yet still thick and curvy. Also, her underwear covers most of her belly. It almost covers her bellybutton.
She totally rocks all the confidence in the world! That video was surprisingly sexy!
I agree with you Leslie! Actually when I was interviewing her I mentioned that I was surprised that she wasn’t bigger. Then I realized just how skewed my thinking was to think that the average size is 8. She looks like the average size woman in our society. Ashley is a size 16 and way more fit than I am…trust me! It made me really think about what we see in the media. Ashley is gorgeous and super nice too!
Could not agree more, she is gorgeous!!!! However, I have trouble relating her to “Plus size”!!! what does she wear a 12??14?? She is perfect, she is not “plus size”. Only in this crazy fantasy world that society has created is she plus size!!! Great article Sonya!!
Ashley Graham is so gorgeous. She looks amazing in the ad. It proves that sexy comes in all shapes and size, and that confidence is key to looking great.