As one of the few plus-sized models in the mainstream fashion industry, Ashley Graham constantly uses her profile to promote body positivity.
Graham designs bathing suits for Swimsuits For All, and as the name suggests it’s for all shapes and sizes of women (ranging from a UK 6 to 24). Now, she’s turning traditional advertising on its head, with her latest campaign using un-retouched paparazzi shots.
This is a bold statement – Graham is taking back the power, as so many paparazzi photos we see show women in a negative light and attempt to body-shame them. Instead, Graham says on her Instagram that they used these photos as a reminder that "being authentic is beautiful".
"This campaign is different than any other I have worked on throughout my entire career," the model says in a statement. "I hope these images instill a fearless belief in everyone to be happy in their own skin and enjoy living in the moment, no matter who is watching."
The shots come from her new 1920's-inspired collection. There are nine pieces in the range, and are available here. And yes, those are the un-retouched pap shots on the website.
So many fashion shoots we see are Photoshopped within an inch of their lives, so many people find this an inspiring move from Graham.
It comes as part of a recent wave of brands deciding to use un-retouched images – including Asos and Missguided – which challenge conventional standards of beauty. Most people have cellulite and stretch marks, so it’s about time that the fashion industry starts showing women for how they really are.
Hopefully, it will begin to change the unrealistic body types that are pushed on young women – because a thigh gap and no cellulite aren’t particularly healthy expectations.
This isn’t the first time that Graham’s campaign has caught everyone’s attention. Back in February she revealed that the resort photoshoot would feature a very special guest – her mother, Linda, who is 53.
It is thanks to trailblazing women like Ashley, Rihanna and our own Sinead Burke that the fashion industry is slowly becoming more accessible to people of all shapes and sizes.
Rihanna has recently teased her Savage x Fenty lingerie line which is set to launch on May 11, 2018 and promises to celebrate diversity and inclusion.
Closer to home, our own Sinéad Burke has become a cover star - alongside Kim Kardashian no less - for The Business of Fashion.
Speaking with BoF, Burke said: "My money and my existence is as valid as yours. And yet, I'm not accommodated for."
She continued: "One of the challenges of fashion is that it is notoriously hierarchical and it profits from exclusivity."
"In order for the disabled market to be relevant customers and to have their voices validated, there has to be power sharing."
