Ashley Graham Brings Diversity to the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue

Since she first appeared in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue in 2014, Ashley Graham has brought more and more diversity to the magazine with each coming year. This time, she’s adding more shapes, ethnicities, and ages in a Swimsuits for All campaign that was shot in the streets of San Juan, Puerto Rico.

The campaign is titled “Every Body, Every Age, Every Beautiful” and features the gorgeous Graham in her own designs for the company alongside other women wearing her swimsuits. You’ll notice a wide range of females dancing around her — some are models and others locals (that should be models).

And amongst the locals are a handful of feisty little old ladies, and they look damn good in Graham’s floral and bright designs. This is the most diversity the magazine has ever had in one issue — and you thought last year’s three covers with Ronda Rousey, Ashley Graham and Hailey Clauson were a doozy.

“I was so excited to shoot with local women for this shoot, non-models who represent all different body shapes, proving that everyone can look gorgeous in my swimsuits,” Graham said in a press release. “We’re continuing to shift perceptions of beauty and encouraging more inclusivity in the fashion industry. I’m proud that my collection is the first to offer sizes 6 through 22, and I cannot wait to see even more ladies rock these sexy suits!”

“Two years ago, my #CurvesInBikinis ad debuted in the SI Swimsuit Issue and it was a huge moment in my career,” Graham told Harper’s BAZAAR. “I was the first size 14 model to be featured in an ad in the magazine, and fast forward to a year later, I was the first size 14 model on the cover!” she exclaimed. “SI Swim, Swimsuits For All and I all share the same mission to celebrate the female body and empower women to feel good in their own skin. That’s why it was important to debut the ‘Every Body, Every Age, Every Beautiful’ ad in the issue again this year and show even more diverse women,” she said of the new campaign.

Graham has seen a lot of progress since covering the magazine last year. “The SI Swim cover was life changing, not just for myself but for women everywhere who’ve been told they can’t do something because of their size. Body positivity is no longer a side conversation, it’s mainstream,” she gushed.

“These ladies are all gorgeous!” she said of her diverse models. “Their energy and spirit was so positive, and they exuded confidence no matter their age and size. And they look amazing in the suits!”

The wild colors and pints — including animal and floral — that make up this line were inspired by Puerto Rico. “I was inspired by the tropical feeling of Puerto Rico. It’s the type of place that encourages so much love! I felt like shaking my hips the entire time I was there, and you will see that festive spirit in the prints and design details.”

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