Stores like Lane Bryant have always had plus-size models. But it's the slow but persistent move of plus-size models into the mainstream that's finally giving them visibility.
Ashley Graham is latest model making the jump: The plus-size stunner, star of many a Lane Bryant campaign (including the infamous "banned" Super Bowl commercial), has just signed with IMG, a major player among the big modeling agencies. Graham announced the news on Twitter:
Graham not only has years of modeling under her belt. She also just launched a lingerie collection in partnership with Addition Elle, a Canadian plus-size retailer, with the tagline "Sexy is a state of mind." Her gorgeous photos have earned her plenty of fans, as has her outspoken nature. She went on the record after the Super Bowl commercial controversy back in 2010, saying, "The Victoria's Secret girls can flaunt around their panties all day long. But when there's a bigger woman with a little bit extra, they snipped it out immediately."
But we're making progress every day. Just this week, Graham tweeted at a fan:
Ashley's new IMG contract gaurantees we'll be seeing more of her than ever -- and hopefully not just in campaigns for plus-size brands only. Think she's got the crossover appeal of a Robyn Lawley?
Get familiar with this face:
More stunners:
