Who Is Ashley Graham?
Born on October 30, 1987, Ashley Graham is a prominent American model recognized for her significant impact on the fashion industry, particularly among women who identify as curvy—a term she prefers over “plus-sized.” Graham is celebrated for her accessibility and body confidence, serving as an ambassador for the “real beauty” movement. This movement advocates for the celebration of diverse body types, challenging the unrealistic standards often perpetuated by the fashion industry.
As her popularity surged, Graham has graced the covers of major fashion magazines, including Vogue, Elle, and Harper’s Bazaar. She has also walked the runway for renowned fashion brands and designers, further solidifying her status in the industry.
Sports Illustrated Cover
In 2016, Graham made history as the first curvy model to appear on the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. Reflecting on this milestone, she stated, “It was an eye-opening experience for me in that ‘Oh my God, I can do anything I want.’ When you’re given an SI cover and you take advantage of it, you can conquer the world.”
Height, Weight & Size
Graham stands at 5 feet 9.5 inches tall and weighs 200 pounds, wearing a size 14.
Husband and Son
Graham met her husband, Justin Ervin, a documentary filmmaker and cinematographer, at church. The couple wed in 2010. In August 2019, Graham announced her pregnancy via Instagram, later giving birth to their son in January 2020.
In a 2017 interview with CBS, Graham spoke candidly about her interracial relationship with Ervin, who is Black, and the challenges they faced with her Nebraska family. She recalled, “I will never forget that feeling of just sitting there with Justin, thinking, ‘I’m so embarrassed that I had to bring him in to meet these people, these people who raised me and taught me how to live, and he’s being treated so terribly.’ And he said to me, ‘Racism is never surprising, but it’s always disappointing.'”
Net Worth
Graham’s net worth is reportedly around $10 million.
Brand Building: Bathing Suits, a Book, and Even a Barbie
As a prominent global fashion figure, Graham has successfully launched several lines, including a bathing suit collection with Swimsuits for All, a lingerie line at Addition Elle, and a clothing line with Dress Barn. In 2016, Mattel approached her to create a Barbie doll modeled after her, which she accepted under the condition that the doll would not feature a thigh gap. Continuing her brand expansion, Graham authored her memoir, A New Model: What Confidence, Beauty, and Power Really Look Like, released in 2017.
Reflecting on her career, Graham stated in an interview with CBS, “I’m having a moment, but I’ve been having a moment for a little while now, and I’m so thankful for it. Not only are you seeing women who have my body shape—who are bigger, who are smaller, whatever—you see the industry changing right before your eyes. You can have an ‘it’ moment, but you have to know how to continue to move this movement into something that’s bigger than yourself.”
Modeling Career
Graham was discovered at the age of 12 while shopping in a mall in Lincoln, Nebraska. Shortly thereafter, she began appearing in advertisements and catalogs, gradually learning the intricacies of the modeling industry. By 18, she had relocated to New York City to pursue her career full-time.
Graham initially signed with Wilhelmina Models in 2001 but transitioned to Ford Models two years later, until the agency closed its plus-size division. She is currently represented by IMG Models.
Throughout her career, Graham has graced the covers of prestigious magazines such as Vogue, Elle, Glamour, and Harper’s Bazaar, and has walked the runway for notable designers during New York Fashion Week, including Michael Kors’ spring/summer 2018 collection. Her extensive portfolio includes campaigns for major brands like Bloomingdale’s, Liz Claiborne, Hanes, Target, Macy’s, Levi’s, and Nordstrom.
Work in Television
Graham’s television career includes a notable appearance in a controversial Lane Bryant commercial in 2010 and a role in the 2016 music video for DNCE’s “Toothbrush.” She has served as a backstage host for the Miss USA and Miss Universe pageants and has been an official judge on America’s Next Top Model. In 2019, she began hosting the Lifetime competition series American Beauty Star.
Early Life
Born on October 30, 1987, in Lincoln, Nebraska, Graham is the daughter of a database marketer and a homemaker. She has two younger sisters.