“Beauty is not one size fits all,” Sports Illustrated Assistant Managing Editor, MJ Day, explains of their historic 2016 swimsuit edition. It was during an on-air reveal when SI showcased that, for the first time in their 52-year run, they have chosen three separate cover models for their annual swimsuit issue: UFC star Ronda Rousey, model Hailey Clauson and plus size model Ashley Graham.
Ashley Graham, who was discovered at the age of 12 at a Nebraska mall, is also the first plus size model to be featured on the cover of the iconic magazine. She took to Instagram to express her gratitude and excitement over the opportunity.
Truly speechless!!! This cover is for every woman who felt like she wasn’t beautiful enough because of her size. You can do and achieve anything you put your mind to. Thank you so much to the entire @si_swimsuit team! I’m so excited to be a part of your family. I love you all!!!
Graham, a proud size 16, is now 28 and an advocator of beauty that comes in all shapes and sizes. In fact, in an earlier interview with ELLE.com, Graham expressed distaste to the term “real women” as a description used solely for curvier girls. She explains that all women naturally look different, whether skinny or curvy, and labeling just one type of beauty as “real” often gets misconstrued, and may even be found offensive by other people.
In her cover, Graham oozes sex appeal as she confidently poses in a purple and orange bikini. On the other hand, Clauson, who is a two-time SI model, is seen in a very sweet but risque topless shot. Lastly, Rousey, dressed in nothing but body paint, is seen strongly posing in her cover.
Sports Illustrated chose Graham, Rousey and Clauson because of what each of them embody – confidence, grace, strength and beauty.
Source : Movienewsguide
