The 2015 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition is just days away from hitting news stands. And although this year’s issue will continue to feature beautiful women in bikinis, the publication has added something extra this time around: curves, lots of curves.
Though last year's issue switched things up by hopping on the big butt trend, 2015's will include the first plus-size model, Ashley Graham, who has been previously featured in Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, Glamour, and Vogue, as well as a Lane Bryant commercial that was ultimately killed for being too "inappropriate." Still unclear what was "too inappropriate" about the ad, though.Â
The images are a part of a new ad campaign by plus-size retailer swimsuitsforall, which recreated 2014's Swimsuit Edition cover with a crew of curvy models. Clearly, Sports Illustrated took note, and we can't be more grateful.
"I know my curves are sexy and I want everyone else to know that theirs are too. There is no reason to hide and every reason to flaunt. The world is ready for more curves in bikinis," says Graham, who is a size 16. "swimsuitsforall helps women feel confident and sexy in swimsuits and I am so thrilled to be a part of the #CurvesinBikinis campaign!"
This is not only a milestone for the magazine, which received criticism for featuring a so-called "fat" Kate Upton on its cover, but for all women who don't necessarily have the traditional model body. And as the images and video campaign show, sometimes more is, well, more.
Check out Graham stun in the teaser above. You can get your hands on this issue of Sports Illustrated on Feb. 9.
UPDATE: First, the bad news: Graham will not be featured in the upcoming swimsuit edition, after yesterday’s announcement that swimsuitforall pulled its ad from the issue.
The good news? The magazine will feature another well-known plus-size model, Robyn Lawley, as one of its 2015 Rookies. So we'll still get our curvy fix.
Much like Graham, Lawley has built an impressive resume with her bodacious frame, nabbing a feature in Vogue as well as a 2012 ad campaign with Ralph Lauren. And now, the size-10 Australian native will make history as Sports Illustrated’s first plus-size model.
Check out Lawley in an orange python bikini in the teaser images and video below. And don’t forget to pick up a copy when the issue drops this coming Monday.
UPDATE: Contrary to previous reports by Fashionista, swimsuitforall has just confirmed the ad featuring Graham was not pulled from the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.
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[via Fashionista]
