Ashley Graham has insisted more needs to be done towards diversity and inclusivity in the fashion industry.
During an interview with The Sunday Times, the model reflected on how much the fashion industry has changed to include more shapes and sizes in photoshoots, ad campaigns, and on the catwalk.
“We have designers who are making sizes for us, editors putting us on covers, putting us on the runway. But it’s still not enough,” she stated, highlighting the lack of diversity in beauty campaigns. “It’s totally untapped. There hasn’t been a big contract for any of us for hair or perfume.”
The 35-year-old, who is often labelled “plus-sized”, revealed that she is often invited to sit on the front row of fashion shows which feature no curvy models.
“I’m like, just put me in! I’ll show you how it’s done!” she exclaimed. “The majority of women are a size 16 (the U.S. average). She wants to buy these clothes. She’s willing to spend more for quality clothes that fit rather than keep buying fast fashion. And I’m a testament to that.”
The Nebraska native shared that she hopes the industry will be more accepting of the models that come after her.
“What I’ve realised is that slow and steady wins the race,” she noted. “I’m putting in the work for the next generation. So those girls won’t have to go through the terrible conversations I’ve had with stylists: ‘We can’t cut the clothes, we’ll just have to shoot you naked.'”
Giving further insight into what she’s experienced throughout her career, Ashley added, “Yes, there are people who told me, ‘You’ve got to lose weight.’ People who erased my stretch marks on the screen in front of me, who have pinched my waist and raised my t*ts. It never feels good but it’s never surprising.”
