Ashley Graham is having one helluva year. In February, the 28-year-old model, entrepreneur and activist made history by becoming the first “plus-size” beauty to be featured in an ad in Sports Illustrated‘s annual Swimsuit Issue. Months later, the size 16 model took her body-positive message to the stage, where she spoke at a sold out TEDxTalks in Valencia, Spain entitled “Plus-size? More Like My Size.”
“Dove’s global report on attitudes toward beauty actually did a survey with thousands of women in 10 different countries, and you know what the most striking result was?” she asked the audience. “That only 2% of women find themselves beautiful. 2%. We need to work together to redefine the global vision of beauty, and it starts with becoming your own role model.”
Ashley’s newfound popularity as a role model couldn’t have come at a better time. During New York Fashion Week in September, she debuted her latest curvy lingerie collection for Canadian-based retailer Addition Elle with a lineup of plus-size models who showed the industry that you don’t have to be a size 2 to be sexy. We happen to agree.
To see the top 17 plus-size lingerie models who are following in her footsteps, click on the gallery above.
[ Next: 20 Sexiest Swimsuit Models of All Time ]
Plus-Size Lingerie Models
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Ashley Graham
Ashley isn’t afraid to walk the talk. When the New York plus-size division of Ford closed in 2013, she linked forces with four plus-size models to open ALDA, an organization that aims to break down barriers and promote size diversity. “No man, no job, no friend is going to tell me who I am,” she told Yahoo! “I am going to tell me who I am.” Addition Elle Holiday 2015; Image: Getty
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Tara Lynn
Tara, who is nicknamed “The Body,” is best known for posing alongside Candice Huffine and Robyn Lawley for the June 2011 magazine cover of Vogue Italia, shot by Steven Meisel. Throughout her career, she has also fronted ELLE Spain and ELLE France — twice. Image: @taralynn
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Quinn Miles
Quinn is a Los Angeles native who’s been in the business for years, modeling for top brands like Old Navy and Macy’s. Recently, she spoke to Glamour about what she’s learned from the industry: “There will forever be people telling you what is wrong with you, and if you are not strong enough, they will convince you of that. I have definitely fallen into that trap during my career, but now I know better.” Image: Courtesy of Wilhelmina
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Fluvia Lacerda
In July 2011, Vogue Italia put Fluvia on the map with a four-page editorial that resulted in a new nickname, “the plus-size Gisele Bündchen.” Image: @fluvialacerda
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Philomena Kwao
Philomena may not be a household name yet, but give it time. The London-born model, who has been photographed by Torrid and Lane Bryant, has big plans for the future. “Of course I dream of the ultimate heights of modelling; a Vogue cover, a beauty campaign (Lancome would be a dream), an international mainstream campaign for a store such as H&M, United Colours of Benton or GAP, but it’s bigger than that,” she told i-D. “Ultimately I would like to use my voice to advance healthcare access around the world.” Image: @philomenakwao
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Margaret Macpherson
If you follow Dita Von Teese on Instagram, then chances are you know Margaret. The Australian model and makeup artist is one of Dita’s favorite lingerie ladies. Most recently, she starred in a new YouTube series called Project WomanKIND, devoted to help women overcome body insecurities. Image: @ditavonteese
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Candice Huffine
Candice has appeared in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue Italia, W and CR Fashion Book, but there’s one remarkable accomplishment that’s topped it all. This year, she became the first “plus-size” model to make it into the prized Pirelli Calendar. Image: @candicehuffine