7 Shocking Ways Ashley Graham’s Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Cover Changed The Industry Forever

The 2016 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue was a watershed moment for the fashion industry, and it all centered on one model: Ashley Graham. Her groundbreaking appearance on the cover did more than just sell magazines; it fundamentally redefined what a "swimsuit model" could look like, launching a global conversation about body diversity and challenging decades of rigid beauty standards. As of December 2025, Graham remains one of the most influential figures in the body positivity movement, with her iconic cover continuing to be cited as a pivotal moment in media representation. This article dives deep into the full, unretouched story of her revolutionary photoshoot, detailing the immediate shockwaves it sent through the industry, and examining the lasting legacy of the woman who used her "curvasexilicious" body to change the world of modeling.

Ashley Graham: Complete Trailblazing Model Profile

Ashley Graham Ervin is an American supermodel, television presenter, and entrepreneur whose work has been instrumental in normalizing and celebrating diverse body shapes in high fashion and mainstream media. Her career trajectory is a testament to perseverance and a commitment to advocacy for body acceptance.

• Full Name: Ashley Graham Ervin (née Graham)
• Date of Birth: October 30, 1987
• Place of Birth: Lincoln, Nebraska, U.S.
• Nationality: American
• Discovery: Discovered at the age of 12 at a shopping mall in Lincoln.
• Career Start: Signed with Wilhelmina Models in 2001 and Ford Models in 2003.
• Spouse: Justin Ervin (m. 2010)
• Children: Three (a son, Isaac, and twin sons, Malachi and Roman).
• Key Career Milestones:
  • First plus-size model to appear in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue advertisements (2015).
  • First size-16 model to be featured on the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue (2016).
  • Cover model for major publications including Vogue, Elle, Harper's Bazaar, and Glamour.
  • Television Host for shows like America's Next Top Model and American Beauty Star.
  • Author of the memoir, A New Model: What Confidence, Beauty, and Power Really Look Like.

The Historic 2016 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Cover: Unveiling the Unretouched Truth

The 2016 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue marked a seismic shift in the magazine’s 52-year history. For the first time, three different cover models were released, but it was Ashley Graham's image that captured the world's attention and sparked the most intense debate.

1. The Size-16 Barrier Was Shattered

Graham made history as the first size-16 model to ever grace the cover of the highly coveted magazine. Prior to this, the magazine had exclusively featured models adhering to a conventional, often unattainable, standard of thinness. Graham's appearance was a powerful, visible statement that beauty and sexiness were not exclusive to one body type. She was not just included; she was elevated to the highest position.

• The Untouchable Privacy 7 Secrets Of Rachel Mcadams And Jamie Lindens Life Beyond The Red Carpet E820e

2. The "Curvasexilicious" Body Goes Mainstream

In interviews following the cover release, Graham often referred to her body as "curvasexilicious," a term she embraced to celebrate her curves and confidence. This language became a rallying cry for women around the world, shifting the narrative from "plus-size" or "full-figured" to one of powerful, unapologetic self-love. The photoshoot, taken in Turks and Caicos, captured her raw, vibrant energy.

3. The Unretouched Photo 'Leak' That Wasn't a Leak

One of the most impactful details of the shoot was the commitment to authenticity. Ashley Graham's history-making cover was explicitly not photoshopped. In an era where digital alteration was the norm, the decision by SI Swimsuit editor-in-chief MJ Day to present Graham's body—including cellulite and natural curves—as is, was revolutionary. This move was a deliberate challenge to the industry's obsession with perfection, proving that real, unretouched bodies are magazine-cover worthy. This commitment to authenticity is what many consider the true 'leak'—the unvarnished truth about a woman’s body.

4. A Shift in Editorial Vision

Editor MJ Day was the driving force behind the inclusion, stating that Graham had been on her radar for some time and was a "champion for all women." Day’s choice to feature Graham alongside Ronda Rousey and Hailey Clauson (the other two cover models) was a clear signal that the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue was consciously embracing a new era of inclusivity and body diversity. It was a business decision rooted in the growing demand for authentic representation.

• The Surprise Vegas Wedding And Shared Grief 5 Shocking Details Of John Schneider And Dee Dee Sorvinos Whirlwind Romance Ohirf

Ashley Graham’s Enduring Legacy: From Rookie to Body Positivity Mogul

Years after her rookie cover, Ashley Graham’s influence has only grown, solidifying her status as a trailblazing supermodel and a powerful advocate for the body positivity movement. Her work with SI Swimsuit was merely the beginning of a larger mission that continues to resonate with a global audience.

5. The Mainstreaming of the Curvy Model

Graham’s success paved the way for other curvy models and diverse body types to be featured in high-profile campaigns and on magazine covers. Her presence demonstrated the commercial viability of size inclusivity, forcing fashion houses and media outlets to re-evaluate their casting decisions. She proved that consumers want to see themselves reflected in the media they consume.

6. The Entrepreneurial and Media Expansion

Leveraging her platform, Graham expanded her brand into a true empire. She has collaborated with brands like Addition Elle and Swimsuits for All, designing swimwear and lingerie that cater to a wider range of sizes. Her role as a television presenter on shows like America's Next Top Model further cemented her as a mainstream media personality, constantly using her voice to promote confidence and self-acceptance.

• The Enduring Legacy Of Haylor 5 Shocking Facts About Harry Styles And Taylor Swifts Relationship 10 Years Later Sf662

7. The Continuing Conversation on Motherhood and Body Acceptance

In recent years, especially after the birth of her three children with husband Justin Ervin, Graham has openly discussed her experiences with pregnancy and postpartum body changes. She continues to share unedited photos of her stretch marks and natural body, extending her message of authenticity from the 2016 cover into the complex reality of motherhood. Her continued presence in fashion news, including recent mentions in September 2024 and even projected news in May 2025, underscores her lasting relevance as a figure who embodies both high fashion and real-world body issues.

Ashley Graham’s 2016 cover was more than just a photograph; it was a cultural moment that shattered the traditional mold of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model. By being unapologetically herself—a confident, size-16 woman with a "curvasexilicious" body—she provided the fashion industry with a much-needed jolt toward inclusivity and authenticity. Her legacy is not just about being the first, but about ensuring she is not the last, cementing her position as a true icon of the body positivity movement and a powerful trailblazer for women everywhere.