Ashley Graham says she’s had to ‘work harder’ than other models because of her size
‘Has it been hard? I’d prefer to say that it’s been rewarding’
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Ashley Graham has spoken about the difficulties she's faced in the fashion industry, saying she's had to "work harder" than other models because of her size.
Graham, who became the first size-16 model to be featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated in 2016, has championed body positivity throughout her career.
The 31-year-old's path to success – which has included modelling on the covers of Vogue, Elle and Glamour – hasn't always been a smooth ride, she explained.
"I have had to work harder than everybody else because of my size," she told Harper's Bazaar UK. "I've always had to suck it up.
"If you're the kind of person who's never been glamourised in fashion then you have to justify why you're meant to be there through your efforts."
However, despite the obstacles she's faced, Graham prefers to not think of her journey as "hard".
"Has it been hard? I'd prefer to say that it's been rewarding," she stated.
The model has always been frank about her body image, in the hope that she may inspire others to be the same.
"I've always been very honest in sharing the insecurities I have. Cellulite, back fat... It opened a door for other women to share their insecurities," Graham said.
"If we all feel the same way, why are we stressing about it? I've never gone to therapy but having these conversations really does help."
In March, Graham called out publications which airbrush models while making an appearance on Australian talk show The Project.
The model warned that there's "still so much retouching that's happening, trying to change who we are", adding that people have tried to "manipulate" her body for years.
Graham also discussed the use of the term "plus size", explaining why she's not a fan of the phrase.
"Why do we have to describe a woman because of a number inside of her pants?" she said.
Graham's new interview is in the July issue of Harper's Bazaar UK, on sale from Thursday.
For all the latest news from the fashion industry, click here.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments