(Culture)

The Amazing Way Sports Illustrated Just Made History

by Samantha McDonald

Just as we’re starting to see more inclusivity grace the covers of major fashion magazines, Sports Illustrated has gone even further by featuring non-models in an ad campaign for the first time ever. For its latest Swimsuit Issue, the glossy made the unprecedented call to showcase women of all ages, races and body types—including Ashley Graham, who became its first plus-size model two years ago—in a Swimsuits For All ad called “Every Body, Every Age, Every Beautiful.” The campaign was shot in Puerto Rico and, even better, it incorporates a little bit of Ashley herself: Everyone in the campaign is wearing swimwear from her line for Swimsuits For All, which ranges from size six to size 22.

“I know that women want to see what they really look like,” she told Elle in an interview. “To a degree, models can be fantasy. I really wanted to showcase what women of different sizes and ages look like in my swimsuits, and we all look flawless.”

Bravo to Sports Illustrated for making such a groundbreaking choice that will empower women of all types. Watch the video accompanying the campaign here.