Fashion

See The First Plus-Size 'SI' Swimsuit Issue Photo

by May Sofi

With the continuous emergence of campaigns featuring plus size models, such as Candice Huffine for the Pirelli Calendar and Myla Dalbesio for Calvin Klein, there is no doubt that The Curvy Girl Era is officially upon us. The term "plus-size" doesn't have the same negative connotation that it used to, and the fashion world is finally recognizing that, celebrating curvy models and breaking the rail thin mold that has held for decades. One specific plus-size model makes history today — Ashley Graham is featured in the annual swimsuit issue of Sports Illustrated, as part of a campaign for curvy-girl brand Swimsuitsforall.

Graham is the first ever plus-size model to grace the pages of the magazine's highly coveted swimsuit edition. This is history is being made right in front of our very eyes, people! The print ad, which hits newsstands on Feb. 9, features the American beauty flaunting her assets in a sexy string bikini as an awe-struck gentleman gasps in amazement behind her. As part of the swimwear brand's #CurvesInBikinis campaign, the ad solidifies the notion that naturally curvaceous bods are beautiful — and that men think so too.

Look out, modeling world — the rise of the curvy girl has officially commenced. Hopefully this kind of size inclusivity will become the new norm, and the public will finally have a more accurate standard for beauty that represents more than just 1 percent of the population.

The campaign also features a video of the bikini-clad Graham showing off her fabulous body poolside.

Image: Courtesy of Nike PR