Instagram/@ashleygraham
Ashley Graham has released yet another photo from her partnership with Victoria’s Secret which not only emphasizes but also celebrates body diversity. With the latest post, the supermodel has sparked a discussion around the representation of the fashion industry that is at least to some extent very deep, with her fans claiming, among others, that she influences women’s self-image globally.
Advertisement
The caption accompanying Graham’s most recent post was “a little bit mooore @victoriassecret” but the response that followed almost validated the model’s cultural footprint. Besides sharing what seems to be behind-the-scenes material from her collaborations with the adored lingerie brand that has been sponsoring her for some time, she also shared with the audience her work behind-the-scenes with the intimate apparel company that has been supporting her for quite a while.
The reactions of the viewers went directly to their feelings and showed empathy, mostly female, who through the work of Graham felt themselves and their vanity being acknowledged. One spectator remarked, “And when we look at you how can the world see anything else then the most beautiful human alive!?” which was very apt in encapsulating the huge admiration that the model received just for being in the campaign.
Graham was at the center of everything with another comment taking a more healing perspective stating, “Girl you are healing us, you are healing all of us,” which suggested that Graham’s presence and embodiment of beauty are nothing short of a super therapeutic representation for those who until now have felt invisible due to society’s beauty stereotypes. The emotional dimension of these responses indicates the high stakes involved in the fight for fashion to be represented accurately.
That day, the brand also spoke through the official Instagram account of Victoria’s Secret commenting on Graham’s post, “And somehow it gets better,” referring to the liberating aspect of their partnership with Graham, which is already progressive and futuristic. This union signifies a radical change for the brand that was once criticized by the public for endorsing restrictive beauty standards.
Social media discussions fast moved to talk about the broader aspects of the industry. A commenter expressed, “So happy for all the beautiful curvy models who get to showcase their beauty and excellence,” and another person added, “Thank you for showing us beauty and power, joy, and confidence at it finest! You’re gorgeous just as you are!”
Nonetheless, not all of the comments were ones of pure joy. One user, in a Spanish comment, expressed doubt as to whether the progress was being made fast enough saying, “But why only one curvy girl among dozens of thin ones? Why not do it the other way round?” This opinion implies that although Graham’s involvement can be seen as positive progress, there are still some who feel that the fashion world has not yet reached the point of truth in representation.
Graham’s professional life and its benefits to her personally were particularly highlighted in a long comment by a person who had worked at both Victoria’s Secret and Lane Bryant. They narrated how they had encountered Graham during the “I’M NO ANGEL” campaign and how emotional it had been for them to see her “finally wearing these wings,” meaning that the current activity of the supermodel with Victoria’s Secret is indicating the moment for right acceptance of body inclusiveness in lingerie and that the industry has reached the full circle on this issue.
Many of the comments were on the subject of different body types and how the industry has finally decided to celebrate them. “Mommy belly, jiggly boobs, round arms, and the most gorgeous human putting it all out there for those who don’t dare to,” was one person’s observation who added, “You inspire daily BUT this was Epic.” This clearly shows that part of Graham’s work that is beyond first-high fashion is more likely to be reflected in the women that have the same or similar attributes as the model.
Another commentator wanted to express Graham’s effect on the self-image and wrote: “Gorgeous! You make me believe that I am ‘invisible’ and beautiful at the same time!” and at the same moment, quite ironically, she wanted to know what the tanning product used on the Victoria’s Secret model in the particular fashion show was. This blend of strong admiration and playful interaction demonstrates that Graham’s work is reaching the public on multiple levels.
The public’s reaction to Graham’s latest content from her collaboration with Victoria’s Secret is a signal that the question of beauty standards has progressed greatly. The era when one particular body type was preferred in lingerie advertising is over. With Graham as the very positive presenter of the change towards, even more, inclusive representation will be the path taken. Her still opposing the industry’s norms while acknowledging the existence of those women who have been turned away from the fashion world over the years is her greatest achievement.
Advertisement
Among the constant changes in the fashion industry, Graham has consistently shown to be the central figure who fosters positive changes, thus making it easier for all the different shapes and sizes to gain acceptance through the platform she has built for herself while at the same time redefining beauty alongside her. Graham’s association with Victoria’s Secret is not just another modeling gig but rather a significant landmark in the itinerary to the fashion world that accepts diversity and inclusiveness. In other career news, Ashley Graham has a major project on the horizon. She recently gave fans a glimpse into her personal life with a photo dump featuring her family. Victoria’s Secret PINK also made headlines recently. Juggling a busy career and motherhood, Graham has shared insights into her hectic routine.