Ashley Graham is one of the most beautiful women in the world – fact. A pioneering ‘plus-size’ model – a term she doesn’t agree with, FYI – she’s a frequent source of body positive inspiration for women around the world thanks to her outspoken views on women’s bodies – and how we should talk about them.
Now, her beauty has been recognised by none other than Italian Vogue, who have published an entire editorial of un-retouched pictures of the brunette beauty. The model shared the black and white pictures on Instagram, which showed her in Sixties bombshell style with winged eyeliner and bouffant hair, wearing just her boudoir-wear. In one look, she’s wearing a leopard-print leotard, while in another she’s in a black negligee. Needless to say, she looks stunning. The images are captioned with a series of appropriately self-celebratory emojis, plus the simple ‘when they don’t retouch you’.
Graham has previously credited her mother’s confidence growing up with her own positive attitude to her looks. Speaking to Lookbook, she said: 'What she never did was call herself fat. And she never said that she needed to go on a diet, and she never said that she was ugly. It was so impressionable on me as a kid. I didn't realise it then, because of course I had the same insecurity that any girl in middle or high school has, am I pretty enough or good enough. But when I grew up I realized oh my gosh, my mom is the most confident person I know, why? She still carries herself with such grace and strength and confidence. Every confident piece of my body that I have, I learned from her.'
The Italian edition of the international glossy is known for its forward-thinking fashion. In July 2008, it dedicated an entire issue to black models, with British Vogue’s new editor-in-chief Edward Enninful styling the shoot, with Steven Meisel behind the camera.
Bravo Vogue Italia!
READ MORE: Ashley Graham: 'I Was Told Skinny Equals Success'