Ashley Graham is more than just a supermodel. She's a part of a new class of model we're dubbing super-role-models. Sure, her modelling career has exploded, and she's starred in major campaigns with brands like Calvin Klein and Lane Bryant, but the 27-year-old has also managed to pivot her career several times over, proving that her skillset extends well beyond posing and smiling in front of the camera.
From being a judge on America's Next Top Model to designing her own lingerie line, to making cameos in Nick Jonas' 2016 VMA performance and DNCE's music video for their smash single, "Toothbrush," Graham has proved that she's so much more than just a pretty face. Even Barbie released a doll designed to look just like the Nebraska-native, curves and all. Talk about having dreams and pursuing them.
This woman is strong, successful and has elevated her career way above "just a plus-sized model" into super-role-model territory. We can't wait to see where she takes her career next.
Here are Graham's best moments so far.
Appearing in DNCE's "Toothbrush" music video—and kissing Joe Jonas.
So, Jonas super-fans weren't stoked about the scenes that involved Graham—the pair did a whole lot of making out in bed, in a hallway, in bed again. But the visuals for DNCE's hit single "Toothbrush" was the model's first foray into music video territory. Artful and awesome.
Photo: Giphy
Dancing on-stage during Nick Jonas' 2016 VMA performance.
Graham has a thing for the Jonas brothers, and we can't blame her. They're talented, handsome, and seem like genuinely nice dudes. The star made a memorable appearance on stage during the 2016 VMAs, and we loved every minute of it. So did Kim Kardashian. You know you've made it when Kim K wants to take your photo.
Photo: Getty Images
Collaborating on her sultry lingerie line with Addition Elle.
We're always fawning over Graham's red carpet outfits—gal's got great taste. Which is why her lingerie line in collaboration with Addition Elle has us dreaming of all things lace and silk. The collection, available in stores and online for all your Valentine's Day desires, was designed by Graham. It's dark, sultry, and just the kind of thing to take your sexiness to a new level.
Photo: Courtesy of Addition Elle
Making major brands, even Barbie, rethink beauty standards.
Barbie had been making a push to be more accepting of all body types (not everyone looks like you, Babs), and at Glamour's 2016 Women of the Year Summit in Los Angeles, Mattel presented the model with a plastic of herself—every little girl's dream.
Photo: Getty Images
Giving America's Next Top Model a breath of fresh air as host.
When Graham signed on to Cycle 23 of ANTM, we were immediately intrigued—it was a show that had kind of fallen off our radar. But learning that Graham would be mentoring contestants and sharing her expert insights into to the modelling world on a weekly basis has given us a new reason to tune in.
Photo: Giphy