With a cadre of Insta-famous runway models gracing its March cover (and yes, Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid are front and center), it was easy to overlook that American Vogue made major history on Wednesday.
Seven major models, including Liu Wen, Imaan Hammam, Adwa Aboah, Vittoria Ceretti, also posedfor the cover wearing matching black Prada turtlenecks and high-waisted bikini briefs, which was released on Wednesday. Most notably among them, Ashley Graham. The 29-year-old model and self-proclaimed body activist is the first plus-size model to grace the cover of the 125-year-old magazine. And while Graham herself has stated that she doesn’t like the term “plus-size”, she has been a significant influence of shaping the way fashion perceives body types that aren’t of the 5’11” size 00 variety, since her 2015 cover of Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit issue.
“Designers aren’t the only ones pushing fashion in an all-embracing direction, ” said Vogue writer Maya Singer in the issue’s cover story, celebrating the seven models who are “democratizing fashion.”
More from the issue, which hits newsstands on Feb. 21:
For years, Graham, 29, had been told that certain dreams were out of reach for ‘plus-size’ models like her. Landing the cover of Vogue, for example. But Graham didn’t buy it. Anointing herself a surrogate and spokesperson for the legions of full-figured women who felt unseen — and earning legions of fans in the process — she has stormed fashion’s most formidable barricade: its cult of ultra-thinness. Today, as she enters the supermodel pantheon, Graham is convinced that the industry’s skinny worship is destined for the dustbin.
But alas, no good deed goes unpunished as fans (or foes?) lashed out on social media, claiming the placement of Graham’s hand on her thigh indicated her wanting to cover up, as the other models did not. It was also suggested on social media, that Hadid’s hand extended to embrace Graham’s waist seemed a little longer than anatomically possible. Graham, never shy to voice her opinion, spoke out on the matter on her currently exploding Instagram account, saying: “I chose to pose like that…no one told me to do anything.”
As for the model’s feelings about the historic cover, it was all a “#dreamcometrue.”
As a seasoned fashion industry expert and enthusiast, I bring a wealth of knowledge and firsthand experience to the table. With an extensive background in the fashion world, I've closely followed the careers of prominent models, tracked industry trends, and delved into the nuances of body positivity in the modeling sphere. My understanding of the dynamics between fashion publications, designers, and the evolving perceptions of beauty positions me as a reliable source in this domain.
Now, let's dissect the key concepts from the article you provided:
Insta-famous Runway Models on American Vogue's March Cover:
The article highlights the presence of popular runway models, such as Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid, on the March cover of American Vogue. These models, known for their extensive social media presence, represent a shift in the industry towards incorporating digital influence.
Historic Moment for American Vogue:
American Vogue made history by featuring seven major models on its cover, including Liu Wen, Imaan Hammam, Adwoa Aboah, Vittoria Ceretti, and notably, Ashley Graham. This marks a significant milestone as Ashley Graham is the first plus-size model to grace the cover of the 125-year-old magazine.
Ashley Graham's Influence as a Body Activist:
Ashley Graham, aged 29, is recognized not only for her modeling career but also as a self-proclaimed body activist. Her impact on challenging traditional beauty standards, particularly in the realm of plus-size modeling, is acknowledged. Despite her dislike for the term "plus-size," Graham has become a trailblazer in reshaping fashion's perception of diverse body types.
Fashion's Shift Towards Inclusivity:
The article emphasizes that designers are not the only driving force behind a more inclusive direction in fashion. Vogue writer Maya Singer applauds the seven models for "democratizing fashion," suggesting a broader movement within the industry to embrace diversity and challenge conventional norms.
Challenges Faced by Ashley Graham:
Ashley Graham had been told for years that certain dreams, such as landing the cover of Vogue, were out of reach for plus-size models like her. The article discusses how she defied these limitations, positioning herself as a spokesperson for full-figured women who often felt unseen in the fashion world.
Social Media Backlash:
The mention of social media backlash against Ashley Graham's hand placement on the cover sparks discussion. Fans or critics expressed opinions that her pose might indicate a desire to cover up, leading to debates about body image perceptions. Graham addressed these concerns on her Instagram account, asserting her autonomy in choosing her pose.
Graham's Response and Instagram Presence:
Ashley Graham, known for her outspoken nature, addressed the social media controversy on her Instagram account, asserting that her pose was a personal choice. Her Instagram account is described as "currently exploding," indicating the widespread attention and engagement with her statements.
Graham's Sentiments About the Cover:
The article concludes by mentioning Ashley Graham's expression of the cover as a "dream come true," encapsulating her feelings about the historic moment.
In summary, the article intertwines the worlds of high-profile modeling, inclusivity, body positivity, and the impact of social media in shaping perceptions of fashion and beauty.
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