This HuffPost Canada page is maintained as part of an online archive.

ABC's '20/20' Names Model Ashley Graham A Breakout Star

ABC 20/20 called her a breakout star, confirming she's pretty much conquered 2015.

It's been a year of wins for Ashley Graham. The full-figured model and body acceptance activist has been at the helm of a series of body positivity campaigns, was featured in the first Sports Illustrated plus-size ad, wore clothes she wasn't supposed to, and now is being recognized for her work by an ABC special.

Hosted by Robin Roberts, 20/20's This Year featured a segment that highlighted Graham as one of the most note-worthy people of 2015, alongside celebrities such as Caitlin Jenner and Amy Schumer.

Next Tuesday Robin Roberts takes a look back at the year 2015 - hope you'll join us!

Posted by ABC 20/20 on Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Graham shared a teaser video of the segment on Instagram, writing "2015 was amazing, and I'm so excited to be included in @ABC2020's #TheYear special! Watch my interview tonight from 9-11pm EST on ABC. Hey @robinrobertsgma!"

Fans took to social media to salute their curvy fave, including her stylist, who gushed about the cobalt blue dress Graham wore for the show.

But Ashley being featured was no surprise. A vocal advocate for better body representation, Graham headlined Lane Bryant's I'm No Angel campaign, which consisted of cheeky lingerie ads that poked fun at Victoria's Secret's Angels. She also worked with Canadian retailer Addition Elle to launch her own lingerie line and she's a regular in elementary and high schools, as a motivational speaker.

When her Sports Illustrated ad was released, it was celebrated as a sign plus-size models would be accepted into the fashion industry more readily. But while she's all for voluptuous, Graham has taken issue with the term plus-size. In an interview with HuffPost Canada Style, Graham says that while she understands why models are booked as plus-size, she doesn't prefer it.

"I think I'm just curvy and thick and sexy," Graham says.

And her curves are something Graham is unapologetic about.

"To me, it made such a huge impact because you can see my full body. I think the beauty in that I'm just such a full-figured woman, people were just like, 'hubba hubba'... I'm not afraid to talk about it," Graham tells 20/20. "Love it or get over it."

Preach!

Follow Huffington Post Canada Style on Pinterest, Facebook and Twitter!

Also on HuffPost

Close
This HuffPost Canada page is maintained as part of an online archive. If you have questions or concerns, please check our FAQ or contact support@huffpost.com.