We've said it once, and we'll say it again: 2016 is the year of Ashley Graham.
Not only did the 28-year-old size sexy model break barriers by becoming the first plus-sized woman to cover Sports Illustrated's Swimsuit Issue, but she also landed herself a role as judge on the newly revamped "America's Next Top Model." Oh, and all this while landing numerous other magazine covers and fashion campaigns.
And now, the Swimsuitsforall designer is gracing the cover of another glossy — Elle Canada's October 2016 issue.
The Max Abadian-photographed image shows Graham sporting a mesh dress dress adorned with crystals by Sophie Theallet. She dons a bra and underwear from her collection for Addition Elle underneath and a wool coat by Marina Rinaldi overtop. A wide-brim hat by H&M finishes her fall-ready look.
Inside the issue, Ashley opens up about her dyslexia, and the toll it took on her confidence growing up.
"Being told in the fourth grade that you're dyslexic and you're not going to be able to read properly takes a toll on you, and it really makes you believe you're dumb," she says. "I would always hear people say 'Oh, thank God she's pretty.' I'll say it as a joke now because I haven't let dyslexia take over who I am."
And according to the "America's Next Top Model" judge, it was her mother who helped her deal with her insecurities.
"When I was growing up, my mom always told me that I was smart even though I was called dumb in school because I have dyslexia. I was also a big girl who played sports and ate well, and she would tell me 'You're fit and healthy.' I was super-insecure at the time, but it helped to hear her words."
And now, Graham is content with herself, and her body "flaws" and all.
"You know what's so funny? I think women think I'm inspirational because I'm unapologetic. I have cellulite. I have back fat. I've got a thick stomach. But I work my body like I don't because I don't know any other body. I don't know how to feel thin. I just know how to feel like Ashley."
Head to ElleCanada.com for the full interview.
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