Ashley Graham explains why she hesitated when asked to participate in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show
«I said yes to represent ALL OF US, to show up for every body that’s ever felt unseen. And that’s a journey I’m proud to walk,» said Graham
Ashley Graham didn’t automatically say yes to walking in the 2024 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show.
A day after Graham, 36, participated in the runway show alongside Gigi Hadid, Bella Hadid, Adriana Lima and Behati Prinsloo, she revealed on Instagram why she initially «hesitated» to be a part of the show.
«When @victoriassecret first reached out, I’ll be honest—I hesitated. For years, the brand didn’t feel like it was made for someone like me. Their vision of beauty seemed narrow, as if everything they created was for just one type of body—and it wasn’t mine,» Graham wrote next to a series of backstage photos and shots of her on the catwalk, in a post on Wednesday, Oct. 16.
«But after sitting down with the leadership at VS, I saw real change,» she wrote. «They were excited to have me join the show and assured me this wasn’t just a one-time thing. The curve models weren’t just a symbol—VS genuinely want[ed] to be part of the body diversity revolution.»
The model, who walked the runway in a sexy black lace bodysuit, sheer robe, and large gold flower-embellished wings, said that Victoria’s Secret assured her they were committed to «embracing body diversity in a lasting, meaningful way.»
