Ashley Graham Reveals Her Own Body-Positivity Barbie Doll

2016 seems to be the year for Ashley Graham. From appearing on the cover of Sports Illustrated's swimsuit issue, the plus-size supermodel has been suggested as Tyra Bank's replacement on America's Next Top Model and has been celebrated as an advocate of body positivity. As if that wasn't enough, she has now revealed her very own Barbie doll that truly represents her body type.

Come on @Barbie, let's go party!!! ?Thank you to my new and incredible @Mattel family for this honor! #beautybeyondsize #barbie #curvybarbie

A video posted by A S H L E Y G R A H A M (@theashleygraham) on Nov 14, 2016 at 4:48pm PST

Ashley, speaking to the Hollywood Reporter said that 'it was important that the Barbie resembled me as much as possible. The thighs touching was one way to show young girls that it's OK for your thighs to touch, despite society saying that a 'thigh gap' is more beautiful.'

The doll is a part of the 'Sheroes' dolls series that depict inspirational modern women like actress Zendaya, director Ava DuVernay and ballerina Misty Copeland.



'She got a round belly. She got round hips. She got round everything, yes!' she appreciated the shape of the doll when she first saw it.

The Barbie comes dressed up in an embellished denim jacket and a sparkly dressed tugging around the hips, inspired by an outfit sported by a model earlier this year. According to Ashley, 'I've never been a girl to cover up my body. This Barbie is not covered up. She's just being her fashionable self.'

Ashley is applauded for appreciating girls who are not abnormally skinny. The plus-size Barbie works in the favour of the brand that has been previously criticised for promoting unrealistic body shapes. Earlier this year, Mattel revealed that the popular doll will be getting a more realistic makeover, Barbie will now be introduced in three additional sizes; 'petite,' 'tall' and curvy and will also be available in seven skin tones, 18 eye colours and 18 different hairstyles.