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Ashley Graham’s Historic Victoria’s Secret Debut: 7 Moments That Redefined Body Positivity On The Runway

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The fashion world is still buzzing about the monumental shift at Victoria's Secret, spearheaded by none other than curve model icon, Ashley Graham. Her highly-anticipated runway debut at the 2024 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show (VSFS) was not just a walk; it was a powerful statement on body positivity and a clear signal that the brand's controversial past is truly behind it. This moment, which took place on October 15, 2024, marked the brand's long-awaited return to the runway after a six-year hiatus, choosing Graham as a central figure in its new era of inclusivity.

As of today, December 25, 2025, Ashley Graham’s partnership with the lingerie giant is stronger than ever, with her confirmed return to the 2025 VSFS and recent appearances in new campaigns, including a 2025 Mother’s Day ad. Her journey from a vocal critic of the industry’s lack of diversity to a celebrated Victoria’s Secret model encapsulates the profound transformation sweeping through high-fashion, making her debut one of the most talked-about events of the decade.

Ashley Graham: Full Biography and Professional Profile

Ashley Graham Ervin is a groundbreaking American model, television presenter, and entrepreneur who has become the leading global voice for body positivity and inclusion in the fashion industry.

  • Full Name: Ashley Graham Ervin
  • Date of Birth: October 30, 1987
  • Place of Birth: Lincoln, Nebraska, U.S.
  • Discovery: Discovered at age 12 while shopping at a mall in Lincoln, Nebraska.
  • Career Start: Signed with I & I Agency in 2000 and later with Wilhelmina Models and Ford Models.
  • Groundbreaking Achievement (2016): Became the first curve model to appear on the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.
  • Published Author: Released her first book, A New Model: What Confidence, Beauty, and Power Really Look Like, in 2017.
  • Television Work: Has served as a judge on America's Next Top Model and a host for various events.
  • Personal Life: Married to Justin Ervin; a mother of three.
  • Industry Role: Widely recognized as a body image activist who fights for diversity and realistic beauty standards on the runway and in media.

The 7 Historic Moments of Ashley Graham's Victoria's Secret Debut

Ashley Graham’s appearance at the 2024 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show was a carefully orchestrated and deeply symbolic event. It was the culmination of years of advocacy and a powerful visual representation of the brand’s commitment to a new era of fashion.

Here are the seven most significant moments and details surrounding her historic runway walk:

1. The Initial Hesitation and Moral Dilemma

Before accepting the role, Ashley Graham admitted she "hesitated" to take part in the 2024 show. This hesitation stemmed from her long history of speaking out against Victoria’s Secret’s past lack of body diversity. For years, she had been a leading voice criticizing the brand’s exclusionary beauty standards. Her decision to join was a strategic move, ensuring she was part of the change rather than just observing it, ultimately choosing to do "the right thing" by pushing for inclusivity from the inside.

2. A Symbol of Victoria's Secret's New Era

Graham’s presence was a clear, undeniable sign that Victoria’s Secret was moving into a "new era of body-positive fashion." Her inclusion demonstrated a genuine shift away from the "Angels" concept that promoted a single, unattainable body type. By featuring one of the most prominent curve models, the brand signaled its dedication to representing a broader spectrum of women.

3. The Iconic "Dark Angel" Outfit

For her debut, Graham was not given a subtle look. She took the runway in a show-stopping "Dark Angel" ensemble. This outfit included a sultry black lace bodysuit, a sheer robe, and massive, gold-embellished feathered wings. The choice of a winged look—traditionally reserved for the original "Angels"—was a powerful statement, symbolically granting her a place among the brand's elite models and cementing her status as a pioneer.

4. The Mixed Public Reaction

While celebrated by many as a victory for body image and diversity, Graham's debut also drew "mixed reactions online." Her curvy figure became the focal point of discussion, with some fans expressing a preference for the "old" Victoria's Secret models. This division highlighted the ongoing cultural debate surrounding beauty standards and the difficulty of fully embracing inclusivity in a traditionally exclusive industry.

5. The Curve Model Pioneer

Ashley Graham was not just a model in the show; she was among the first group of curve models to ever walk in a Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. This achievement is a historic milestone, paralleling her 2016 feat of being the first curve model on the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. Her career is defined by breaking barriers, and the VSFS debut is arguably the most significant barrier she has broken in the lingerie and runway space.

6. The Tiny Underwear Revelation

In a candid moment, Graham revealed that Victoria’s Secret gave her a "tiny" pair of underwear for the show. This seemingly small detail made a huge statement: she was wearing the same style of garment as the other models, proving that high-fashion lingerie can be modeled and celebrated on a body that is typically classified as "plus-size." This move challenged the long-held notion that only one body type could wear the brand's signature pieces.

7. The Confirmed 2025 Return and Ongoing Partnership

The impact of her 2024 debut was so profound that Ashley Graham is confirmed to return for the 2025 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. This back-to-back booking, coupled with her appearance in the 2025 Mother's Day ad and other collaborations, signifies a long-term, genuine partnership. It moves her role beyond a one-off publicity stunt and establishes her as a core figure in the brand's future, reinforcing the commitment to diversity and a more inclusive vision for the global lingerie brand.

The Impact on Body Positivity and Inclusivity

Ashley Graham’s career has been an unrelenting pursuit of normalising diverse body shapes, and her work with Victoria’s Secret is the pinnacle of this activism. Her outspoken nature has made her a compelling voice, transforming the fashion industry from within. The Victoria's Secret runway, once the ultimate symbol of a restrictive beauty ideal, is now a platform for celebrating different body types, ages, and backgrounds.

The term "body positivity" is no longer just a buzzword; it is a business imperative for the brand, and Graham is its most visible champion. Her debut in the 2024 VSFS, and her confirmed return for 2025, demonstrates that true inclusion is not a trend but a permanent fixture in the world of high fashion. This shift ensures that millions of women who previously felt excluded by the brand can now see themselves represented.

By stepping onto the runway in her black bodysuit and feathered wings, Ashley Graham didn't just model; she performed an act of powerful cultural leadership, ensuring the next generation of models and consumers will grow up with a more diverse and accepting view of beauty. Her legacy is not just about her own success, but about opening the door for countless others in the industry.

ashley graham victoria secret
ashley graham victoria secret

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