The Ashley Graham Barbie doll doesn't have a thigh gap and we couldn't love it more
It's official: Ashley Graham has her very own Barbie!
The body activist and one of this year's three SI Swimsuit cover models is continuing to promote the idea of self-acceptance and female empowerment with a one-of-a-kind Barbie created in her likeness. The doll was present to Ashley at Glamour's Women of the Year summit in Los Angeles on Monday.
“We need to work together to redefine the global image of beauty and continue to push for a more inclusive world,” Ashley said in a statement. “I’m thrilled Barbie has not only evolved their product, but also has continued to honor women who are pushing boundaries. It’s an honor to be immortalized in plastic.”
With a style just like her own, the doll is dressed in an Opening Ceremony bodycon dress and a Sonia Rykiel cropped jean jacket, identical to the outfit the supermodel wore after her NYFW Addition Elle lingerie show back in September.
“It was important that the Barbie resembled me as much as possible," Ashley continued. "The thighs touching was one way to show young girls that it’s okay for your thighs to touch, despite society saying that a ‘thigh gap’ is more beautiful."
The body positive step from Mattel comes after the company revealed Barbie's new petite, tall and curvy body types back in January. And Ashley hopes that such a drastic change to the iconic doll will encourage body acceptance among young girls today.
"Now every girl does look like Barbie," she told The Hollywood Reporter. "It's not an unattainable thing. Now, they can say, 'That's my Barbie. I look like that one.'"
BONUS: See some of Ashley's sexiest moments from SI Swimsuit 2016!
Ashley Graham, SI Swimsuit 2016
Ashley Graham, SI Swimsuit 2016
Ashley Graham, SI Swimsuit 2016
Ashley Graham, SI Swimsuit 2016
Ashley Graham, SI Swimsuit 2016
Ashley Graham, SI Swimsuit 2016
Ashley Graham, SI Swimsuit 2016
Ashley Graham, SI Swimsuit 2016
Ashley Graham, SI Swimsuit 2016
Ashley Graham, SI Swimsuit 2016
Ashley Graham, SI Swimsuit 2016
Ashley Graham, SI Swimsuit 2016
Ashley Graham, SI Swimsuit 2016
Ashley Graham, SI Swimsuit 2016
Ashley Graham, SI Swimsuit 2016