Quick answer
Who is Ashley Graham?
Ashley Graham (born 30 October 1987 in Lincoln, United States) is an American model and a prominent voice for size inclusivity in mainstream fashion. Ashley Graham is ranked #28 on The Cast Index Global 50, with an Index Rating of 85.0 out of 100 in the 5 October 2026 snapshot. Listed representation: IMG Models.
At a glance
How old and how tall is Ashley Graham?
Ashley Graham was born on 30 October 1987 in Lincoln, United States, which makes Ashley 38 as of 5 October 2026. Ashley Graham’s recorded height is 177 cm (5 ft 10 in), according to Wikidata. Agency measurements can differ slightly.
- Born
- 30 October 1987 (age 38)
- Birthplace
- Lincoln, United States
- Height
- 177 cm (5 ft 10 in)
- Nationality
- United States
- Disciplines
- Campaigns, Advocacy
- Agencies
- IMG Models (New York / Paris / Milan / London / Los Angeles)
- Cast Index status
- #28 · 85.0 / 100
- @ashleygraham
Birth date, birthplace and height from Wikidata (Q4805451), retrieved . Agencies from the listed sources. Profile updated .
The perspective
What is Ashley Graham known for?
A leading advocate for size inclusivity in the industry.
The published assessment
Where does Ashley Graham rank on the Global 50?
Ashley Graham is ranked #28 on The Cast Index Global 50, with an Index Rating of 85.0 out of 100 in the 5 October 2026 snapshot.
Each pillar reflects an editorial assessment of the published record. The weighted rating belongs to the snapshot.
Index Rating · Editorial pillars · High confidence · evidence reviewed
85.0
- Runway · 40%
- 76
-
76 / 100 - Campaigns · 30%
- 88
-
88 / 100 - Editorial · 20%
- 92
-
92 / 100 - Cultural aura · 10%
- 98
-
98 / 100
Evidence behind the assessment
- Walked Nina Ricci FW26 in Paris in March 2026.
- Marie Claire U.S. cover and American Vogue editorial in May 2026.
- Victoria’s Secret, Nina Ricci, Boss and Grace Ling runway credits plus a Stuart Weitzman campaign in 2025.
New work and corrections can change the assessment. A profile’s confidence label describes the depth of its source review.
Sources to explore
The runway record
Which shows has Ashley Graham walked?
The Cast Index casting ledger records 2 verified walks for Ashley Graham, for Nina Ricci and Harris Reed. Each links its published source.
A source-linked selection across seasons, rather than a complete booking history. Open the source for the original record.
- AW26 · Walked · Paris Fashion Week AW26Source ↗
Nina Ricci
- SS27 · Opened · London Fashion Week SS27Source ↗
Harris Reed
Career & background
The story so far.
Biography last reviewed .
Early life
Ashley Graham was born on 30 October 1987 and raised partly in Lincoln, Nebraska, the eldest of three sisters; she was diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia in youth. She was scouted at age 12 at Oak View Mall in Omaha by the local I & I modelling agency, and signed with Wilhelmina Models in 2001 before moving to Ford Models in 2003.
Building a body-positive platform, 2007–2015
Graham was profiled by Vogue in April 2007 and featured in a 2009 Glamour editorial titled "These Bodies Are Beautiful at Every Size." A 2010 Lane Bryant television commercial, notable for being banned by some networks, brought her wider attention, including an appearance on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno that May. She designed a lingerie line for Addition Elle in 2013 and was named Full Figured Fashion Week’s Model of the Year in 2012, before fronting the swimsuitsforall/Sports Illustrated Swimsuit advertising campaign in 2015.
Historic covers and a memoir, 2016–2019
In 2016, Graham became the first size-16 model to appear on the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, and joined VH1’s America’s Next Top Model as a judge. In 2017, she became the first plus-size model to appear on the cover of American Vogue and published her memoir, "A New Model," the same year hosting "The Ashley Graham Project" on Go90. She hosted American Beauty Star’s second season in 2019.
Recent record, 2023–2025
Graham hosted a Countdown to the Oscars red-carpet special in 2023 and appeared on Maxim’s Hot 100 list that year. In 2025 she made her Broadway debut as Roxie Hart in Chicago, running from 15 April to 25 May, and launched a clothing line with JCPenney that October. She is represented by IMG Models.
At a glance
Quick facts.
- Born 30 October 1987; scouted at age 12 at a shopping mall in Omaha, Nebraska
- The first size-16 model to appear on the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, in 2016
- The first plus-size model to appear on the cover of American Vogue, in 2017
- Published a memoir, "A New Model," in 2017
- Represented by IMG Models after earlier stints with Wilhelmina and Ford Models
- Made her Broadway debut as Roxie Hart in Chicago, running 15 April–25 May 2025
