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Ashley Graham didn't say "yes" right away when she was first invited to walk in the 2024 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. The 36-year-old model joined stars like Gigi Hadid, Bella Hadid, Adriana Lima, and Behati Prinsloo on the runway, but later shared on Instagram why she initially hesitated about participating.
"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 revealed in a post on Wednesday, Oct. 16. She paired her words with a series of backstage photos and shots from her time on the catwalk.
However, after sitting down with the Victoria's Secret leadership team, Graham felt encouraged by what she saw as an authentic commitment to change. "I saw real change," she explained. "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."
During her appearance on the runway, Graham wore a striking black lace bodysuit, a sheer robe, and wings decorated with large gold flowers. She shared that the brand assured her they were dedicated to "embracing body diversity in a lasting, meaningful way." Graham then decided to take part, explaining, "So I said yes. 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."
Before the show, Graham also spoke to PEOPLE about her excitement. "I'm not nervous, and everything's very secure, we're not going to have anything pop out, which makes me feel good so I can strut it," she said. "And I'm honestly more excited just for the full representation that's going to happen during the show."
Graham, a mother of three, also had input on her outfit. "The first thing they gave me was this tiny, tiny little underwear, and I said, 'Hello, I just had three children,'" she shared with a laugh. "Even though it was like two years ago, I was like, 'Is there any more we can put on?' So then I got a bodysuit and I feel really sexy in it. And when the wings came out, that's when I was like, 'Oh yeah, I feel like an Angel. This is hot.'"
