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Ashley Graham Stuns in White Gown, Celebrates 20 Years in Modeling Industry

The supermodel and mom of three delivered a powerful speech at the Women Making History Awards Gala.

Ananya Panchal

Ashley Graham.

Ashley Graham.

There’s nothing Ashley Graham can’t do. The supermodel, entrepreneur, industry trailblazer, designer, podcast host and mom of three was recognized for her many talents as an honoree at the Women Making History Awards Gala. The March 31 event was held in Washington D.C., and hosted by the National Women’s History Museum.

Graham donned a gorgeous white flowy number from Lanvin that appeared to be a mini dress from the front but featured a long cape-style train in the back. Stylist Emily Evans paired the look with dainty metallic heels and a chunky white purse.

“20+ years in the industry definitely comes with some history,” Graham captioned a series of photos and videos she shared with her 20.2 million Instagram followers. “Thank you @womenshistory for honoring mine❤️.”

Ashley Graham attended the Women Making History Awards Gala.

Ashley Graham attended the Women Making History Awards Gala.

Makeup artist Kale Teter opted for a nude glossy lip, heavy bronzer and dark smokey eye makeup, including a thick eyeliner wing and dramatic lashes. The 35-year-old’s dark brown hair was slicked back into a high bun with several face-framing strands left out and loosely curled on one side by Danielle Priano.

“I had no idea what the fashion industry was really like. When I got more experienced, I realized that I had stepped into a world that didn’t think I fit the mold of what success and beauty truly looked like,” Graham said in her acceptance speech. “Throughout my career I have heard so many ‘nos’ so many, ‘Oh we don’t have anything that fits you,’ and so many, ‘You’re not exactly what we’re looking for.’ There were so many days where I questioned myself, my value and what I had to offer.”

Graham attended the event with her husband, Justin Ervin, and mom Linda Graham. Actresses Uma Thurman and Sharon Stone, congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton and civil rights activist Willie Pearl Mackey King were also honored throughout the evening.

“Now, 20-something years later, I’m standing here accepting this award knowing that I earned it because I kept going,” Graham continued. “It’s because of the women in my life who supported me, advocated for me, pushed me to show up and live my purpose on my terms—women like my mom.”

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Ananya Panchal
ANANYA PANCHAL

Ananya Panchal is a writer on the Lifestyle and Trending News team for SI Swimsuit, where she covers fashion, beauty, pop culture and the internet’s favorite personalities and trends. She joined the brand in 2022 after roles at Bustle, the San Francisco Chronicle and the TODAY Show. Panchal loves to write about fashion in all its forms—from standout runway moments and evolving street style to the best accessories to elevate each season’s wardrobe (she rarely goes anywhere without a stack of jewelry and a coffee in hand). A self-proclaimed beauty fanatic, she’s always on the hunt for must-have products and loves breaking down viral trends. Her favorite series at the moment is spotlighting female founders and the stories behind the brands they’ve built—especially those shaping the future of fashion, wellness and tech. She is based between New York City and San Francisco and, when she’s not writing, can be found rewatching One Tree Hill, playing sudoku, trying new restaurants or ranking her favorite Disney Channel Original Movies. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communications and journalism with a minor in criminal justice from Boston University.

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