Model Ashley Graham criticises airbrushing, saying women 'of a certain size demand respect'

'There's still so much retouching that's happening, trying to change who we are'

Supermodel Ashley Graham has criticised publications for airbrushing, calling on women to “demand respect” and not change who they are.

The 31-year-old model made an appearance on Australian talk show, The Project, on Thursday where she discussed everything from the term “plus-size” to her successful modelling career.

When asked about the pressures associated with modelling in magazines and on the runway, Graham praised the fashion and beauty industry for making strides to become more inclusive.

However, she pointed out that there is still a worrying lack of diversity.

“There’s still so much retouching that’s happening, trying to change who we are,” Graham said.

Graham highlighted the need for models and “more women of a certain size” to stand up and say “’;hey, we’re demanding that you respect us’”.

The model continued by revealing she has had to deal with people trying to “manipulate” her body for years, stating: “But I stand firm of who I am.”

In 2016, Graham made history by becoming the first size 16 model to feature on the cover of Sports Illustrated magazine.

The model described the feat as an “impactful moment” not just for her career, but for women everywhere.

“For so many women out there to know you can have cellulite, you can have back fat, you don’t have to be full retouched to be owning who you are and be on the cover of a magazine,” Graham said.

The model also discussed her thoughts on being referred to as a “plus-size model”, saying: “Why do we have to describe a woman because of a number inside of her pants?

“Why can’t we just say her name, or her occupation and that be it? Men don’t do that.

“They don’t say my plus-size friend whoever. So why would women have to do it?”

Graham concluded by saying she was “looking forward” to the day she could do an interview without talking about her size.

“Because I am the first of so many things, I’m going to have to talk about this for the rest of my career and that’s okay because I didn’t have a role model growing up that looked like me,” she said.

“The call to action is to just do it and not talk about it.”

Graham has been known to frequently use her platform to voice her opinions on body-positivity and urge women to learn self-acceptance.

Appearing on Lorraine in 2017, the model explained what confidence means to her and how it’s about nobody other than yourself.

“It’s not a pill, it’s not a boyfriend, it’s not a family member, it’s you,” she told the ITV daytime TV host.

“Get down into your bra and panties, look yourself in the mirror and say I love you,” she advised.

“Say: ‘back fat, you are my best friend, thighs you’re so sexy, you can’t stop rubbing against each other.’

“Find the role model within you,” she added.