Last week the Music Industry took an essential (and may I say long-awaited) step towards encouraging body diversity when DNCE's new music video "Toothbrush," starred a plus-sized model as Joe Jonas' love interest. The internet went crazy. People praised the video for starring an "average sized girl," or condemned it for highlighting an unhealthy, or "obese" body type. Either way, everyone seemed to agree on one thing: this was big--no pun intended.
In case you haven't seen the music video yet, take a look here.
The model drawing all of this attention is the beautiful Ashley Graham, who calls herself a "Body Activist" and who's confidence and security in her body and size has gained her success. Recently, she received attention for being the first of her size to grace the cover of Sports Illustrated, which let me tell you, she graced it. She looked absolutely gorgeous, and what's more, she designs her own lingerie and is out to spread a positive message on body diversity, a message that went viral last year when she shared it on TEDxBerkleeValencia.
I was thrilled to hear when she was cast for this music video, and I know I personally screamed internally the entirety of watching it. One, because the thirteen year old inside of me is still in love with Joe Jonas, and two, because Ashley Graham is as smoking hot and confident as ever. The chemistry between them both was evident, and it was so delightful to see a woman different from the typical body type being viewed as desirable and sexy.
This was a big step towards opening the doors to furthering body diversity, whether in the music industry or elsewhere. I can't say I wasn't extremely proud of Joe Jonas and DNCE for making a decision that may not have been popular. So excited to see what ripple affects this video has, and definitely giving Ashley Graham that follow on Instagram. She's doing some amazing things and I want to be in the loop!
Check out her account: theashleygraham