Plus-size model Ashley Graham celebrates sexy curves on NY runway

NEW YORK - Ashley Graham, the star model going stratospheric for breaking down barriers in the fashion industry, powered down the New York runway on Monday celebrating curves in her latest lingerie collection.

The 29-year-old modelled sexy black and green underwear in her latest link-up with Canadian brand Addition Elle, whose Fashion Week show featured only plus-size models.

The show got a rock-star reception from the audience, many of them larger women triumphant that the snooty world of fashion is finally starting to embrace customers of all shapes and sizes.

In addition to collaborating with the plus-size label Addition Elle, Graham is a spokeswoman for self-confidence and positive body image for women, urging them to embrace curves, cellulite and diversity.

Graham last year became the first plus-size model to grace the cover of Sports Illustrated, has appeared on the cover of Vogue and was recently a judge on long-running TV series America's Next Top Model.

"You would think it's a lot of pressure but it's not because I am literally am just being myself," she said. "My mother always told me, she's like 'your (two younger) sisters are always looking up to you, you are their role model'.

"So I just think of my fans and everybody's that reaching out and saying thank you as my sisters."