Plus-size model Ashley Graham's lingerie line shows sexy doesn't have to mean skinny

Ashley Graham is living proof that sexy doesn't have to mean skinny — the plus-size fashion model recently strutted down the runway in her very own lingerie line for New York Fashion Week. The 27-year-old, an advocate for positive body image among women of all sizes, stunned the crowd in flattering undergarments and a lace kimono, part of her new Holiday Black Orchid and Modern Boudoir collections. She teamed up with Canadian plus-size retailer Addition Elle to launch Ashley Graham Lingerie in 2013, but the line is new to the U.S. this fall.

Model Ashley Graham hit the runway in her new lingerie line at New York Fashion week.

"It was absolutely amazing, I still have chills from how well it went!" Graham told TODAY.com of Tuesday's show, adding that she launched the line because she had trouble finding lingerie that fit her body and looked good, too.

"For the longest time I could find supportive bras and I could find sexy bras, but never both," she said. "I wanted to create a line that did both and made [women] feel beautiful."

 Graham's new lingerie line was featured in Addition Elle's New York Fashion Week show.

Graham, a size 16, is famous for appearing in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition as a plus-size model, and for speaking up about the body issues women and girls face — and why curves aren't a bad thing.

"A lot of females — of all ages — come to me for advice on how to gain confidence," she said. "There aren't many women talking about their imperfections like I am, and I'm happy to be that voice telling women, 'Hey, it's OK to have cellulite. It's natural!'"

  Plus-size model Ashley Graham recently launched  her lingerie line in the U.S.

"Think and speak positively about your body and other women's bodies," Graham added. "And never compare yourself to someone else. There is no right size and there is no wrong size. We are all built differently, and that's a good thing! Celebrate and embrace your differences." 

Graham's line was among several featured by Addition Elle in the show, sponsored by Kia Style360. The retailer has also teamed up with another famous plus-size model on a new line: Nadia Aboulhosn. Her collection of fall staples like black dresses, skinny pants and sweaters launches next week at Lord & Taylor stores. 

Rheana Murrayv wrote from TODAY