Ashley Graham Nabs The Most Coveted, Groundbreaking Cover Of All

There are so many reasons we’d like to put 2016 behind us. Ashley Graham  and Vogue  aren’t among them.  

The high fashion glossy’s British edition chose Graham as its January 2017 cover star. It’s the first time a plus-size model has appeared on the cover of Vogue U.K., according to Fashionista.

Shot by legendary photographer Patrick Demarchelier , Graham looks as natural and gorgeous as ever in an embellished jacket, flowing hair and a refreshingly little amount of makeup. 

The move isn’t completely surprising considering British Vogue editor-in-chief Alexandra Shulman’s longstanding feelings against the “ridiculous” size-exclusive nature of the fashion industry. The shift toward a more diverse standard of beauty has so far happened largely in the mainstream, less in high fashion. 

Graham and other plus-size models have appeared in various editions of Vogue before, but by putting her on the cover a spot so highly coveted by models and celebrities alike British Vogue is helping normalize the use of more diverse women that can and should appear in high fashion without warranting a conversation every time. Bravo.

See the full shoot in the January issue of British Vogue , on sale Monday, Dec. 5.