Ashley Graham’s Latest Lingerie Collection Is Her Most Personal to Date
If you’ve got an underwear question, Ashley Graham probably has an answer. Her two decades as a model, spokesperson, and personality have allowed her to explore all aspects of the industry. “First and foremost, figure out what bra size you are,” Graham shared on set at Pier 59 studios. “It’s an absolute gamechanger.” When she wasn’t posing in gorgeous underwear, Graham designed it or joined with brands to create capsule drops with an eye for detail. In a category where the smallest changes to strap lengths, fabric texture, and color graduation can make all the difference, Graham’s expertise comes in handy, and she poured all of it into her latest project, a newly launched collaboration with underwear brand Knix.
Graham’s lineup of bras, bodysuits, and panties takes Knix in a new direction. Primarily known for its leak-proof period underwear, the brand has earned praise for the way its products perform. While the new line doesn’t sacrifice any functionality, Graham wanted to ensure the designs were fashion-forward and benefited from her years of expertise. “I’d designed capsules before, and I have had such a history with lingerie throughout my 20-year career,” she says. “Because of those experiences, I wasn’t necessarily focused on the number of bras vs. bodysuits. What I got nitpicky about were the colors and the silhouettes. I wanted this to be universal, for all the pieces to be beautiful so that no one minds if their strap shows. We started by putting together a gorgeous inspiration board, and the team at Knix just nailed it.”
The pictures on her mood board—Christy Turlington beaming in an ‘I love hot moms’ T-shirt, Paloma Elsesser posing in a bra top and leather jacket, scenes from Graham’s 2014 Vogue shoot by Cass Bird—reflect the effortless look Graham was going for. Though the pieces within the collection are sexy, they’re also streamlined. There are no bulky underwires or frilly lace details within the lineup. Instead, it’s filled with soft-tone pastel bras and sleek bodysuits in a luxe micro modal fabric. “People want to invest in something that makes them feel good when they wear it,” says Graham. “After the last few years where we’ve all spent so much time lounging, we’ve gotten used to comfort, but now that we’re heading back out and reentering the world, it isn’t the sole concern.”
Once the look of the pieces was finalized, their ease of wear was paramount. “I’m all about function; how does the piece look under my clothes? What is my mood once I put it on? These were things that we took into account,” she says. “Personally, I’m always showing off my lingerie, so whether it’s a white button-down and you’ve got something peeking out in the front, or you’re wearing the bodysuit with jeans, this collection can adapt to suit the wearer’s needs.”
The capsule—and Graham’s role as brand ambassador—grew out of conversations Graham had with Knix founder Joanna Griffiths online. “It all started on Instagram,” explains Graham. “I love when that happens. The best thing about social media is that you can connect with people, and Joanna was in my DMs. We started just chit-chatting, and she would send me bras and different underwear, and they just became my favorites. Gradually it turned into ‘ok, I’m the global brand ambassador,’ and I said, ‘we should do a capsule.’’’
