Plus-Sized Model Ashley Graham To Hit Pages Of SI's Swimsuit Edition In New Ad

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The 2015 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition is already making a splash before it hits newsstands.

As CBS2's Vanessa Murdock reported, it will feature its first ever plus-sized ad.

Ashley Graham, seemingly confident in her curves, has been featured in the first ever plus sized ad to appear in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition.

According to Trae Bodge, senior lifstyle editor with Retailmenot.com, more than 50 percent of American women wear size 14 and above.

"This is who we are, and I think it's really important we embrace that in the media," Bodge said.

Bodge is confident the ad will create waves.

"I'm hoping other brands will jump in and make their own statement as well," Bodge said.

Moshe Laniado, President and CEO of SwimsuitsForAll, said he has been looking for a way to include more plus sized models.

"We're finding every opportunity to include curvier models," he said.

He said Sports Illustrated was very supportive of the ad campaign.

"When you're talking about older institutions stuck in their ways sometimes you need leaders to come out and take them to the next level," Laniado said. "I would be surprised if the Swimsuit Issue doesn't feature women like Ashley."

Jerome Korman wasn't convince that Sports Illustrated will change their game plan.

"It's not a fantasy. Sports Illustrated is all about fantasy," he said.

We'll have to wait until next year to see if plus sized models are featured.

The 2015 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition hits stands on February 9.