Curvy model Ashley Graham shines on the October 2016 cover of ELLE Canada. Photographed by Max Abadian, the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue model wears a sequin embroidered dress with a camel coat and H&M Studio hat. Inside the magazine, Ashley shows off her Addition Elle lingerie collaboration amongst the designs of Vivienne Westwood, Jimmy Choo, Calvin Klein Collection and more. Stylist Juliana Schiavinatto selects a mix of wool coats, strappy sandals and dresses for the feature.

Related: Ashley Graham Models H&M’s Fall 2016 Studio Collection

In her interview, Ashley talks about how she gained her body confidence. “When I was growing up, my mom always told me that I was smart even though I was called dumb in school because I have dyslexia. I was also a big girl who played sports and ate well, and she would tell me ‘You’re fit and healthy.’ I was super-insecure at the time, but it helped to hear her words. Then I moved to New York [to model] and gained a ton of weight because I wasn’t working out or eating right. I hated the woman I had become because I didn’t feel right in my own skin. I was a size 18 and I was looking for affirmation and attention in all the wrong areas. I had agents telling me I had to lose weight, and I was like, ‘Why am I allowing people to dictate my future?’””

Ashley Graham – ELLE Canada – October 2016