Quick Read
- Ashley Graham appeared at the 2025 CFDA Fashion Awards in a backless Daniella Kallmeyer gown.
- She used fashion tape for support and shared her prep openly on Instagram.
- Her candid behind-the-scenes posts inspired fan requests for styling tutorials.
- Graham continues to advocate for body positivity and diversity in fashion.
- Her CFDA night included moments with celebrities like Angel Reese and Law Roach.
Ashley Graham’s CFDA Fashion Awards Appearance: Beyond the Red Carpet
Ashley Graham has always been more than just a model—she’s a force for change in the fashion world, known for her candid advocacy of body positivity and her willingness to share the real, often messy story behind the glamour. At the 2025 CFDA Fashion Awards, held at New York’s American Museum of Natural History, Graham turned heads in an ivory silk gown by designer Daniella Kallmeyer. But what captivated fans even more was her honest, behind-the-scenes look at the effort and ingenuity required to make such an appearance flawless.
On Instagram, Graham pulled back the curtain on her preparation, sharing not just the finished look but the process itself. In one photo, she revealed the secret weapon behind her backless, braless ensemble: strips of fashion tape running from her collarbone down to her ribcage, supporting and shaping her curves. “My dress made it, I made it, and my boobies are all taped up,” she joked in a playful video, highlighting the reality behind the red carpet perfection.
Her fans responded with admiration and curiosity. Comments flooded in, demanding a tutorial on her tape technique. Influencer Lauren Wambolt called the tape a “miracle,” while others marveled at the confidence and creativity Graham displayed. “That boob tape is taping! I need an instructional video!” one fan wrote, echoing the collective sentiment.
The Realities of Red Carpet Prep: Glam, Tape, and Teamwork
Graham’s preparation was a team effort. Stylist Ava Deith and hairstylist Rosibel del Jesus were on hand to ensure every detail was perfect, from the dress’s fit to her beachy waves. The glamorous look featured a high neckline, a fitted silhouette, and a dramatic cowl back that showcased Graham’s skin—and her inventive use of tape. Her makeup glowed: long lashes, winged eyeliner, pearly shadow, bronzed cheeks, and glossy lips. Diamond earrings added a final touch of sparkle.
But Graham didn’t just document the perfection. She also shared a relatable moment in a cozy pink sweatsuit, chilling in the backseat of a car with her heels and gown tossed aside. This juxtaposition—a supermodel on the red carpet, and a tired mom relaxing after the show—underscores the many facets of her life. For Graham, the glamour is real, but so is the exhaustion and the chaos.
During the awards, Graham mingled with other celebrities, including WNBA star Angel Reese and Cult Gaia founder Jasmin Hekmat. Reese joked about “bathroom time” with Graham, offering a glimpse into the camaraderie and laughter that often go unseen. Guests enjoyed a dinner featuring Anna Wintour’s favorite, chicken pot pie, and Graham was spotted sitting with celebrity stylist Law Roach and actress Ryan Destiny.
Fashion Tape, Body Positivity, and the Changing Face of Beauty
Ashley Graham’s openness isn’t just about tape and gowns. She’s consistently used her platform to challenge the narrow standards of beauty in fashion. After her CFDA appearance, fans praised her for sharing the practical realities that many women face—how to make a daring look work for their own bodies, and how to feel confident in the process.
This isn’t new territory for Graham. In a 2016 interview about her lingerie line, she spoke about the lack of sexy, fashionable bras for curvier women: “Comfort and support are key. The bra has to come off when I walk in the door.” She’s been candid about her own journey with body image, noting that fashion often demands creative solutions—and that those solutions should be celebrated, not hidden.
Her role as Roxie Hart in the Broadway revival of Chicago was another milestone. Graham emphasized the importance of plus-size women in leading roles, pushing back against industry norms that have long excluded diverse body types. The message was clear: everyone deserves a place on stage, in front of the camera, and on the runway.
A New Era: Victoria’s Secret, Representation, and Real Change
Graham’s participation in the 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show marked a significant shift. The brand, once known for its narrow vision of beauty, invited Graham to walk the runway in a dramatic black push-up bra with crystal embellishments and lace details. She joined a new generation of models—including Angel Reese, the first professional athlete to walk the Victoria’s Secret runway, and Olympic gymnast Suni Lee, who made her own debut.
Graham’s presence signaled Victoria’s Secret’s commitment to greater body diversity. In interviews, she acknowledged the brand’s history but celebrated its efforts to move forward. “It’s a process,” she replied to fans who asked about her styling tricks, emphasizing the reality behind every glamorous look.
At the show, Graham delivered drama on the runway—black plume wings sparkling, strappy heels, silver earrings, smoky eyeshadow, and a bombshell blowout. But even as she beamed and posed, she remained grounded in her message: beauty comes in many forms, and the fashion world must embrace them all.
Behind the Glam: Motherhood, Mishaps, and Unfiltered Honesty
Ashley Graham’s journey is about more than appearances. After the 2025 Met Gala, she recounted spilling mint oil on her custom BOSS gown, scrambling for a last-minute fix. The mishap didn’t stop her from owning the red carpet, but it did remind fans that even the most glamorous nights have their challenges.
As a mother of three, Graham balances her professional achievements with personal realities. Her Instagram stories—whether topless and taped, or relaxed and tired—capture the full spectrum of her life. She’s proof that fashion is both an art and a craft, requiring creativity, resilience, and a willingness to share the imperfect moments.
Ashley Graham’s CFDA Fashion Awards appearance wasn’t just about a dress or a daring look. It was a celebration of authenticity, ingenuity, and the ongoing push for inclusivity in fashion. Her candidness inspires not just fans, but also fellow models, designers, and anyone who has ever felt excluded by the industry’s rigid standards.
Graham’s story at the 2025 CFDA Awards is a reminder that behind every polished appearance is a blend of creativity, teamwork, and vulnerability. By revealing her process and embracing the practical realities of fashion, she continues to redefine beauty standards and encourage others to do the same—one strip of tape at a time.