If you know Knix, then you know we love making customers the stars of our campaigns. When creating our latest collection — in collaboration with supermodel and Global Ambassador Ashley Graham — we knew our community had to be involved.
Building on a shared belief that all women deserve to be celebrated and to feel sexy, five casting call winners were hand selected to participate in the Knix x Ashley Graham photoshoot, based on their unique stories and drive for positive change. Little did they know, they'd be featured alongside Ashley Graham herself in this special collection.
The inaugural collaboration launches on May 19 and comprises sheer mesh and luxuriously soft micro modal fabrics. As always, we're setting fire to beauty norms and calling on women and people everywhere to lean into and cherish their sexy, sensuous selves.
"I want people to feel confident, I want them to feel themselves," says Ashley Graham. "I want people to just enjoy themselves in these pieces."
Post-shoot, we caught up with our casting call winners for the full story on what it was like to slip into the new lingerie collection and pose for the camera in their first-ever shoot. In their own words, this is how the once-in-a-lifetime experience went down.
Arielle Estoria
I’m Arielle, a Poet, Author, Actor, and Artist. I saw my friend Carly — who also submitted and won — post her submission video on Instagram and thought I’d apply, too.
I’ve loved both Knix and Ashley Graham for a long time, so I thought it would be so cool to be able to work with both of them. I also loved the casting call submission question, “why do you want to share your beauty with the world?, and felt I had something special to bring to the table.
When I got the email about the casting call submission, it came across like there were still some details to finalize. I went into our scheduled call thinking there was a 50/50 chance I would get it.
When the Knix team told us we were waiting on a special guest and Ashley’s face popped up on screen, I instantly started weeping. That’s when it was officially confirmed we weren’t just finalists but the finalists — I still kept crying.
The shoot itself was incredible. Being able to travel to one of my favourite cities, New York, and to work with such a beautiful team of creatives and brilliant minds, on top of the kindness and beauty that is Ashley, was so unreal.
Ashley was so intentional with each of us on set and made sure we felt comfortable and confident. It was truly such a gift and I’m really blessed to have had the opportunity.
Tatiana Plascencia
I’m Tatiana, I’m 24 and from California. I was born with PFFD, which means I was born without my left hip and femur. I’ve been using a prosthetic leg since I was one.
I was inspired to apply to the casting call after seeing all the different types of bodies on Knix’s Instagram. I felt like it would be the perfect opportunity to inspire others who look like me to apply and take a chance.
I love Knix’s inclusivity and believe including an amputee like me in their campaign gives representation to women in the disabled community. When I found out I’d won the casting call, it was such a surreal moment.
Ashley Graham is such a genuine, kind person. She made me feel so comfortable and empowered modeling alongside her. The Knix x Ashley Graham Collection is a perfect combination of comfy and sexy — I love all the pieces. It was such an honor to model next to her. It was a literal dream come true.
Carly Compton
I’m Carly, an eating disorder survivor, and soon-to-be Eating Disorder Therapist. I’m the founder of Paradise Fitness with Carly: a community that brings individuals together to celebrate themselves, let go of unrealistic beauty standards, and find their true authentic beauty outside of their weight.
I’m an advocate for mental health, as well as eating disorder awareness and education. My goal is to empower individuals to step away from diet culture and embrace themselves for who they are.
Growing up, I never saw my body represented and it played a major role in the development of my eating disorder. It was through my recovery that I realized just how many people felt the same way. But there was one person who always made me feel accepted in my body: and that was Ashley Graham.
When I heard Ashley was partnering with Knix and there was a chance to shoot with her and thank her for having such a positive impact on my life, I knew I needed to submit. I also wanted to be able to show others that no matter the size of their body — they deserve to be in front of the camera and to celebrate themselves for who they are.
Being a part of the campaign has been an absolute dream come true. You know how people say, “don’t meet your role models?” Well, Ashley was everything I thought she would be, and more.
Indi Robinson
I’m Indi, I grew up in Delaware — most people don’t know where it is, which makes me unique as a Delawarean. I’m also Deaf, and growing up, being around my hearing family was different than being around my friends who were Deaf/Hard of Hearing, like me.
There are lots of challenges to face when you’re communicating with people who are trying to accommodate your needs. I use TikTok to educate others about Deaf cultures, American Sign Language and why it's important, as well as levels of deafness. It’s incredible to see the massive audience who are open to learning and curious to ask questions.
As a Deaf and Black woman I was inspired to apply to the casting call because there aren’t enough young ladies like me on websites or magazines. Representation is vital since I advocate for women of color with disabilities.
At the photoshoot, standing next to Ashley Graham was pretty impressive — but standing next to all the women was even more powerful. She made sure we were all receiving the same experience as her and enjoying the moment. We had the pleasure of owning our sexuality and being ourselves.
Korrina Estrada
I’m Korrina, a single mom of three amazing boys and a recent graduate from nursing school. I’ve always been inspired by and have admired Ashley Graham. I’ve followed her on Instagram for a while.
One night, I happened to watch her story while the boys were asleep and saw the casting call opportunity. It happened to be a simple and easy process, so I applied. I was shocked and confused when I received news that I’d won.
I submitted a random selfie and effortlessly made a 30-second video and they thought I was special enough to participate in their vision. It was amazing — and provided me with reassurance that I am enough, just me as I am, no matter what anyone else says.
I left feeling empowered and confident in myself. I felt like a legit supermodel and had no idea the work that goes into making photoshoots happen. Ashley was exactly as she portrays: beautiful, kind, and funny as heck.