It’s been years since I last met Ashley Graham. She graced Stylist’s front cover in October 2015, looking luminous in a simple cream knit. Then a young and nervous fashion editor, I flew out to New York to style her, and she was divine. So fun, open and chatty, teaching me what ‘Bye, Felicia’ meant and eating lunch with the team. This kind of realness can be elusive with big talents, and I really, really appreciated it.

So, when Calzedonia asked me if I’d like to speak to Graham at its Calzedomania event, I was thrilled. The show was cast using non-professional models to promote diversity: the perfect event for Ashley Graham to attend, given that she’s long been an advocate for representation and inclusion within the fashion industry.

It has, in fact, been a major season for her, and her 21.5 million Instagram followers have been watching as she has aced fashion month. Graham has walked for Michael Kors, Dolce & Gabbana and Boss, and she opened for Karoline Vitto – the show that got everyone talking in the best possible way – for the designer’s first show, she sent 30 curve girls down the runway at Milan fashion week.

Ashley Graham: the supermodel you’d love as your best friend