Ashley Graham Is Taking Fashion to the ‘Next Level’ with a JCPenney Line Made for ‘Women with Curves’ (Exclusive)

• Ashley Graham shares the details behind her partnership with JCPenney, which includes a fashion line launching later this year
• The model and brand worked together to create a collection made for curvy women with sizes going up to 24
• Graham also reveals where she is right now in her style journey and the importance of bringing plus-size fashion forward

Ashley Graham is on mission to empower women to feel “sexy and confident” in their skin and in the clothes they wear.

The model and mom of three, 37, is continuing to champion for size-inclusive fashion with a multiyear JCPenney partnership that will kick off in the fall.

“We’re taking real-size women’s fashion to the next level with this new line, which is designed exclusively for women with curves to feel seen, celebrated and stylish,” Graham tells PEOPLE of the launch, which is not only inclusive (sizes range from 14 to 24), but is also affordable and made to look just as good on the racks as it does when you put it on.

She adds: “My goal has always been the same, from the start of my career to now — not making bodies a topic of conversation. Talking about bodies and our sizes and what makes someone have a beautiful body is so tired at this point. What I truly want for the women we designed this JCPenney collection for is to feel beautiful, sexy — all the things!”

While the collection has yet to hit the market, Graham is already super “proud” of what she and JCPenney are collaborating on. “The majority of American women wear size 14 or above. Why are we not making clothes for a majority of women? There’s such a deficit. It’s time to leave behind those outdated ideas that fuller figured women don’t belong at the heart of fashion. Together, we’re uplifting voices and bringing long-overdue representation to the full-figured community.”

Personally, the partnership is also a “full-circle” moment for Graham too, as shopping trips to JCPenney were something she grew up doing and even then she recognized the diversity fostered by the brand.

JCPenney’s chief executive officer Michelle Wlazlo shares in a press release: “This partnership goes beyond just launching a product — it’s a strategic move to redefine the Plus category with fashion-forward, runway-inspired looks that truly embody Ashley’s style and spirit.”

“Booked and busy” is quite an understatement to describe where Graham is at her life right now because, in addition to designing and mothering (in all sense of the word), she’s also making her mark on Broadway, playing Roxie Hart in Chicago until May 25. That means when she’s not on stage, she’s slipping into an outfit that’s effortless in all departments.

“My go-to look lately is all about fashion comfort. I like to style effortless sweats with a fresh button-down oversized T-shirt and a kitten heel. Then I finish it off with a cute bag and hoops! Simple but chic,” she tells PEOPLE.

The PEOPLE App is now available in the Apple App Store! Download it now for the most binge-worthy celeb content, exclusive video clips, astrology updates and more!

In fact, her entire closet reflects that stylish, but easy-going philosophy and Graham says “you can never have too many pieces you feel comfortable, confident and sexy in.” She also subscribes to high-low fashion and will always splurge on a “timeless” designer handbag.

The real secret to her personal style, though, is really just confidence. “Always take the time to find the fit that makes you feel your best. So what if you’re five minutes late? Apologize later. Never sacrifice confidence. Also, there are no rules. Don’t subscribe to a uniform. It’s your body, it’s your vision, it’s your fashion. All that matters is you look and feel your best.”