Yumi Nu to be the first Asian curve model for Sports Illustrated's Swimsuit issue

Trailblazing model Yumi Nu is breaking down barriers and making history as the first Asian curve model to pose for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit.

The Japanese-Dutch model and singer-songwriter will make her debut in the upcoming 2021 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, making her the first Asian curve model to grace the pages of the magazine.

Nu has been a plus-size model for over a decade, promoting diversity and inclusion for women of all ages, sizes and ethnicities.

In an Instagram video posted on Thursday, Nu emphasises the importance of body positivity.

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"For Asian American women, there's a lot of shame in flaunting your body and feeling sexy. And I think for me as a plus-size model, we've had to evolve and battle this like, inner voice that hasn't evolved," she said.

"I'm plus size and Asian. That's why this is important."

Sports Illustrated editor-in-chief MJ Day released a written statement, saying that Nu was the most confident woman he had worked with, and that her respect for her body was unrivalled.

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"She doesn't hold herself to any traditional beauty standards and is gracefully unapologetic for seeing herself as a powerful, beautiful, sensual woman," she said.

"She shows up for women in a strong way and is on a mission to end the conversation around limiting women in the industry."

Nu told People Magazine earlier this month that now more than ever, Asian people need to be heart and supported.

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 "Our society's view of Asians in the model minority myth lens has silenced us for many years," she said.

In addition to her modelling and singing career, Nu is preparing to launch her own plus-size clothing line, 'Blueki', which will offer sustainably sourced and ethically made apparel in larger sizes.