• Supermodel turned businesswoman Ashley Graham spoke at Business Insider's The Long Play on Thursday.
• Graham has invested in startups and launched her own ventures, including Lucci sparkling wine.
• She said that raising money for the alcohol brand was "very, very hard and humbling."

Ten years after making history as the first plus-size model on the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, Ashley Graham has built a business portfolio spanning skincare and clothing to baby care and alcohol.

The 38-year-old supermodel turned businesswoman spoke at Business Insider's The Long Play event in New York City on Thursday to discuss her breaking barriers in fashion and navigating the difficult world of investment and entrepreneurship.

"I realized quickly that my body is my business," she told Business Insider's Leena Rao. "So how can I scale this?"

That crossover appeal has helped her build a massive social media audience — nearly 30 million followers across platforms — with whom she connects and brings along as she expands her ventures.

Among her latest projects is Lucci, a sparkling Italian Lambrusco wine brand she co-founded in February. Graham said Lucci was started from the ground up and was the first time she had to ask investors to come in.

"Asking people for money is very, very hard, and humbling," she said, adding later that it's been a "great learning curve" as it was the first time she had to answer to investors for the 'why' behind decisions.

From swimsuit model to leading a brand empire

In 2016, Graham appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated's Swimsuit issue, becoming the first plus-size model to do so.

The following year, she was named one of TIME's most influential people of the year, had a Barbie doll modeled after her, and released her first book, "A New Model: What Confidence, Beauty, and Power Really Look Like."

Forbes listed her as one of the highest-paid models in 2017, with an estimated income of $5.5 million; she was the first plus-size model to break the top 10. Her namesake JCPenney collection, which launched in October 2025, is made exclusively for customers who wear size 14 and up.

Building beyond the runway

After the SI cover launched her to international fame, Graham said she monetized on the viral moment by releasing swimsuit and lingerie lines. Today, she still regularly releases collaborations with intimate brands like Knix, for which she serves as Global Ambassador and investor.

"When your body is your brand, you're always talking about it," she said.

She's also become an investor: Graham has backed the period-care brand Rif Care, the infant-formula company Bobbie, and the sustainable skincare brand Fig.1 Beauty. In 2022, she joined Fig.1 as both an investor and a partner, saying she wanted involvement beyond a typical celebrity endorsement.

As the years have passed, Graham said she's learned from past mistakes, learned how to say no, and has leaned into being very intentional about building teams around her that she can trust.

Graham also said she was surprised by "just how ruthless [VC] can be," as well as by how much success there can be.

Her most recent exit as an investor was with Wonderbelly, a clean antacid startup, which was acquired by Procter & Gamble in January.

Balancing a business with raising 3 children

Graham has managed to balance that growing career with motherhood. She and her husband Justin Ervin, whom she wed in 2010, welcomed their first child in 2020, followed by twin boys in 2022.

In 2024, she walked the Victoria's Secret runway for the first time. In making the decision to join the fashion show, she said she asked the company about its plans to expand its size range.

"I don't want to just come on as a token," she said. "I don't want to be the one-trick pony."

During the years she was having her children, she said, her investments also took on a family focus, leaning into brands she "felt like they were in [her] zeitgeist at the moment," including babycare and women-led brands. Now, her businesses are growing with her kids.

At Business Insider's event, she teased about her next business venture launching next summer: A home company partly inspired by her children.

• Actor Patrick Stewart has died at 86.
• His rep announced he died after "a brief and poignant journey" with Alzheimer's and Lewy Body Dementia.
• Stewart was known for his stage work and roles in "Star Trek" and "X-Men."

Legendary actor Patrick Stewart, known for his roles in the "Star Trek" franchise and "X-Men" films, has died at age 86.

A post on his official Instagram page announced Steward died at his Los Angeles home on Wednesday, "in the loving care of his beloved wife Sunny, following a brief and poignant journey with Alzheimer's Disease and Lewy Body Dementia."

"He has been held in the warm embrace of family and friends, surrounded by live music, prayer, tears, laughter, and the kind of profound emotion that only he could inspire after a lifetime of devotion to us all," the post continued. "We will forever cherish the peaceful ease and reflection on his face, an enduring reminder of his invincible grace."

In lieu of flowers, the family requested that memorial contributions be made to Johns Hopkins Alzheimer's Disease Research Center Fund and Alzheimer's Foundation of America Caregiver Resources.

Born on July 13, 1940, in Mirfield, Yorkshire, England, Stewart became interested in acting at age 12, when an English teacher introduced him to William Shakespeare's writing.

Although Stewart initially dropped out of school at age 15 to work as a journalist, he quickly abandoned that pursuit and began performing in theater productions. He graduated from the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School in 1959.

At 26, Stewart joined the Royal Shakespeare Company, where he spent much of the 1960s establishing himself as a celebrated stage actor. He made his Broadway debut in 1971 in "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and would go on to perform in over a dozen stage adaptations of classics like "The Tempest" and "A Christmas Carol."

"I knew from before drama school that Shakespeare was my great love," Stewart told Playbill in 2010.

Alongside his stage work, the actor also launched his TV career in the '60s — but his big Hollywood break came two decades later, when he landed the role of Captain Jean-Luc Picard on the series "Star Trek: The Next Generation."

The sci-fi show lasted for seven seasons between 1987 and 1994. Stewart also reprised his role for an episode of the show "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine" as well as several more movies, including "Star Trek Generations" (1994), "Star Trek: First Contact" (1996), "Star Trek: Insurrection" (1998), and "Star Trek: Nemesis" (2002). He also did voice work for "Star Trek" video games.

Stewart would go on to star in another popular franchise, Sony's "X-Men," making his debut as Professor Charles Xavier, a telepathic mutant and founder of the X-Men, in the 2000 movie "X-Men."

Ian McKellen, who was also a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company in the '60s and '70s, starred opposite Stewart in the original "X-Men" series as the powerful mutant Magneto.

Despite playing onscreen rivals, the two actors became close friends in real life, with McKellen officiating Stewart's 2013 wedding to singer Sunny Ozell in Reno, Nevada.

"We became good friends as a result of shooting multimillion-dollar adventure movies," Stewart later told NPR of McKellen.

Stewart's most recent roles included voice work for the animated series "American Dad!" and the 2026 movie "The Sheep Detectives." He reprised his role as Jean-Luc Picard from 2020 to 2023 in the series "Star Trek: Picard," and returned as Charles Xavier in 2017's "Logan," 2022's "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness," and the forthcoming Marvel film "Avengers: Doomsday," out this December. The blockbuster will mark his final onscreen appearance.

Despite starring in multimillion-dollar movie franchises, Stewart returned to the stage throughout his career. He was nominated for a Tony Award for his portrayal of Macbeth in the 2008 Broadway revival and starred opposite McKellen in two-play repertory productions of "Waiting for Godot" and "No Man's Land" in 2013 and 2014.

"I have often heard actors say, 'I can't afford to go back to the theater,'" Stewart told NPR. "I look at a lot of the work that I do in film and television — which I love — but, at the same time, it underwrites and supports the other work that I want to do."

Stewart did not see his onscreen work and his stage work as at odds; on the contrary, he described his two most recognizable roles, Picard and Xavier, as "entirely complementary" to his theater career.

"The techniques are different, and the rhythm and pattern of the work are different, but the approach to how I act doesn't change — the fundamental thing is to pursue the truth," he told Playbill.

Stewart is survived by Ozell and his two children, Daniel Stewart and Sophia Stewart, from his first marriage to Sheila Falconer.

Sir Patrick Stewart, the legendary British actor best known for portraying Captain Jean-Luc Picard in "Star Trek" and Professor Charles Xavier in the "X-Men" franchise, has died at 86, according to a statement shared on his Instagram account.

Stewart died Wednesday at his Los Angeles home, surrounded by family and friends and cared for by his wife, Sunny, following a battle with Alzheimer's disease and Lewy body dementia, the statement said.

This is a developing story; check back later for updates.

George Clooney is headlining a last-minute effort to raise funds for a pair of far-left, progressive political organizations in the final days of the 2026 midterm elections cycle.

The post Midterms: George Clooney Headlines Star-Studded Last Minute Fundraiser for Progressive Groups appeared first on Breitbart.

Police in South Carolina have closed their investigation into the overdose death of actor Hayden Panettiere following a coroner’s finding that it was accidental.

The post South Carolina Police Close Investigation into Hayden Panettiere’s Death After Coroner’s Ruling appeared first on Breitbart.

Actor-comedians David Spade and Dana Carvey have suggested that Hollywood should quit focusing on race and gender, calling it a "little diminishing" to individual accomplishments.

The post Dana Carvey, David Spade Say Hollywood Should Quit Its Obsession with Race and Gender appeared first on Breitbart.

Far-left ABC's "The View" host Joy Behar claims President Donald Trump is "jealous" of former President Barack Obama.

The post Watch: ‘The View’ Host Joy Behar Claims Trump Is ‘So Jealous of Obama’ appeared first on Breitbart.

• Kelly Clarkson made history when she won "American Idol" in 2002.
• Since then, America has watched her fashion journey unfold on red carpets and TV shows.
• She's worn punk-rock looks, glamorous red-carpet gowns, and fun minidresses.

Kelly Clarkson is a national icon.

After winning "American Idol" in 2002, she's remained a household name through her music, children's books, and TV roles. She was also involved in public drama this year when she started feuding with a Brooklyn toy store.

No matter the occasion, though, Clarkson has stood out onstage and across red carpets with her ever-evolving style.

Here's a look at how her fashion has changed over the years.

Kelly Clarkson was the ultimate girl next door when she became a household name in 2002.

After winning "American Idol," she wore one of her most memorable looks to date at the "Swimfan" premiere.

It included a strapless tie-dye dress over bootcut jeans and platform sandals. Clarkson also sported a statement pendant and a red newsboy cap.

She embraced little black dresses throughout 2003.

Clarkson wore various versions of the fashion staple that year, including at the Billboard Music Awards.

Her strapless dress that night had a knee-length skirt, a bustier bodice, and all-over ruching. She wore it with pointed pumps and long diamond earrings.

And she showed her feminine side in 2004.

At the 2004 American Music Awards, Clarkson walked the red carpet wearing a floor-length gown with satin detailing.

She accessorized the red ensemble with gold sandals and matching earrings, and completed the look with an updo hairstyle.

The next year was defined by punk-rock outfits.

For most of her performances in 2005, Clarkson appeared onstage in torn band T-shirts, low-rise jeans, and either sandals or sneakers.

She wore a version of that exact outfit — a Rolling Stones top, low-rise pants, and a studded belt — to perform at the 2005 Wango Tango concert.

She mixed her edgy and glamorous styles in 2006.

For the 2006 Grammy Awards, Clarkson stunned in a black Max Azria gown.

The strapless piece had a form-fitting bodice and full, ruffled skirt, which added unique texture and mirrored the wavy style of her hair.

Normally a fan of gowns, Clarkson began experimenting with minidresses in 2007.

She attended the ASCAP Pop Music Awards that year in an olive-toned shift dress with a beaded neckline and bubble skirt.

Clarkson also debuted a new bob hairstyle that night and accessorized with a silver bracelet and sandals.

The musician sparkled throughout 2009 and the early 2010s.

At the 2009 American Music Awards, Clarkson walked the red carpet in a sleeveless CD Greene design.

The knee-length dress had clusters of silver sequins at the top and more embellishments cascading down its bodice and skirt.

She wore the garment with fishnet tights, black pumps, and a crimped red hairstyle.

Clarkson returned to her rock roots in 2012.

At concerts that year, Clarkson performed while wearing band T-shirts and skinny jeans.

For a show in Birmingham, for example, she hit the stage in black denim, a ripped UFO concert tee, and a sparkling vest.

She wore a ton of red throughout 2013.

Clarkson especially seemed to favor the color while promoting her Christmas album "Wrapped in Red."

She wore it during a visit to the SiriusXM Studios via a plaid dress with zipper detailing, a cropped sweater, and studded sandal heels.

By 2015, Clarkson's fashion was full of bold prints.

During another visit to the SiriusXM Studios, she wore a music-inspired outfit that included a knee-length skirt printed with images of vinyl records.

She also wore gold sandals and a yellow T-shirt that said New York City.

Clarkson opted for chic looks in 2016.

Her office-ready style included black minidresses, sheer tights, and pointed pumps — just like she wore to appear on "Extra" that year.

Clarkson was also sporting blonde hair in loose waves at that point.

By 2019, Clarkson was having more fun with her red-carpet outfits.

At the "UglyDolls" premiere, Clarkson walked the orange carpet in a hot-pink gown designed by Christian Siriano. It had a floor-length skirt with a short train and giant, puffy sleeves.

The outfit was likely inspired by Moxy, the pink "UglyDolls" character that Clarkson voiced for the film.

In the 2020s, Clarkson has seemingly found her signature style: a mix of glamour and rock 'n' roll.

She attended the 2020 Billboard Music Awards in an outfit that perfectly embodied that style.

Balmain designed her silver gown, which had large shoulder pads and fringe hanging from its skirt and sleeves.

She's not afraid to experiment with daring looks.

In 2023, Clarkson performed in a series of bold outfits — including the lace jumpsuit she sported at the iHeartRadio Music Festival.

She wore the see-through garment under a blazer styled as a dress, and thigh-high leather boots.

Minidresses and metallics have become signature parts of her wardrobe.

Clarkson attended the 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony in a Rebecca Vallance minidress.

The long-sleeve piece was black with a sheer waist panel and metallic sequin embellishments all over.

She wore it with black sandal heels and her new wavy hairstyle with bangs.

So have glamorous gowns.

When Clarkson performed her Las Vegas residency in 2025, she wore a tan gown covered in sparkles and feathers.

It hugged her body from her shoulders to her knees, where the gown was made of mesh and embellished with silver sequins.

Its sleeves and skirt were more dramatic. They puffed out and were covered in rows of feathers, which added texture and shape to the look.

Today, Clarkson's style is simple but elevated.

Before "The Kelly Clarkson Show" ended in August 2026, Clarkson appeared in a multitude of chic outfits.

One of them was a sheer black gown with a plaid pattern. It revealed the bralette and miniskirt she wore beneath the floor-length piece.

She completed the outfit with neutral makeup and a wavy hairstyle.

Josh Duhamel is encouraging Minnesotans to get out and vote in a new video he shared on Instagram.

The actor took to social media to send out a "PSA to the great people of Minnesota," rallying residents to pack the polls in what he dubbed "God's country."

"I just wanted to take a second to remind you that the midterms are coming up. This is such an important, such an important time. We have to get out there. We have to vote. Every single person," he said. "Minnesota is my second favorite state in the whole country, right behind North Dakota, but I absolutely love it there. It is God's country. It is worth saving. It is absolutely worth saving."

While he said he "would never tell you who to vote for," he believes voting is one's "job as an American citizen" and a "sacred duty."

JOSH DUHAMEL SAYS HIS HEART RATE DROPS 25% AT OFF-GRID MINNESOTA CABIN

"And it is a blessing that we get to get out there and pick who makes decisions for us," he added. "So please, everybody, let's get 100 percent turnout. Everybody, please, vote in this year's midterms. Go Viks! Woo!"

In the caption, Duhamel encouraged his followers to "Bring a group to the voting booths on Nov 3" and to share the post "with everyone you know!!"

Although the actor didn't endorse any candidates, people in the comments section made their own assumptions as to what he meant when he said the state is "worth saving."

"Worth saving means vote red. Good man @joshduhamel," one fan wrote in the comments section. "Red red red all down the ballot," another added, while a third wrote, "Vote RED! Save America."

Others went the other way, with one writing, "Vote blue save us all!!!! 💙💙💙💙💙."

Another said, "Let’s go blue! Please save our children! 💙"

The "Ransom Canyon" star listed his home in Los Angeles in July, a little over a year after he and his family moved from California to Fargo, North Dakota.

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In addition to his home in North Dakota, Duhamel also has a residence about an hour and a half away in Minnesota, where he likes to go in order to spend "time off the grid."

"I learned that I'd spent too much time sort of luxuriating in the amenities of the modern world and getting out there and having to learn how to do some of the basics that I hadn't done for so long was really, really good," he told People in September 2025.

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"It's one of those places that I go to and I just, my blood pressure drops. I feel at peace. I'm constantly doing something, fixing something, working on something, taking care of the family, pulling the kids on a tube, cooking, all these things that are just basics that we take for granted."

The actor lives in the cabin with his wife, Audra Mari, and their 2-year-old son, Shepherd. Duhamel's 13-year-old son Axl, whom he shares with his ex-wife Fergie, also spends time at the home.

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He told Parade in April 2025 that he spent 15 years building the cabin, noting the time spent there with his family is an opportunity for them to "get back to the basics" and away from all distractions. He said his older son is "not on his iPad" all day but rather playing sports, exploring the woods and overall enjoying the outdoors.

"And then I have a little baby who's going to experience the same thing. Someday, I hope to pass this on to them [so] they're able to share it with their kids. It's really important to me that they have this. It's not just about having all the amenities and all the luxuries that we become so used to. It's really about family. It's about legacy," he said.

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