Few figures in modern fashion have transformed conversations around representation, body inclusivity, and diversity as powerfully as Lauren Chan. Over the past decade, Chan has built an impressive career that spans modeling, journalism, entrepreneurship, television, and advocacy, becoming one of the most influential voices challenging traditional beauty standards. Her journey from a young Canadian student with dreams of playing basketball to a groundbreaking fashion leader has inspired countless people around the world who have long felt overlooked by the industry.
Born on August 9, 1990, in Brantford, Ontario, Canada, Lauren Chan grew up in a multicultural family with a Chinese father and an Armenian mother. Her diverse background would later become an important part of her identity and advocacy work. During her younger years, fashion was not necessarily her primary focus. Instead, she was passionate about sports and originally envisioned a future connected to basketball. However, life took an unexpected turn when a ruptured appendix interrupted her athletic ambitions and ultimately pushed her toward a different path. She later attended the University of Western Ontario, where she earned a degree in Sociology in 2012, a field that would help shape her understanding of culture, identity, and social representation.
After graduating, Chan moved to New York City with hopes of pursuing opportunities in fashion. At a time when plus-size representation remained limited, she entered the modeling world through Ford Models, quickly gaining attention for her distinctive look and confidence. Yet modeling was only one part of her ambition. She also developed a strong interest in fashion journalism and storytelling, recognizing the power media held in shaping public perceptions of beauty and inclusion.
Her career took a major step forward when she joined Glamour Magazine, eventually becoming a fashion editor and later fashion news director. During her time there, Chan focused heavily on issues surrounding size inclusivity and representation. She helped create content that addressed the experiences of plus-size consumers while bringing greater visibility to conversations that had often been ignored by mainstream fashion media. Her editorial work earned recognition throughout the industry, and she became known as one of the leading voices advocating for broader representation in fashion.
Despite her success in publishing, Chan frequently encountered the same challenge she was writing about: the lack of stylish, professional clothing options for plus-size women. While working in high-profile fashion environments, she struggled to find luxury workwear that reflected the same quality and sophistication available to smaller sizes. Rather than simply criticizing the problem, she decided to create a solution herself. In 2019, she launched Henning, a fashion brand designed specifically to provide elevated workwear and luxury clothing for women wearing sizes 12 and above.
The launch of Henning marked a major turning point in her career. The company quickly gained attention for addressing a significant gap in the fashion market. Chan’s vision extended beyond clothing; she wanted plus-size consumers to feel valued, respected, and represented in an industry that had historically marginalized them. Her mission resonated strongly with customers and industry observers alike. Over time, Henning became one of the most recognized names in size-inclusive luxury fashion and ultimately attracted the attention of larger industry players. In 2023, the company was acquired by Universal Standard, a milestone Chan described as deeply meaningful because it demonstrated the commercial viability of inclusive fashion.
While building her company, Lauren Chan simultaneously expanded her presence as a model. Unlike many entrepreneurs who step away from public-facing careers, she continued appearing in major campaigns, editorials, and runway shows. Her modeling work became increasingly influential because it represented a shift in fashion’s evolving understanding of beauty. Rather than conforming to traditional industry expectations, Chan embraced her identity and used her visibility to advocate for people who rarely saw themselves reflected in mainstream media.
One of the most significant moments of her career arrived in 2023 when she appeared in the legendary Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. The achievement was historic because she became the publication’s first openly queer plus-size rookie model. Her inclusion represented an important milestone not only for body diversity but also for LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream media. Chan used the opportunity to openly discuss her personal journey, including her experience coming out as queer later in life. Her honesty resonated with audiences who appreciated her willingness to share vulnerable parts of her story.
The years that followed only strengthened her influence. In 2025, Chan made history again when she became the first openly lesbian woman to appear solo on the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit. The achievement was celebrated across the fashion industry and LGBTQ+ communities worldwide. For Chan, the moment represented the culmination of years spent advocating for broader representation and challenging narrow beauty standards. It also reinforced her belief that visibility matters and that people from marginalized communities deserve to see themselves celebrated in mainstream culture.
Beyond modeling and entrepreneurship, Lauren Chan has built a reputation as an advocate and public speaker focused on inclusion, mental health, and representation. She has worked with organizations supporting individuals affected by eating disorders and has consistently spoken about the importance of self-acceptance and body confidence. Her advocacy extends beyond size inclusivity to encompass LGBTQ+ visibility, Asian representation, and broader conversations about equity within fashion and media.
What makes Chan’s story especially compelling is her ability to blend multiple professional identities into a unified mission. Whether she is modeling, appearing on television, launching business ventures, writing, or speaking publicly, the underlying goal remains remarkably consistent: creating space for people who have historically been excluded from conversations about beauty, success, and visibility. She has repeatedly emphasized that representation should not simply mean inclusion but celebration, a philosophy that has guided much of her work.
In recent years, Chan has expanded her public profile even further through television appearances and media projects. She appeared on The Traitors Canada, introducing her personality to a broader audience beyond the fashion world. Her growing visibility reflects how her influence now extends beyond modeling and entrepreneurship into mainstream entertainment and cultural conversations.
Today, Lauren Chan stands as one of the most important voices in contemporary fashion. Her journey from aspiring athlete to groundbreaking model, editor, entrepreneur, and advocate demonstrates the power of persistence, authenticity, and purpose-driven leadership. At a time when industries are increasingly being challenged to embrace genuine diversity, Chan continues to lead by example, proving that success and representation can go hand in hand.
Her story is about far more than fashion. It is a story of self-discovery, resilience, entrepreneurship, and breaking barriers. Through every stage of her career, Lauren Chan has shown that meaningful change often begins when someone refuses to accept limitations imposed by tradition. As her influence continues to grow, she remains a powerful reminder that visibility can transform lives, open doors, and redefine what is possible for future generations.
