Lauren Chan’s journey to becoming a trailblazer in the fashion industry is a story of resilience, authenticity, and a commitment to inclusivity. Born in Brantford, Ontario, to a Chinese father and Armenian mother, Chan initially aspired to play basketball at the University of Western Ontario. However, a ruptured appendix shifted her path, leading her to develop an interest in fashion. After graduating in 2012 with a degree in sociology, she moved to New York City to pursue a career in fashion journalism and modeling .
In New York, Chan began modeling with Ford Models and writing for esteemed publications like Vogue and Interview. Her unique perspective and dedication to size inclusivity quickly set her apart. At 25, she joined Glamour magazine as an associate fashion editor, eventually becoming the fashion features editor. During her tenure, she launched the “Style Your Size” column and co-designed the Glamour x Lane Bryant clothing line, focusing on plus-size fashion. Despite her success, Chan faced challenges finding stylish workwear in her size, which fueled her determination to create change .
In 2018, Chan founded Henning, a luxury plus-size clothing brand offering sizes 12 to 26. The brand emphasized high-quality, tailored workwear for plus-size women, filling a significant gap in the market. Henning’s debut collection featured power suits, well-constructed trousers, and button-down shirts designed with meticulous attention to detail. Chan’s mission was clear: to make plus-size women feel included, capable, and powerful in their clothing choices .
Henning’s success caught the attention of Universal Standard, a brand known for its commitment to size inclusivity. In April 2023, Universal Standard acquired Henning, and Chan joined the company as head of brand partnerships. This collaboration allowed Chan to continue her advocacy on a larger scale, working closely with Universal Standard’s design team to create collections that combined Henning’s best-sellers with innovative fit processes. The partnership aimed to offer luxury fashion experiences that were previously inaccessible to plus-size customers .
Chan’s influence extended beyond fashion design. In 2023, she made history as the first queer, plus-size model to appear in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. Her appearance was more than a modeling milestone; it was a powerful statement about representation and self-acceptance. Chan used the platform to share her journey of coming out, her experiences with body image, and her commitment to challenging traditional beauty standards .
Her advocacy work continued to gain recognition. Chan became an ambassador for the National Eating Disorders Association and served on the advisory board for the Model Alliance. She also made appearances on television shows like eTalk, The Social, and Canada’s Drag Race, using these platforms to promote size inclusivity and LGBTQ+ representation in the media .
In 2025, Chan achieved another significant milestone by becoming the first out lesbian to appear solo on the cover of Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit Issue. Photographed in Bermuda shortly after her engagement to film director Hayley Kosan, Chan’s cover shoot featured fashion choices from size-inclusive and LGBTQ+-supportive brands. She expressed that embracing her queer identity allowed her to reject traditional beauty ideals and find freedom in self-acceptance .
Throughout her career, Chan has remained committed to her mission of making fashion more inclusive. She believes that clothing should empower individuals and reflect their identities. Her work with Henning and Universal Standard, along with her visibility in mainstream media, has challenged industry norms and inspired others to embrace their authentic selves.
Chan’s journey illustrates the impact of combining personal authenticity with professional purpose. By addressing the lack of stylish, high-quality clothing options for plus-size women and advocating for broader representation in fashion and media, she has become a role model for many. Her story underscores the importance of inclusivity, self-acceptance, and the power of using one’s platform to drive meaningful change.
As she continues to break barriers and redefine beauty standards, Lauren Chan’s rise serves as a testament to the progress that can be achieved when individuals challenge the status quo and advocate for inclusivity. Her contributions to fashion and media have not only opened doors for others but have also reshaped the narrative around body image and representation.
Chan’s dedication to her mission has earned her numerous accolades, including being named Model of the Year by the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards and inclusion in Marie Claire’s Power List. Her influence extends beyond fashion, as she continues to inspire conversations about diversity, mental health, and the importance of embracing one’s true self.
