Lauren Chan Biography, Age, Life Story & Career Facts 2026

Lauren Chan is a Canadian model, entrepreneur, fashion editor, and TV personality who made history as the first openly lesbian model to appear solo on a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover in 2025.

Known for championing size inclusivity and LGBTQ+ representation, she founded the plus-size clothing brand Henning and serves as a powerful advocate for body positivity in the fashion industry.

From her early days as a Glamour magazine editor to becoming a groundbreaking force in modeling, Lauren’s journey inspires millions worldwide.

Quick Profile: Lauren Chan at a Glance

Early Life and Family Background

Lauren Chan was born on January 13, 1990, in Brantford, Ontario, a small city about 100 kilometers southwest of Toronto. She comes from a multicultural family with a Chinese father and an Armenian mother, giving her a unique mixed-race heritage that shaped her perspective on identity and representation.

Growing up in a predominantly Italian community, young Lauren often felt like an outsider. Her mixed ethnicity, combined with being taller and larger than many of her peers, created an early sense of being “different” that would later fuel her passion for inclusivity and representation in fashion.

Chan’s parents, referred to publicly as Mr. and Mrs. Chan to maintain their privacy, supported their daughter’s ambitions from an early age. While specific details about siblings haven’t been publicly disclosed, Lauren has spoken openly about the challenges of navigating identity in a community where she didn’t quite fit the mold.

This experience of feeling “othered” during her formative years became the foundation for her life’s work. Rather than letting these challenges define her negatively, Lauren transformed them into motivation to create spaces where everyone could feel represented and celebrated.

Education and Basketball Dreams

Lauren attended the University of Western Ontario, where she initially pursued her dream of becoming a professional basketball player. Standing at 5’10” with natural athletic ability, she seemed destined for a sports career. Basketball wasn’t just a hobby for Chan—it was her identity and her plan for the future.

However, life had different plans. During her university years, Lauren’s appendix ruptured unexpectedly, requiring emergency surgery and an extended recovery period. This medical crisis forced her to step away from competitive basketball and reevaluate her career path.

It was during this recovery period that Lauren discovered fashion. What started as casual interest in style and clothing quickly became a passion. She began consuming fashion magazines, following runway shows, and developing an eye for design and trends.

In 2012, Chan graduated from the University of Western Ontario with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology. This academic background in understanding social structures, inequality, and human behavior would prove invaluable in her later advocacy work for size inclusivity and LGBTQ+ representation.

The shift from basketball to fashion wasn’t immediate or easy, but Lauren’s determination and willingness to pivot when circumstances changed demonstrated the resilience that would characterize her entire career.

Career Beginnings in Fashion

After graduation in 2012, Lauren Chan made the bold decision to move to New York City—the fashion capital of the world. With dreams of becoming both a fashion writer and a plus-size model, she entered one of the most competitive and often exclusionary industries.

To secure a work visa and support herself financially, Lauren signed with Ford Models’ plus-size division. This practical decision allowed her to stay in the United States legally while pursuing her writing ambitions. At the time, plus-size modeling wasn’t the celebrated category it is today, and opportunities were limited.

While building her modeling portfolio, Chan simultaneously pursued fashion journalism. She freelanced for prestigious publications including Vogue and Interview magazine, writing about trends, style, and the fashion industry. This dual career path gave her unique insights into fashion from both sides—as someone in front of the camera and behind the scenes analyzing the industry.

Lauren’s early New York years were characterized by hustle and determination. She attended fashion shows, networked relentlessly, and slowly built her reputation as someone who understood fashion deeply and could communicate about it compellingly.

Her big break came when she caught the attention of editors at Glamour magazine. At just 25 years old, Lauren was hired as an associate fashion editor at one of America’s most influential women’s magazines—a position that would launch her into fashion prominence.

Glamour Magazine Editor Years (2015-2018)

Lauren’s tenure at Condé Nast’s Glamour magazine represented a pivotal chapter in her career. Starting as an associate fashion editor in 2015, she quickly made her mark with fresh perspectives on inclusivity and representation.

Within three years, Chan was promoted to fashion news editor, a role that gave her significant influence over the magazine’s coverage of womenswear and fashion trends. But Lauren didn’t just cover fashion—she actively worked to change it.

Style Your Size Initiative

Chan created and spearheaded “Style Your Size,” both a print column and digital vertical focused specifically on plus-size fashion. This groundbreaking initiative provided practical styling advice, trend coverage, and shopping recommendations for women sizes 12 and above—a demographic that had been largely ignored by mainstream fashion media.

The column resonated deeply with readers who had long felt excluded from fashion conversation. Lauren’s authentic voice, personal style, and genuine commitment to size inclusivity made “Style Your Size” one of Glamour’s most popular features.

Lane Bryant Collaboration

In 2016, Lauren co-designed a clothing collection with Lane Bryant, one of America’s leading plus-size retailers. This Glamour x Lane Bryant line represented her first foray into fashion design and proved that plus-size fashion could be both stylish and commercially successful.

The collection featured workwear, casual pieces, and statement items that reflected Lauren’s personal aesthetic—modern, sophisticated, and designed for real women’s bodies and lives.

Broadcast Appearances

Chan’s expertise and charisma led to regular appearances on national television programs including Good Morning America and The TODAY Show. She became Glamour’s go-to spokesperson for fashion segments, bringing size-inclusive messaging to millions of morning television viewers.

These appearances raised Lauren’s public profile significantly and established her as a credible voice in fashion media. However, despite her professional success, Chan faced a personal frustration that would change her career trajectory.

The Closet Problem

Despite working in fashion and having access to industry connections, Lauren struggled to find professional, stylish clothing in plus sizes that fit her body properly. She has spoken candidly about the irony of being a fashion editor who couldn’t get dressed for work.

This personal frustration, combined with her growing desire to return to modeling and create tangible change in the industry, led to a major career decision. In 2018, Lauren made the bold choice to leave her stable, prestigious position at Glamour to launch her own fashion brand.

Founding Henning Fashion Brand (2019-2023)

In 2019, Lauren Chan launched Henning, a plus-size clothing brand that would establish her as an entrepreneur and innovator in fashion retail.

The Vision Behind Henning

Henning was born from Lauren’s personal struggles finding quality, professional clothing in sizes 12-24. The brand focused specifically on suiting and outerwear—categories particularly underserved in plus-size fashion.

Chan’s vision for Henning went beyond just offering larger sizes. She wanted to create clothing that:

• Fit plus-size bodies properly without compromising style
• Used high-quality fabrics and construction
• Featured modern, sophisticated designs
• Provided professional options for working women
• Practiced sustainable, ethical production

Slow Fashion Business Model

Henning operated on a made-on-demand model, producing items only after customers ordered them. This approach to slow fashion minimized waste, reduced environmental impact, and allowed for better quality control.

While made-on-demand meant longer wait times for customers, it aligned with growing consumer interest in sustainable fashion and allowed the small brand to compete without massive inventory investments.

Industry Recognition

Despite being a small, independent brand, Henning quickly gained recognition from fashion’s most prestigious publications. Vogue featured Henning in multiple articles, praising its approach to size-inclusive luxury fashion.

Fashion editors and influencers embraced the brand, with many wearing Henning pieces to industry events and sharing them on social media. The brand proved that plus-size fashion could compete at the highest levels of style and quality.

Universal Standard Acquisition (2023)

In April 2023, Henning was acquired by Universal Standard, a leading size-inclusive fashion brand. This acquisition validated Lauren’s business concept and provided resources to scale Henning’s reach.

For Chan, the acquisition meant she could step away from the day-to-day operations of running a fashion brand and return to modeling full-time—a transition that came at a perfect moment in her career.

The sale of Henning also provided Lauren with financial security and proved her entrepreneurial abilities extended beyond just vision to successful execution and exit.

Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Breakthrough

Lauren Chan’s association with Sports Illustrated Swimsuit represents the pinnacle of her modeling career and her most significant cultural impact.

2023 Rookie Debut

In 2023, at age 33, Lauren made her Sports Illustrated Swimsuit debut as a rookie model. This alone was historic—she became the first openly queer, plus-size model to appear in the iconic magazine.

Shot by photographer James Macari in the Dominican Republic, Lauren’s debut spread showcased her confidence, beauty, and the body diversity that SI Swimsuit was increasingly embracing under editor-in-chief MJ Day’s leadership.

But what made Lauren’s debut truly groundbreaking was the personal essay she wrote for the magazine’s website, published alongside her photos.

Coming Out Essay

In a deeply personal and vulnerable piece, Lauren used her SI Swimsuit platform to publicly come out as a lesbian. She detailed her journey of self-discovery in her 30s, her divorce from her husband, and her process of understanding and accepting her sexuality.

The essay was raw, honest, and beautifully written. Lauren described not knowing she was queer growing up because representation didn’t exist, the challenges of deconstructing heteronormative expectations, and the relief and joy of finally living authentically.

The response was overwhelming. Lauren’s essay resonated with countless LGBTQ+ people who saw themselves in her story, particularly those who came out later in life or after heterosexual marriages. It generated 20 billion global press impressions and positioned Lauren as a powerful voice for LGBTQ+ representation.

2024 Return

Lauren returned for the 2024 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue, shot by photographer Yu Tsai in Mexico. Her second appearance confirmed she wasn’t a one-time inclusion but an ongoing part of the SI Swimsuit family.

During Miami Swim Week 2024, Chan walked the SI Swimsuit runway show, sharing the catwalk with supermodels and celebrities. Her presence at these high-profile events demonstrated fashion’s changing standards of beauty and representation.

2025 Cover Girl

In May 2025, Lauren achieved what she describes as the pinnacle of her career: she appeared solo on one of four covers of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue, becoming the first openly lesbian model to have her own SI Swimsuit cover.

Photographer Ben Watts shot Lauren in Bermuda, capturing stunning images that celebrated her beauty, confidence, and authentic self. She shared the 2025 cover spotlight with actress Salma Hayek Pinault, gymnast Olivia Dunne, and Olympic athlete Jordan Chiles.

MJ Day, SI Swimsuit’s editor-in-chief, praised Chan in a statement: “Lauren Chan is rewriting fashion’s narrative. As a model, activist and entrepreneur, her why is about making people think of beauty in a way that’s inclusive, genuine and empowering.”

When the magazine surprised Lauren with the cover reveal, she broke down in tears. In interviews, she explained the emotional significance: “I’m the first out lesbian on the cover—with her own cover—and how much that means to me makes that surprise feel so overwhelming. That’s where I feel like the tears of joy and celebration and relief and community come from.”

For Lauren, the cover wasn’t just personal achievement—it was representation for everyone who’d never seen themselves in mainstream beauty standards.

Modeling Career and Achievements

Beyond Sports Illustrated, Lauren Chan has built an impressive modeling career spanning fashion, commercial, and editorial work.

Fashion Week Runways

Chan has walked runways for several prominent designers, most notably:

• Christian Siriano: Multiple seasons at New York Fashion Week, celebrating Siriano’s commitment to size inclusivity
• Karoline Vitto: Showcasing luxury plus-size fashion
• Various size-inclusive runway shows during fashion weeks in New York and Toronto

These runway appearances challenged traditional fashion standards and proved plus-size models belonged on prestigious catwalks.

Brand Campaigns and Partnerships

Lauren has appeared in campaigns and partnerships with major brands including:

Fashion Brands:

• Victoria’s Secret
• Good American (Khloé Kardashian’s brand)
• J.Crew
• Aerie
• Knix
• Wolford
• Naturalizer (footwear)

2024 Reitmans Brand Ambassador: Lauren became a brand ambassador for Reitmans, a major Canadian fashion retailer, creating content and appearing in campaigns that brought size-inclusive fashion to mainstream Canadian consumers.

Editorial Features

Chan has been featured in editorial spreads for:

• Vogue (multiple features)
• Elle
• Marie Claire
• Harper’s Bazaar
• Chatelaine
• Fashion Magazine

These high-fashion editorial appearances demonstrated that plus-size models could execute the same high-concept fashion photography as straight-size models.

Model Representation

Lauren has been represented by:

• Ford Models (2012-present): One of the world’s most prestigious modeling agencies
• JAG Models (Toronto): For Canadian market work

Her representation by top-tier agencies validated her professional status and opened doors to premium opportunities.

Television Appearances and Media Personality

Lauren Chan has successfully transitioned into television, becoming a recognizable media personality beyond modeling.

The Traitors Canada (2024)

Chan’s most significant TV role came as a contestant on Season 2 of The Traitors Canada, the Canadian adaptation of the hit reality competition series. Playing as a “Faithful” (non-traitor), Lauren competed in 10 episodes before being banished in the finale—nearly making it all the way to the end.

Her strategic gameplay and frenemy relationship with fellow contestant Kevin Wendt made for compelling television. Despite coming close to winning, Lauren voted to end the game believing all traitors had been eliminated, a decision that cost her the potential victory.

The show introduced Lauren to a new audience beyond fashion, showcasing her personality, strategic thinking, and competitiveness.

Canada’s Drag Race (2024)

Lauren appeared as a guest judge on Canada’s Drag Race, bringing her fashion expertise and LGBTQ+ advocacy to the beloved competition series. Her appearance aligned perfectly with her commitment to queer representation and celebration.

Canadian Television Programs

Chan has made multiple appearances on popular Canadian shows:

• eTalk: Entertainment news and celebrity interviews
• The Social: Daytime talk show discussing trending topics
• CityLine: Lifestyle and fashion segments
• Canada Live! Countdown 2025: New Year’s Eve special (2024)

These appearances established Lauren as a go-to television personality for fashion, LGBTQ+ issues, and lifestyle topics in Canadian media.

American Morning Shows

Lauren has appeared on major American morning programs:

• Good Morning America: Multiple segments on fashion and body positivity
• The TODAY Show: Fashion segments and personal interviews

Her television work demonstrates versatility beyond modeling, with natural charisma and communication skills that translate well to broadcast media.

Personal Life and Coming Out Story

Lauren Chan’s personal journey is as compelling as her professional achievements, particularly her coming-out story that resonated with millions.

Early Marriage and Self-Discovery

Before publicly coming out, Lauren was married to a man. She has kept her ex-husband’s identity private, respecting his privacy while being open about her own journey.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, with lockdowns forcing introspection and slowing the pace of life, Lauren began confronting feelings she’d long suppressed. She has described this period as one of intense self-reflection and therapy, where she finally allowed herself to process desires and attractions she hadn’t acknowledged before.

In her Sports Illustrated essay, Lauren wrote candidly about not knowing how to process or act on desire, admitting she’d never learned to recognize or honor her authentic feelings about attraction and sexuality.

Coming Out at 32

At age 32, Lauren came to terms with being a lesbian. This realization meant acknowledging that her marriage, while containing genuine love and care, wasn’t aligned with her authentic self.

The couple divorced in 2023. Lauren has spoken respectfully about her ex-husband and the relationship, noting that coming out wasn’t about the marriage being “wrong” but about finally being honest with herself about who she was.

Public Coming Out (2023)

Lauren chose to come out publicly through her Sports Illustrated essay in 2023. The decision to use such a massive platform was intentional—she wanted her coming-out story to reach as many people as possible, particularly those who might see themselves in her experience.

She wrote about growing up without positive LGBTQ+ representation, about not knowing she was queer because she didn’t have framework or language for those feelings, and about the challenge of deconstructing heteronormative ideologies in her 30s.

The essay included powerful reflections: “I came out at 32 years old and had to deconstruct all of the heteronormative ideologies in my mind. Anyone who has come out knows how trying that can be—especially because we are living in a time where it can feel scary to loudly declare a queer identity.”

Life After Coming Out

Since coming out, Lauren has embraced her identity fully and publicly. She’s become an advocate for LGBTQ+ representation, particularly for people who come out later in life and for those navigating identity in the public eye.

Lauren has spoken about the importance of therapy in her journey, crediting her therapist with helping her process emotions, understand her authentic self, and navigate the challenges of such a public identity shift.

Marriage to Hayley Kosan (2025)

Lauren’s love story with director Hayley Kosan represents her life living authentically and finding partnership aligned with her true self.

Meeting and Dating

Lauren and Hayley first met in 2019 on a commercial set where Hayley was working as a filmmaker and cinematographer. However, they didn’t begin dating until December 2022, after both had done significant personal work following previous relationships.

Their first date was at No Bar, a queer space in the Standard Hotel in Manhattan—though neither initially realized it was a date. What began as casual drinks between acquaintances who’d been messaging about basketball quickly revealed deeper connection.

Lauren has described falling fast for Hayley, with both women ready for serious commitment after years of personal growth and self-discovery.

Engagement (March 2025)

Hayley proposed to Lauren via PowerPoint presentation during a birthday trip to Rhinebeck, New York, in March 2025. The creative, personal proposal perfectly suited the couple’s relationship.

They announced their engagement on Instagram with a simple but joyful post: “WE’RE ENGAGED!!!!” The engagement announcement came just weeks after Lauren’s historic Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover was revealed, making 2025 a year of incredible milestones.

Wedding Ceremonies (August-October 2025)

Lauren and Hayley celebrated their marriage with two distinct events:

Civil Ceremony (August 5, 2025): The couple had an intimate civil ceremony at New York City Hall. Both wore custom outfits by Don Nicó—Lauren in white pants with a white corset top, and Hayley in a similar black ensemble. The city hall wedding was intimate and personal, focusing on the legal commitment.

Reception (October 18, 2025): The couple hosted a “gloriously queer” 70-person reception at No Bar in the Standard Hotel—the same venue where they’d had their first date. The celebration featured:

• Florals by Talulot
• DJ Hope 808
• Drag performances by West Dakota, Cherry Jaymes, Alika Hall, and Citrine Cash
• Multiple outfit changes throughout the night
• Lauren wore LaPointe for the reception and Sia Arnika with Levi’s for the after-party
• Hayley wore LaPointe and Juicy Couture for different parts of the celebration

The reception at Club Cumming continued the festivities with a decidedly queer aesthetic, celebrating love, identity, and community.

Life as a Married Couple

Lauren and Hayley now live together in Brooklyn, New York. Hayley, age 36, continues her work as a filmmaker and cinematographer, while Lauren balances modeling, television, and advocacy work.

The couple is active on social media, sharing glimpses of their relationship, travels, and life together. Their visibility as a married lesbian couple in the public eye provides representation and inspiration for LGBTQ+ people worldwide.

Activism and Advocacy Work

Lauren Chan’s influence extends far beyond modeling into meaningful advocacy work across multiple causes.

Body Positivity and Size Inclusivity

Lauren’s primary advocacy focus is size inclusivity and body positivity in fashion and media. Her work includes:

Challenging Beauty Standards: Using her platforms to question narrow beauty ideals and advocate for diverse representation across all sizes, shapes, and body types.

Industry Change: Actively working to expand size ranges, improve fit for plus-size clothing, and create opportunities for plus-size models in high-fashion contexts traditionally closed to them.

Personal Storytelling: Sharing her own struggles with body image, shopping challenges, and industry exclusion to humanize these issues and create connection with others facing similar challenges.

LGBTQ+ Representation

As an openly lesbian woman in fashion and entertainment, Lauren actively advocates for 2SLGBTQ+ (Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and more) visibility and rights:

Visibility Advocacy: Intentionally using her platforms to be visible as a queer woman, understanding that representation matters and changes lives.

Coming Out Support: Sharing her coming-out story to help others going through similar journeys, particularly people coming out later in life.

Pride Participation: Active participant in Pride events and LGBTQ+ celebrations, using her platform to amplify community voices and causes.

Mental Health Advocacy

Lauren speaks openly about mental health, particularly regarding:

• The importance of therapy in her personal journey
• Processing emotions and desire authentically
• Body image and self-acceptance work
• The mental health challenges facing LGBTQ+ people

Her candidness about therapy and mental health work helps destigmatize these topics and encourages others to seek support.

National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA)

Lauren has served as an ambassador for the National Eating Disorders Association since 2019. This role involves:

• Public education about eating disorders and body image issues
• Sharing resources for people struggling with disordered eating
• Advocating for healthier beauty standards in fashion and media
• Supporting NEDA’s programs and initiatives

Model Alliance Advisory Board

Chan serves on the advisory board for Model Alliance, an organization advocating for models’ rights, safety, and fair treatment in the fashion industry. This work addresses:

• Workplace protections for models
• Size diversity requirements in fashion
• Fair compensation and working conditions
• Prevention of exploitation and abuse

AAPI Community Building

As a person of Chinese heritage, Lauren supports Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community initiatives, working to increase representation and address issues facing these communities.

Awards and Recognition

Lauren Chan’s impact has been recognized through numerous prestigious awards and honors.

2018: ASME Next Award for Journalists Under 30

The American Society of Magazine Editors awarded Lauren this prestigious honor, recognizing her innovative work at Glamour and her commitment to size-inclusive fashion journalism. At just 28 years old, she was identified as a rising force in media.

2019: Chatelaine Women of the Year

Chatelaine magazine, one of Canada’s leading women’s publications, named Lauren one of their Women of the Year for her entrepreneurial work with Henning and advocacy for body positivity.

2019: Toronto Life Best-Dressed Torontonians

Toronto Life magazine recognized Lauren as one of the city’s best-dressed individuals, celebrating her personal style and fashion influence.

2021: Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards Nomination

Chan was nominated for Digital Fashion Creator of the Year, recognizing her influence in digital media and online fashion content creation.

2023: Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards – Model of the Year

Lauren won the prestigious Model of the Year award, a major recognition of her impact on Canadian and international modeling.

2023: Toronto Life’s 50 Most Influential Canadians

Making Toronto Life’s list of the 50 most influential Canadians recognized Lauren’s broad cultural impact beyond just fashion and modeling.

2023: Marie Claire Power List

Marie Claire included Lauren on their 2023 Power List alongside Michelle Obama, Emma Grede, and Megan Fox—placing her among the world’s most influential women.

2024: Manhattan Borough Recognition

Lauren was honored by Manhattan Borough for her contributions to fashion, media, and LGBTQ+ advocacy.

2025: Out100 List

Out magazine named Lauren to their Out100 list, recognizing the most impactful LGBTQ+ people of the year following her historic SI Swimsuit cover.

These awards collectively demonstrate Lauren’s influence across fashion, media, entrepreneurship, and advocacy—establishing her as a multifaceted force for change.

Net Worth and Income Sources (2026)

Lauren Chan has an estimated net worth of $2-3 million as of 2026, accumulated through diverse income streams across her multifaceted career.

Income Sources

Modeling Contracts:

• Sports Illustrated Swimsuit (2023-2025): Multiple appearances including cover
• Brand campaigns (Victoria’s Secret, Good American, Reitmans, J.Crew, etc.)
• Runway shows (Christian Siriano, fashion weeks)
• Editorial shoots for major fashion magazines

Henning Brand Sale (2023): The acquisition of Henning by Universal Standard in April 2023 provided a significant financial windfall. While exact terms weren’t disclosed, such acquisitions in the fashion space typically range from hundreds of thousands to several million dollars.

Television Appearances:

• The Traitors Canada (contestant fees)
• Canada’s Drag Race (guest judge compensation)
• Canadian television programs (eTalk, The Social, CityLine)
• American morning show appearances

Brand Partnerships and Ambassadorships:

• Reitmans brand ambassador (2024)
• Sponsored content and social media partnerships
• Fashion collaborations and consulting

Speaking Engagements: As a recognized advocate and thought leader, Lauren commands fees for:

• Conference keynotes
• Panel discussions
• University speaking events
• Corporate diversity and inclusion talks

Writing and Content Creation:

• Magazine articles and essays
• Social media content creation
• Potential book deal (Lauren mentioned writing a novel in 2025 interviews)

Financial Growth Trajectory

Lauren’s net worth has grown significantly over the past five years:

• 2019-2022: Building Henning while modeling part-time
• 2023: Major increase from Henning acquisition and SI Swimsuit debut
• 2024-2025: Continued growth through expanded modeling, television work, and brand partnerships
• 2026: Established as a financially successful multihyphenate with diversified income

Her financial success demonstrates that purpose-driven work focused on representation and inclusivity can also be commercially viable.

Physical Appearance and Body Measurements

Lauren Chan’s physical presence challenges traditional modeling standards while exemplifying beauty at any size.

Height and Build

• Height: 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm)
• Build: Athletic, curvy plus-size model
• Size Range: 12-14 US (46-48 EU)

Body Measurements

• Bust: 42 inches (107 cm)
• Waist: 35 inches (89 cm)
• Hips: 43 inches (109 cm)
• Bra Size: 36DD (US) / 95DD (EU)
• Shoe Size: 11 (US)

Distinctive Features

• Eye Color: Dark Brown
• Hair Color: Dark Brown (naturally straight, often styled in various ways)
• Complexion: Medium tone reflecting her Chinese-Armenian heritage
• Signature Look: Sophisticated, modern aesthetic; often wears bold colors and clean lines

Fashion and Style

Lauren’s personal style reflects her fashion industry background:

• Professional, polished aesthetic for everyday wear
• Experimental and bold for fashion events and shoots
• Strong preference for well-tailored pieces
• Advocates for quality over quantity
• Often features clothing from size-inclusive brands

Her body has been featured in countless fashion editorials, on runways, and in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, proving that beauty exists across all body types and that plus-size women deserve celebration in high-fashion contexts.

Social Media Presence

Lauren Chan maintains an active social media presence, using platforms to connect with fans, advocate for causes, and share her life.

Instagram: @lcchan

• Followers: 113,000+ (as of January 2026)
• Content: Fashion shoots, personal photos, advocacy posts, relationship content with Hayley
• Engagement: High interaction rates with followers who connect with her authentic voice
• Highlights: Sports Illustrated features, wedding photos, TV appearances, body positivity messages

Twitter/X: @laurenjchan

• Content: Thoughts on fashion industry, LGBTQ+ issues, political commentary, career updates
• Style: Thoughtful, articulate commentary mixing personal and professional

TikTok: @lcchan

• Content: Behind-the-scenes modeling content, fashion tips, LGBTQ+ advocacy, personal storytelling
• Style: More casual and conversational than Instagram

Professional Platforms

• LinkedIn: Professional networking, career milestones
• Model Portfolio Sites: Agency profiles with Ford Models and JAG Models

Social Media Strategy

Lauren’s social media presence is characterized by:

• Authenticity: Genuine sharing of both triumphs and struggles
• Advocacy: Using platform for size inclusivity and LGBTQ+ visibility
• Engagement: Responding to followers and creating community
• Professional Balance: Mixing career content with personal life appropriately
• Visual Quality: High-quality images reflecting her fashion industry background

Her social media influence extends beyond numbers—Lauren’s voice carries weight in conversations about fashion, representation, and social justice.

Current Projects and Future Plans (2026)

As of January 2026, Lauren Chan continues expanding her influence across multiple domains.

Modeling Career

Lauren remains active in modeling with:

• Potential return to Sports Illustrated Swimsuit for 2026 issue
• Ongoing brand partnerships and campaigns
• Fashion week runway appearances
• Editorial features for major fashion magazines

Television and Media

Novel Writing: In 2025 interviews, Lauren revealed she’s writing a novel. While details remain private, this project represents a new creative direction combining her writing skills with storytelling.

Unscripted Series Development: Chan is developing a queer-focused unscripted television series, using her entertainment industry connections and understanding of LGBTQ+ community needs to create meaningful content.

Television Hosting: With proven charisma on The Traitors Canada and other shows, Lauren is positioned for potential hosting opportunities in fashion, lifestyle, or competition programming.

Advocacy and Speaking

Lauren continues her work with:

• National Eating Disorders Association as ambassador
• Model Alliance advisory board participation
• Speaking engagements on body positivity, LGBTQ+ rights, and fashion diversity
• Potential expansion into more formal advocacy roles or nonprofit work

Business Ventures

While Henning was acquired, Lauren’s entrepreneurial success suggests potential for:

• Future fashion collaborations or brand launches
• Consulting for fashion brands on size inclusivity
• Product lines or branded merchandise
• Investment in other size-inclusive businesses

Personal Life Balance

Now married to Hayley Kosan, Lauren balances career ambitions with building her marriage and life in Brooklyn. She’s spoken about wanting to continue growing both personally and professionally while maintaining the authentic identity she fought to embrace.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lauren Chan

How old is Lauren Chan?

Lauren Chan is 36 years old as of 2026. She was born on January 13, 1990, making her an Aquarius. She celebrates her birthday in mid-January each year.

Is Lauren Chan married?

Yes, Lauren Chan is married to filmmaker and cinematographer Hayley Kosan. The couple got engaged in March 2025 and married in two ceremonies—a civil ceremony at New York City Hall in August 2025 and a reception celebration in October 2025 at No Bar in the Standard Hotel, the same venue where they had their first date.

What is Lauren Chan’s ethnicity?

Lauren Chan is of mixed Chinese-Armenian heritage. Her father is Chinese and her mother is Armenian. She was born and raised in Brantford, Ontario, Canada, in a predominantly Italian community, which contributed to her feelings of being “othered” growing up and later fueled her passion for representation and inclusivity.

What size does Lauren Chan model?

Lauren Chan models plus-size fashion, typically wearing sizes 12-14 (US) or 46-48 (EU). She stands 5’10” (178 cm) tall with measurements of 42-35-43 inches (bust-waist-hips). She has advocated throughout her career for better representation of sizes 12 and above in high fashion.

How did Lauren Chan become famous?

Lauren Chan gained prominence through multiple accomplishments: she was a fashion editor at Glamour magazine (2015-2018) where she championed size inclusivity, founded the plus-size brand Henning (2019-2023), and made history as the first openly lesbian model to appear solo on a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover in 2025. Her combination of modeling, entrepreneurship, writing, and advocacy created her multifaceted fame.

What happened to Lauren Chan brand Henning?

Henning, the plus-size fashion brand Lauren founded in 2019, was acquired by Universal Standard in April 2023. The acquisition allowed the brand to scale and gave Lauren the opportunity to return to modeling full-time. She is no longer involved in the day-to-day operations of Henning following the sale.

Did Lauren Chan play professional basketball?

No, Lauren Chan intended to play professional basketball and pursued the sport at the University of Western Ontario, but a ruptured appendix during her college years ended those dreams. This medical crisis forced her to pivot toward fashion, ultimately leading to her successful career as a model, editor, and entrepreneur.

What is Lauren Chan’s net worth?

Lauren Chan’s estimated net worth is between $2-3 million as of 2026. Her wealth comes from modeling contracts (including Sports Illustrated Swimsuit), the sale of her fashion brand Henning to Universal Standard, television appearances on shows like The Traitors Canada, brand partnerships with companies like Reitmans, and speaking engagements.

When did Lauren Chan come out?

Lauren Chan came out as a lesbian at age 32 in 2023. She made her coming-out public through a personal essay published alongside her debut in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit. In the essay, she detailed her journey of self-discovery during the COVID-19 pandemic, her divorce from her husband, and the process of understanding and accepting her sexuality in her 30s.

What TV shows has Lauren Chan been on?

Lauren Chan appeared as a contestant on Season 2 of The Traitors Canada in 2024, nearly making it to the finale. She also guest-judged on Canada’s Drag Race and has made multiple appearances on Canadian television programs including eTalk, The Social, and CityLine, as well as American shows like Good Morning America and The TODAY Show.

Where does Lauren Chan live?

Lauren Chan lives in Brooklyn, New York, with her wife Hayley Kosan. She moved to New York City in 2012 after graduating from the University of Western Ontario and has remained based there throughout her fashion and modeling career.

Is Lauren Chan on social media?

Yes, Lauren Chan is active on social media. Her primary platform is Instagram (@lcchan) where she has over 113,000 followers. She’s also active on Twitter/X (@laurenjchan) and TikTok (@lcchan), where she shares fashion content, personal life updates, advocacy work, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of her modeling and television career.

Final Thoughts

Lauren Chan represents a new generation of models, entrepreneurs, and advocates who refuse to accept the fashion industry’s historically narrow standards. Her journey from feeling “othered” as a mixed-race girl in small-town Ontario to becoming a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover model embodies the transformative power of representation and authenticity.

What makes Lauren’s story particularly compelling is its multifaceted nature. She’s not just a model—she’s an entrepreneur who built and sold a successful fashion brand. She’s not just an advocate—she’s someone who created tangible change through her work at Glamour magazine and Henning. She’s not just an LGBTQ+ icon—she’s a woman who bravely shared her coming-out journey to help others navigating similar paths.

In 2026, Lauren continues breaking barriers and expanding possibilities for plus-size models, LGBTQ+ people, and anyone who’s been told they don’t fit conventional molds. Her work in fashion, media, and advocacy creates ripples that extend far beyond her immediate accomplishments, inspiring countless people to embrace their authentic selves.

As she enters new ventures including television production and novel writing, Lauren Chan’s influence continues growing. She’s proven that success doesn’t require conforming to narrow standards—in fact, the opposite is true. By staying authentic, championing representation, and using her platforms purposefully, Lauren has built a career and legacy that will influence fashion and culture for years to come.

Whether walking runways at New York Fashion Week, gracing the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, competing on reality television, or simply sharing her life with wife Hayley on social media, Lauren Chan embodies the power of living authentically and fighting for a more inclusive world.