Iskra Lawrence

Iskra Arabella Lawrence is a British fashion model, body-positivity activist, and entrepreneur who rose to prominence through her refusal to allow digital retouching in her professional imagery. Known for advocating self-acceptance and realistic body representation in fashion, she gained international recognition as a global brand ambassador for Aerie and as an outspoken advocate for healthy body image.

Early Life and Career

Born on September 11, 1990, in Wolverhampton, England, and raised in Kidderminster, Worcestershire, Lawrence began modeling during her early teens. She attended Bromsgrove School and was a competitive national swimmer before focusing on fashion. After being dropped by a modeling agency at age 15 due to her body proportions, she decided to challenge traditional industry size standards. She went on to sign with major agencies, including JAG Models in New York and Models 1 in London. In 2014, Lawrence became a featured face and global role model for Aerie, the intimate apparel line from American Eagle Outfitters. Her work with Aerie highlighted unretouched imagery and was instrumental in launching nationwide body-positivity campaigns. Over her modeling career, she walked catwalks at New York Fashion Week for Chromat and made her debut on the Paris Fashion Week runway for L’Oréal in 2017.

Activism and Business Ventures

Beyond modeling, Lawrence has established herself as a prominent digital creator and entrepreneur. She served as the managing editor for Runway Riot, an online style destination catering to women of all sizes. As a brand ambassador for the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), she created the NEDA Inspires Award to honor individuals promoting body acceptance. In 2021, she launched Saltair, an inclusive body-care brand offering vegan and cruelty-free skin products. Through her social media channels, public speaking engagements, and a widely viewed TEDx talk, Lawrence consistently promotes self-love, mental health awareness, and physical diversity.

Personal Life

Lawrence is in a long-term relationship with music executive and entrepreneur Philip Payne, whom she met in 2018. The couple resides in Austin, Texas, and has two children: a son born in April 2020 and a daughter born in late 2024.