Lauren Chan
Curve Model · Canadian
Known for Lauren Chan is a Canadian-born curve model, journalist, fashion entrepreneur, and body-positivity advocate based in New York City. She gained international acclaim after making history as the first openly queer plus-size rookie in the 2023 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue and later becoming the publication’s first openly lesbian cover model in 2025.
About Lauren Chan
Lauren Chan is a Canadian-born curve model, journalist, fashion entrepreneur, and body-positivity advocate based in New York City. She gained international acclaim after making history as the first openly queer plus-size rookie in the 2023 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue and later becoming the publication’s first openly lesbian cover model in 2025. Beyond modeling, Chan has built an influential career as a fashion editor and advocate for size inclusion and LGBTQ+ representation in the fashion industry.
About
Born on August 9, 1990, in Brantford, Ontario, Canada, Chan grew up playing competitive sports and initially aspired to play basketball. She attended the University of Western Ontario before moving to New York City in 2013 to pursue a career in fashion. Beginning her modeling journey with Ford Models, she focused on expanding size-inclusive representation across major fashion brands and e-commerce platforms.
Career and Media Work
Chan transitioned into fashion journalism, freelancing for major fashion outlets before serving as the fashion features editor at Glamour magazine. In this role, she covered style trends while continually pushing for size diversity in mainstream editorial coverage. In 2023, Chan returned to high-profile modeling when she made her debut in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue as its first queer, plus-size rookie. Her groundbreaking participation culminated in a solo cover appearance in 2025. In addition to print modeling, Chan has appeared on television programs such as Canada's Drag Race and season two of The Traitors Canada, further expanding her media footprint.
Entrepreneurship and Advocacy
In 2019, Chan launched Henning, an ethical luxury womenswear brand designed specifically for women size 12 and above. The brand earned widespread critical acclaim for its high-end suiting and tailoring before being acquired by Universal Standard in 2023. Chan has also served on the advisory board of the Model Alliance, advocating for safer working conditions and fair treatment within the modeling industry, and has been an ambassador for the National Eating Disorders Association. Her contributions earned her the Model of the Year award at the 2023 Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards.
Personal Life
Chan resides in New York City. After coming out publicly as a lesbian in 2023 through a personal essay accompanying her Sports Illustrated debut, she became a prominent voice for LGBTQ+ visibility in sports and media. In October 2025, Chan married filmmaker and cinematographer Hayley Kosan in New York City.
Earnings & net worth — estimate
No confirmed net-worth figure is publicly available for Lauren Chan, so we don’t put a number on it. For context, profiles with a reach like this (128K followers) are typically paid $500 – $5,000 for a sponsored post on Instagram and other networks.
Market-typical range for this follower tier — an estimate, not Lauren Chan’s actual income.
Frequently asked about Lauren Chan
What is Lauren Chan known for?
Lauren Chan is a Canadian-born curve model, journalist, fashion entrepreneur, and body-positivity advocate based in New York City. She gained international acclaim after making history as the first openly queer plus-size rookie in the 2023 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue and later becoming the publication’s first openly lesbian cover model in 2025.
How old is Lauren Chan and what is their zodiac sign?
Lauren Chan is 36 years old (born 9 Aug 1990) and is a Leo.
Where is Lauren Chan from?
Lauren Chan is Canadian and is based in New York City, USA.
Is Lauren Chan married or in a relationship?
According to public information, Lauren Chan’s relationship status is listed as Married to Hayley Kosan.
What is Lauren Chan’s net worth?
See the estimated net worth and earnings section above. Figures are estimates compiled from public sources and are not officially confirmed.
