SI Swimsuit Announces 2023 Rookie Lauren Chan
Welcome to the rookie class of 2023, Lauren!
Sports Illustrated Swimsuit has introduced their latest rookie of the year: Lauren Chan, "a true multitalent who possesses the unique experience of having worked within various aspects of the fashion industry."
The size-inclusion advocate, and first queer, plus-size model to earn the title, is a former fashion writer for Vogue and Interview and also previously worked as the fashion features editor at Glamour, where she focused on plus-size fashion, but that's just the start of her impressive resume.
Chan has also collaborated with high-fashion brands like Vera Wang, Christian Siriano, Valentino and Chanel, founded her own inclusive luxury women's wear brand called Henning, serves as an ambassador for the National Eating Disorders Association, and sits on the advisory board for the Model Alliance. Talk about being busy!
Related: SI Swimsuit Debuts New 2023 Rookie Jennifer Atilémile
“Show us a person that’s more ambitious, driven and focused than Lauren Chan,” editor-in-chief MJ Day said of the news. “We’ll wait…. This model turned editor turned designer then back to model has had quite the career trajectory. She uses her platform to advocate for size inclusivity and creates content with purpose that is both relatable and captivating. She is the epitome of beauty and brains and her passion and commitment to making space for all women is what we can’t get enough of. We are excited to name Lauren as one of our Rookies for 2023!”
Chan, who grew up playing sports, including on the basketball team at the University of Western Ontario, compared the moniker to her prior experience. “I feel like I’ve been a rookie as an athlete many times in my life, and that’s my only other experience kind of being a rookie," she told the publication. "And I just feel a lot of the same feelings of being part of a new family and a new team and a new way of thinking and part of this new thing that we all create together. And I just feel really at home.”
Ultimately, all of her roles—fashion model, influencer, editor, entrepreneur, etc.—complement each other, "making those who consume her work feel powerful, seen and celebrated," and that authenticity is of the utmost importance to her.
Related: Meet Madisin Rian, the New 2023 SI Swimsuit Rookie
The Canadian model will make her Swimsuit Issue debut next month in the annual publication. SI has also recently introduced 2023 rookies Melissa Wood-Tepperberg, Ellie Thumann, and Sixtine Rouyre.
