DRAFTING W/ LAUREN CHAN
Lauren Chan knows what it takes to disrupt an entire industry from the inside. Long before becoming one of fashion’s most recognizable voices, she was pushing against limitations of who the space was built for — first from the editorial side, then by carving out her own lane entirely. Across fashion, media and TV, Chan’s work consistently interrogates who gets visibility, who gets celebrated and how personal style can become a form of autonomy.
After making history with Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, Chan returned to the franchise again this spring while continuing to establish herself as an increasingly magnetic on-screen presence. With a debut book on the way and a newly launched Pride collaboration with Joe Fresh, she continues redefining what modern representation can look like — entirely on her own terms.
For DRAFTING, Chan brings us to the beach for SI and unlocks her iPhone for an intimate Notes app deep dive.
My friend Chelsea’s birthday cake. It deserves a platform.
What do my acting teacher and my injector have in common? They break me down to build me back up. (Okay, I’m no comedian, but I thought it was funny.) Here’s a sketch from the latter telling me my face goes in two different directions. Thumbs up.
Contrary to popular belief, I can read. And actually, I’m writing a book. These are some that have inspired me lately.
These are my early sketches for the new Joe Fresh x Lauren Chan Pride collection. They’re inspired by the concept of a team — our 2SLGBTQ+ team — fighting to win equality. (And, yeah, Heated Rivalry.) I almost got away with “Plays Well With Everyone,” but it got flagged as potentially sexual.
This is the first photo on my phone of one of my first modeling gigs (and no, I did not cheat). Do you think everyone but me knew I was gay? Don’t answer that.
I loved my horny hair and bloody lashes for the Devil Wears Prada 2 premiere. I tend to feel more confident when I get done-up in a way that’s inspired by drag. Beauty doesn’t always have to be about optimizing your conventional attractiveness. Also, go see the movie (I’m in it for .8 of a second).
*Looks at you vulnerably*
Working my big gay puss puss for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2026. After being on the cover last year, I felt very liberated — like the pressure was off.
This is how I eat a banana in public, just in case any men are watching.
Lauren is the coolest