Canadian Beauty Lauren Chan Sizzled in String Looks in the Dominican Republic

The model, editor and clothing entrepreneur nailed her SI Swimsuit rookie feature.

Lauren Chan was photographed by James Macari in the Dominican Republic.James Macari/Sports Illustrated

Lauren Chan is the epitome of a multihyphenate. The Toronto native, who posed on the breathtaking beaches and amidst natural caves, pools and waterfalls of the Dominican Republic last year for her SI Swimsuit feature with photographer James Macari, is so much more than just a model.

The activist, who is always working to increase size and ethnic diversity and inclusion on runways, is also a clothing entrepreneur. She launched her brand, Henning, in 2019, with a focus on sustainability and plus-size fashion. The company was acquired by powerhouse Universal Standard last year.

Chan also spent several years as a journalist, writing a plus-size fashion beat, and went on to become the editor of Glamour’s fashion features section.

“While [my previous roles] seem quite different on paper, they have all evolved into one another and they have all made sense to me because they have all fed the same goal. And that goal is to make folks who have felt left out of fashion—and therefore our culture—feel included and capable and powerful,” she told SI Lifestyle, adding that right now, she’s focused primarily on modeling and creating change in the industry by using her voice and sharing her experiences. “I’m in a role right now where it’s just not as urgent as running a business or being a journalist. I’m in a season of my life [where] I’m really relishing in the non-urgency of my job. I think that being in this chapter where I’m focusing on modeling and podcasting and broadcast, I am enjoying the parts of work that I like the best, like speaking and connecting and social [media] and the art of fashion. Running a business is very tiring, so I’m happy to be a cog in the wheel in a lot of ways.”

Below are five stunning string swimwear looks that Chan modeled while on location in the Dominican Republic for her 2023 SI Swimsuit feature.

James Macari/Sports Illustrated

Lauren Chan was photographed by James Macari in the Dominican Republic. Swimsuit by Bromelia Swimwear.

James Macari/Sports Illustrated

Lauren Chan was photographed by James Macari in the Dominican Republic. Swimsuit by Initial S Paris. Earrings by omè.

James Macari/Sports Illustrated

Lauren Chan was photographed by James Macari in the Dominican Republic. Swimsuit by Ezili Swim.

James Macari/Sports Illustrated

Lauren Chan was photographed by James Macari in the Dominican Republic. Swimsuit by BANANHOT.

James Macari/Sports Illustrated

Lauren Chan was photographed by James Macari in the Dominican Republic. Swimsuit by MESHKI. Earrings provided by New York Vintage.