Swimsuit

Lauren Chan Demonstrates True Beauty in Her Words and These 6 Photos From the Dominican Republic

The model offered her eloquent thoughts while on the set of her rookie photoshoot.

Martha Zaytoun

Lauren Chan poses in front of palm trees and smiles at the camera.

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

Canadian model Lauren Chan made her SI Swimsuit debut in 2023, heading to the beaches of the Dominican Republic with photographer James Macari. In an aptly themed Barbiecore photoshoot, the seasoned model shined in a series of vibrant, playful swimsuits. 

As a former writer and editor, the size-inclusive advocate has a certain eloquence to her that we greatly admire. So, while on set in the tropical locale, we were more than happy to solicit Chan’s thoughts and advice on the experience of change in the beauty industry, an “unavoidable” aspect of life, she said.

According to the model, “Beauty changes all the time—as an industry, personally, interpersonally.” And while some changes are deemed unwelcome according to traditional beauty standards and norms, Chan argued that we each need “to wash [our] hands of it.”

“I am who I am, I will be who I will be” is the mantra that she adopts in the face of such expectations—a very powerful and very important notion to embrace. Ultimately, “If you meet those moments of change with care for yourself, a great community and hopefulness, then you’ll be okay,” she thoughtfully remarked.

In her words and her photos from the trip, Chan demonstrated what true beauty is all about—and we couldn’t have been more happy to experience it. Below are some of our favorite photos from her time in the Dominican Republic.

Lauren Chan sits on the beach in a pink and purple bikini and leans against a yellow chair.

Lauren Chan was photographed by James Macari in the Dominican Republic. Swimsuit by Cleonie Swim. Earrings by Ettika.

Lauren Chan poses before the ocean in a green and white high-cut color block one-piece.

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

Lauren Chan floats in a natural pool in a hot pink triangle bikini and high-waisted bottoms.

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

Lauren Chan lounges on a rock in a natural pool wearing a blue and green patterned bikini.

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

Lauren Chan lounges on an orange and pink striped towel in a green underwire bikini top and high-waisted bottoms.

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

Lauren Chan lays on the beach in a black string bikini with pink flowers.

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

Now through Nov. 1, 100% of SI Swimsuit’s portion of proceeds from cover prints purchased here will be donated to the Maui Strong Fund, which is helping to support the people and places of Maui affected by the recent wildfires.

Shop Now and Make a Difference

Published
Martha Zaytoun
MARTHA ZAYTOUN

Martha Zaytoun is a writer on the Lifestyle and Trending News team for SI Swimsuit. Before joining SI Swimsuit in 2023, she worked on the editorial board of the University of Notre Dame’s student magazine and on the editorial team at Chapel Hill, Durham and Chatham Magazines in North Carolina. When not working, Zaytoun loves to watercolor and oil paint, run and water ski. She is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame and a huge Fighting Irish fan.

Home/SwimNews