Robyn Lawley: Pioneering Body Diversity in Fashion

Breaking barriers: Robyn Lawley's journey as a plus-size model

By Medha deb

Created on Oct 2, 2025

Breaking barriers: Robyn Lawley's journey as a plus-size model

Introduction to Robyn Lawley

Robyn Lawley is a renowned Australian model, photographer, and swimwear designer who has been at the forefront of body diversity in the fashion industry. Born in 1989, Lawley gained international recognition for being the first plus-size model featured in Sports Illustrated‘s Swimsuit Issue in 2015. Her journey has not only challenged traditional beauty standards but has also inspired a new wave of inclusivity in fashion.

Background and Early Career

Before her work with Sports Illustrated, Lawley was already a successful model. She signed her first modeling contract at the age of 15 with a plus-size modeling agency. Her rise to fame was swift, with appearances on the covers of various international fashion magazines, including Marie Claire and Maxim. Despite her success, Lawley has always rejected the term “plus-size,” advocating instead for a more inclusive understanding of body types.

Breakthrough with Sports Illustrated

Lawley’s inclusion in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue marked a significant milestone in her career. In 2015, she was photographed by James Macari in Wyoming, becoming the magazine’s first plus-size model. This achievement not only grabbed international attention but also paved the way for other models like Ashley Graham, who followed in her footsteps.

Lawley returned to the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue for a second year in 2016, this time while navigating the challenges of motherhood. Just six months after giving birth, she posed for the magazine, showcasing her resilience and dedication to her craft. The 2016 shoot in Malta was photographed by Ben Watts and featured Lawley in various swimsuits.

Impact on Body Diversity

Robyn Lawley’s appearances in Sports Illustrated have been instrumental in promoting body diversity in the fashion industry. Her inclusion helped shift the focus from traditional beauty standards toward a more inclusive representation of women’s bodies. Lawley’s success has inspired a new generation of models and has contributed to the growing acceptance of diverse body types in fashion.

Challenges Faced by Lawley

Despite her achievements, Lawley has faced numerous challenges. After giving birth, she experienced significant changes in her body, which required her to adapt both physically and mentally. During her 2016 shoot for Sports Illustrated, Lawley admitted to feeling self-conscious about her stomach, a common post-pregnancy concern for many women. However, she emphasized that the team at Sports Illustrated was supportive and understanding, which helped alleviate her insecurities.

Outside of Modeling

Lawley’s ambitions extend far beyond her modeling career. She is a skilled photographer and has ventured into swimwear design. One of her notable ventures is being co-owner of Ritual Powders, a plant-based line of mushroom drink mixes. This entrepreneurial spirit highlights her multifaceted personality and dedication to pursuing her passions.

Future of Body Diversity

Robyn Lawley’s contributions to body diversity are significant, but she acknowledges that there is still much work to be done. The fashion industry continues to evolve, with ongoing challenges such as the impact of AI on body image. Lawley believes that while progress has been made, there remains a need for genuine body acceptance and to combat unrealistic beauty standards portrayed by AI-generated images.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Who is Robyn Lawley?

A: Robyn Lawley is an Australian model, photographer, and swimwear designer known for being the first plus-size model featured in Sports Illustrated‘s Swimsuit Issue.

Q: What was Robyn Lawley’s role in promoting body diversity?

A: Lawley’s inclusion in major fashion publications like Sports Illustrated helped pave the way for plus-size models and contributed to the shift in traditional beauty standards toward greater inclusivity.

Q: What challenges did Lawley face during her career?

A: Lawley faced challenges such as body insecurities after pregnancy and the constant pressure to fit traditional beauty standards. However, she remained committed to promoting body diversity and challenging these standards.

Conclusion

Robyn Lawley’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of challenging societal norms. Her contributions to the fashion industry have been profound, and her legacy continues to inspire future generations of models and designers. As the industry continues to evolve, Lawley’s advocacy for body diversity remains a beacon of hope for a more inclusive and accepting fashion world.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

Read full bio of medha deb