From Runways to Wellness: Interview with Lauren Fontan

1. Your career moves between high fashion, editorial shoots, and wellness. How have those different worlds shaped the way you see modeling today?

Health was incredibly important to me long before I began modeling. Sleep, nutrition, fitness—you name it—I was reading peer-reviewed articles about these topics in my free time. I even graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Public Health.

Bringing these daily habits into the world of high fashion and editorial shoots allows me not only to look my best, but more importantly to show up happier, healthier, and more energized.

2. You’ve walked for brands like Tommy Hilfiger and even opened the DKNY show at the Belk Holiday Fashion Show. Looking back, which moments felt like real turning points for you?

Walking in my first runway show at a height of 5’6” was a huge accomplishment. I almost didn’t audition because I thought I wouldn’t be chosen.

Since then, I’ve walked in many runway shows, but that moment taught me something important: always go for the things you want, even when it feels like the odds are against you. No one likes rejection because it can feel like failure—but failure isn’t being denied something; failure is not trying.

3. You’ve been featured in magazines like Glamour and Harper’s Bazaar. What feels different about telling a story through an editorial shoot compared to walking a runway?

The two experiences feel very different, but they’re both exciting in their own way. In editorial shoots, you create a visual narrative through posing, styling, and lighting, capturing a moment that tells a story through the camera.

Runway, on the other hand, presents a designer’s vision live. Both are unique forms of storytelling in fashion, and the best part is that they bring so many talented people together in one room.

4. You’ve also taken courses through Harvard and Stanford. Has that academic curiosity changed the way you approach your career in fashion?

I’ve always loved learning new things. It expands your perspective and allows you to reassess your worldview. When I discovered edX, a platform founded by Harvard that offers courses taught by industry leaders, I was immediately excited.

It has allowed me to stay curious, avoid becoming stagnant in my mindset, and continue growing. That mindset translates into being more creative and adaptable in modeling, which is incredibly valuable because the industry itself is constantly evolving.

5. As a certified personal trainer and nutritionist, wellness clearly plays a big role in your life. How does that mindset help you stay grounded in such a fast-paced industry?

The modeling industry moves very quickly. Sometimes you need to be ready to travel the night before. Because of that pace, being prepared at all times can be incredibly helpful.

For me, that means already having strong, healthy habits to rely on and being creative about maintaining them while traveling. I’ve learned how to eat well on the road, stay hydrated, and even get my steps in while exploring a new city.

6. You’ve worked with global brands including Victoria’s Secret and Cupshe. What makes a collaboration exciting or meaningful for you at this stage of your career?

It’s always exciting to have the opportunity to work with brands you’ve admired for years. I grew up watching the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show and was completely captivated by it, so collaborating with Victoria’s Secret feels especially meaningful to me.

I also make sure that I genuinely love the brands I partner with, because authenticity always shines through. When I collaborate with brands I admire, I focus on creating content that highlights the product in a way that feels genuine and aligned with the brand’s identity.

7. Fashion is constantly changing. From your perspective, what does it mean to be a model in 2026?

Being a model in 2026 is very different from what it used to be. Social media has transformed the industry as a whole. Brands and agencies now value models who can connect with audiences globally and represent a lifestyle beyond the traditional runway.

It’s exciting because it allows people to present themselves in a creative and authentic way like never before, from anywhere in the world. It also allows you to connect with others, learn from them, and reach your career goals faster.

8. Giving back is something you speak about often. How do you bring that sense of purpose into your work and partnerships with brands?

No matter how exciting the opportunities in my career may be, I never want to lose sight of who I am. Giving back reminds me to stay grateful.

Supporting others and contributing to my community reinforces the importance of kindness and humility. It helps me stay grounded, grateful, and connected to what truly matters.

9. Many young women look up to models today not just for fashion but for inspiration. What would you tell someone who wants to pursue modeling while also investing in education or other passions?

Early in my career, I focused on pursuing the biggest agencies and brands right away. Looking back, I realized the industry works like any other career—you build experience step by step.

You wouldn’t graduate from college and immediately apply for a C-suite position at a company. Without experience, it’s difficult to reach that level right away. My advice would be to start locally. Find a reputable agency near you and begin building your portfolio with photographers. Develop versatility by shooting different styles such as fashion, fitness, and commercial work whenever you can.

At the same time, keep investing in yourself and your personal passions. Many brands today want people who are comfortable being authentically themselves. Never lose sight of that.

10. When you think about the future, what kind of creative projects or collaborations would you love to be part of next?

I believe fashion is moving toward a lifestyle space where beauty, health, and authenticity intersect, and I’m excited to be part of projects that reflect that evolution in modeling.

I would love to continue expanding my work with Victoria’s Secret. It’s a brand I deeply admire and have the utmost respect for. Self-love, empowerment, and inclusivity are at the core of their identity, so working with them on even bigger modeling projects—especially walking in their annual fashion show—would truly be a pinch-me moment.

Being a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model would also be a dream. Their platform celebrates women who are beautifully athletic but, more importantly, authentically themselves while inspiring others. With my background in fitness, nutrition, and fashion, I love representing the idea that strength and femininity can exist together.

As someone passionate about health and wellness, I’m also naturally drawn to wellness-focused brands like Alo. The brand aligns very naturally with my lifestyle, and I would love the opportunity to model their clothing. Their philosophy of helping people become the best version of themselves really resonates with me.