Hailey Clauson: From Teen Runway Star to SI Swimsuit Cover Girl
Hailey Michele Clauson, born on March 7, 1995, in the United States, is a Pisces by zodiac and a force in the fashion world. Known for her striking beauty and poised presence, Clauson made waves early in her modeling career and quickly rose through the industry ranks to become one of the most recognizable faces in fashion. From being discovered at just 14 to gracing the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue in 2016, Hailey’s journey is one of youthful ambition, early success, and determined growth.
A Remarkable Beginning
Hailey Clauson’s entry into modeling reads like a fairytale. Discovered at an open casting call in Los Angeles, she was signed on the spot by Ford Models. It was, as she later described, a “surreal” moment—one that would set the stage for her rise in the fashion world. At just 14, she had already begun booking major gigs, appearing in ad campaigns for brands like Wild Fox Couture and Jag Jeans, and landing a spot in the Forever 21 catalog.
Her career quickly gathered momentum. In 2009, after switching from Ford Models to Marilyn Agency, she was named Model of the Month in Japanese Vogue’s October issue. A year later, she made her catwalk debut at the Spring 2011 ADAM show in New York. That same season, she walked for major names like Zac Posen and Calvin Klein—an impressive feat for someone still in her mid-teens.
Turning Heads and Creating Headlines
With a debut runway season that dazzled the industry, Clauson was soon featured in Models.com’s list of Top 10 Newcomers for Spring/Summer 2011. Her unique blend of youthful energy and professional presence made her a favorite among top designers and brands. During that time, she appeared in advertising campaigns for high-profile names including Mavi Jeans, Gucci, Dsquared2, and Jill Stuart.
Her fast ascent also drew some controversy. During New York Fashion Week, she walked for big-name designers like Diane von Fürstenberg, DKNY, and Oscar de la Renta while she was still only 15 years old—despite the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) guidelines prohibiting models under 16 from walking in shows. The fact that von Fürstenberg herself was CFDA president at the time added to the media stir. In response, von Fürstenberg publicly apologized, saying she had been unaware of Clauson’s age.
Shortly after, Clauson found herself in another legal headline when her parents filed a $28 million lawsuit against Urban Outfitters and other retailers for the unauthorized use of suggestive images of her on t-shirts. The lawsuit alleged that the products exploited her image and appealed to inappropriate audiences. While the case against the photographer was dismissed, the retailers later settled with Clauson’s family.
Embracing High Fashion and Mainstream Fame
Despite the controversies, Clauson’s momentum didn’t slow. In 2012, she returned to shoot campaigns for Topshop, Zara, Moussy, and Plein Sud. Her high fashion appeal combined with commercial viability, making her one of the few models who could cross between elite runway and mass-market branding with ease.
In 2014, Clauson starred in an Agent Provocateur campaign titled Behind Closed Doors, photographed by the renowned Miles Aldridge. Known for its bold, provocative imagery, the campaign marked a turning point where Clauson confidently took control of her own narrative and image.
Then came the breakthrough that cemented her mainstream appeal: the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. In 2015, she appeared in the iconic magazine, posing nude in body paint—an artistic, bold presentation that captured wide attention. Just a year later, in 2016, she graced the cover of the SI Swimsuit Issue, joining an elite group of models who’ve reached that milestone. It was a defining moment in her career and a public acknowledgment of her status as one of the top names in modeling.
Beyond the Camera
While modeling has kept Clauson in the spotlight, she also stays grounded through her personal values. A committed environmentalist, she’s spoken publicly about her lifestyle choices—like not owning a car—as a way to reduce her carbon footprint. She also maintains ties to her family, and though not much is publicly known about her private life, Cameron Clauson, owner of a local movie company, has confirmed a familial connection to the model.
Clauson continues to model and evolve her brand while navigating the challenges and opportunities that come with early fame. From a teenager walking international runways to becoming a face recognized around the world, her journey has been anything but ordinary.
Hailey Clauson’s career showcases the fast-paced, often unpredictable nature of the fashion world. Yet, through the highs and the lows, she’s carved a space for herself with a mix of professionalism, personality, and perseverance. Whether she’s on a magazine cover or championing sustainability, Clauson proves that true beauty lies in both the
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