Model Robyn Lawley speaks out about the dangers of TikTok filters

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The model and INIKA Organic ambassador, Robyn Lawley. Image: iStock

Robyn Lawley, the model and INIKA Organic ambassador, speaks to Body+Soul about championing diversity, handling criticism, and reclaiming her health.

After your daughter Ripley was born nine years ago, you had two strokes before being diagnosed with lupus and antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). How did you recover after that, and how have you prioritised wellness when you work in such a fast-paced industry that can also be very physically demanding? 

My health is the most important thing in my life now. I don’t drink anymore and I don’t smoke. The fashion world can be a bit toxic in that respect. The drinks are really heavy in New York, where I used to work for much of the year.

Saying “no” to alcohol was really hard for me, and is still really hard. But my priorities have changed. I don’t live in the city anymore. I started a vegan diet. After having a stroke, your body feels violated. I find yoga is really helpful in terms of strength empowering me, and feeling like I’m still capable of movement. Your body is the most precious asset you have. 

During your career, you’ve graced the front covers of countless magazines, including Vogue Italia, appeared in Sports Illustrated’s iconic Swimsuit Issue, and walked the runway for Australian and Milan Fashion Week shows. How do you align your vegan values with the work that you do as a model? 

It’s hard because I’m a natural people pleaser and hate to tell someone I can’t wear something. But I’ve rocked up on set and been given a leather jacket or shoes to shoot with. Even my Vogue Italia cover has fur on it; it’s been a huge learning curve. I believe you’ve just got to move forward and continue to evolve. For example, there are so many great alternatives that are available now, like cactus leather or mushroom leather.

Robyn Lawley, 2024 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Launch Party. Image: Getty

You’ve spent much of your working life campaigning for diversity in the modelling industry. How do you feel about AI, and social media filters and how they affect young women today?

You can’t help but compare yourself to Instagram and TikTok, and if you look at your face for too long with the filters, you start to wonder, “Maybe I look so much better that way.” It’s quite scary. I try not to use them, especially on TikTok. AI is like taking filters on social media to a whole new level.

It’s really disturbing because when you look at [pictures of some models] now, they’re generated by AI. I am concerned because I don’t want young women – or my daughter – to see AI-generated images of women online [and think that they’re real]. 

You’ve copped negative comments and dealt with haters online ever since you became a ‘plus size’ model 17 years ago. How do you manage to stay so centered and positive?

I have a thicker skin than I did 10 years ago, but it still affects me. People write negative stuff to me all the time, but now I’m like, “Yeah, whatever.” I feel more riled up about animal rights now. And I get a lot of my mental strength from my dad. He died of cancer a few years ago, and I unfortunately witnessed him pass away. He was a fireman and spent his whole life-saving other people; he’s such a hero in my books. You have to live up to your values. It’s the only way to be.

Robyn Lawley, Afterpay Australian Fashion Week 2022. Image: iStock

As well as campaigning against AI image theft and for more diversity in the modelling industry, you’ve also spoken out in support of abortion rights. When you posted online following the overturning of Roe Vs Wade in the US, you revealed you’d had an abortion due to health issues. What was it like to talk about that publicly? 

Honestly, it was one of the hardest things I’ve talked about. I just got pulled apart. The comments were brutal. It was one of the most stressful times of my life, I was bawling my eyes out. I didn’t think people could be so cruel. But I believe your body is your temple and that means for me or any woman, it’s your choice. 

Originally published as Model Robyn Lawley speaks out about the dangers of TikTok filters