Hailey Clauson emerged as a prominent figure in the modeling world, best known for achieving the prestigious honor of being one of three separate cover stars for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue in 2016. Born Hailey Michele Clauson on March 5, 1995, in Thousand Oaks, California, her striking features and athletic build would become her signature assets in a competitive industry. Her early life in Southern California set the stage for a career that would see her grace some of the most iconic publications and runways in fashion.
Clauson's modeling career began at a young age, and she quickly gained attention for her classic yet versatile look. She signed with major agencies and soon found herself working for an impressive roster of high-profile brands and designers. Her breakthrough moment arrived in 2016 when Sports Illustrated selected her, alongside Ashley Graham and Ronda Rousey, to appear on one of three covers of its celebrated Swimsuit Issue. This milestone solidified her status as a top model and introduced her to a massive mainstream audience, celebrating her as a representative of a new generation of cover stars.
Beyond the iconic Sports Illustrated cover, Clauson's portfolio expanded to include editorial work for Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, and Elle, among others. She walked the runway for renowned fashion houses such as Chanel, Versace, and Dolce & Gabbana, showcasing her adaptability from haute couture to commercial swimwear. Her presence in major advertising campaigns for brands like Guess, Tommy Hilfiger, and Bulgari further demonstrated her commercial appeal and industry respect.
While primarily celebrated as a model, Clauson also explored acting, making her film debut in the 2019 thriller The Murder of Nicole Brown Simpson. She continues to model, maintaining an active presence in the fashion world through editorial shoots, brand partnerships, and social media engagement with her followers. Residing in Los Angeles, Hailey Clauson remains a recognized name, her career defined by that landmark Sports Illustrated achievement and a sustained presence in the upper echelons of modeling.