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Lauren WasserтАЩs journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Born into the fashion world and raised by her mother, renowned model Pamela Cook, Lauren began her career earlyтАФwalking runways and appearing in Italian Vogue as a child. Destined for fashion stardom, she was already a rising figure in the industry. But in 2012, everything changed when she nearly lost her life to Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), a rare but life-threatening condition she developed, due to the use of a tampon.
Contracting TSS Lauren fell critically ill, developing a 107-degree fever and eventually slipping into a medically induced coma. She battled kidney failure and survived two heart attacks, with doctors giving her less than a 1% chance of survival. Lauren faced a new reality. Only three months later, her right leg was amputated and after years of excruciating pain, she made the brave decision in 2018 to have her left leg amputated too, whereby reclaiming her health, autonomy and future.
Rather than retreat, Lauren turned her tragedy into triumph. She received and embraced her new prosthetic legs, famously had them designed in gold, which turned them into symbols of power, resilience and beauty. Vogue magazine crowned her тАЬfashionтАЩs girl with golden legsтАЭ and her story has inspired millions around the globe.
Lauren reemerged stronger than ever. She continues to grace runways, magazine covers and major fashion campaigns. Her career highlights include walking in RihannaтАЩs Savage X Fenty shows, starring in global campaigns for Shiseido, closing a Louis Vuitton Sunset Cruise runway show and working with luxury powerhouses such as Off-White, Givenchy, Chlo├й, Dolce & Gabbana and Giorgio Armani. Her unique personal style, a mix of high fashion and thrifted treasures, reflects her authenticity and creative spirit.
A trailblazer beyond the runway, Lauren Wasser became an outspoken womenтАЩs health advocate, using her platform to educate on the dangers of TSS and push for transparency in feminine hygiene products. Her advocacy earned her features in Vice, she was named in ForbesтАЩ prestigious 30 Under 30 list and recently she was also honoured as тАЬWoman of the YearтАЭ by HarperтАЩs Bazaar UK and Glamour Germany.
Lauren WasserтАЩs impact now spans public speaking, where she shares her powerful story of resilience, body positivity, empowerment and inspiration at conferences, universities and womenтАЩs health forums worldwide. She is currently filming a documentary chronicling her remarkable comeback.
Beyond her professional accolades, Lauren is passionate about fitness and enjoys playing basketball, practicing Pilates and running marathons.
Her message is clear: beauty lies in our uniqueness and no setback is too great to overcome. Lauren Wasser тАУ the inspirational woman with golden legs is not just a model. SheтАЩs a movement.
