[3] Robyn was born in Girraween, New South Wales,[2] to Chris and Janne Lawley; and has two older sisters, Shona and Jennifer.

[6] In June 2011, Lawley featured on the cover of Vogue Italia alongside fellow plus-sized models Tara Lynn and Candice Huffine, shot by Steven Meisel.

Lawley has also appeared in editorials for Dazed & Confused, Glamour, Marie Claire Hungary and the British and Croatian editions of Elle.

[12][13] Lawley has appeared in campaigns for plus-size brands including Evans, Lane Bryant, Marina Rinaldi and Persona Collezioni.

[21] Lawley appeared in Lane Bryant's rebranding campaign, which included print magazine ads and several billboards in New York City.

[15] Lawley has also appeared in advertising for brands such as Calezdonia's Summer 2012 campaign photographed by Raphael Mazzucco and Boux Avenue lingerie.

[25][28] In early 2015, Robyn Lawley became a Sports Illustrated "Rookie", making her the first "plus-size" model to be featured in the magazine's annual Swimsuit Issue.

Interviewing guests like Turia Pitt and Jameela Jamil—as well as 'ordinary' people who continue to conquer the world in spite of chronic illness—Lawley turns a critical eye on the #BodyPositive movement.

[32] Lawley's photographs of Leah Kelley in her swimwear line went viral on social media and were covered by notable fashion websites.

Victoria Secret cancelled their show,[10] but has subsequently completely rebranded now including size diversity in their new VScollective [11] Lawley also writes a monthly column for 9honey website.