featuring @susanholmesmckagan
Susan Holmes McKagan is a distinguished American model, designer, author, and media personality who first captured public attention during the early 1990s, a golden era for supermodels. Her rise to prominence began at the age of 16 when she was discovered and quickly signed with Ford Models. Her striking presence and versatile talent made her one of the most sought-after faces of her generation.
Throughout her modeling career, Holmes McKagan graced the runways for renowned fashion houses such as Versace, Chanel, Prada, Valentino, and worked closely with legendary designer Karl Lagerfeld. Her striking images also appeared in prominent advertising campaigns for Yves Saint Laurent, Dolce & Gabbana, Donna Karan, and Guess. Her presence on magazine covers was equally impressive, with features in top international editions of Vogue, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, Marie Claire, and Glamour. She collaborated with renowned photographers including Steven Meisel and Arthur Elgort, solidifying her status as a fashion icon.
Decades after her debut, Holmes McKagan demonstrated her lasting influence in fashion by returning to the runway in 2025 for Christian Siriano’s Spring/Summer 2026 show at New York Fashion Week. This appearance underscored her enduring relevance in an industry known for its fleeting trends.
Beyond modeling, Susan Holmes McKagan is also an accomplished author. Her debut novel, The Velvet Rose (2019), is an auto-fictionalized narrative that offers a vivid portrait of a young model navigating the intertwined worlds of 1990s fashion and rock culture. Blurring the lines between memory and imagination, the book provides a deeply personal perspective on an era often characterized by its boldness and rebellion. Its immediate success, selling out upon release, highlighted its resonance, capturing a unique female viewpoint within a predominantly male-dominated industry while serving as both an intimate story and a cultural commentary.
Holmes McKagan’s creative talents extend into television, film, and radio. She has made appearances on shows such as America’s Next Top Model and the E! docuseries Married to Rock. Additionally, she co-hosts the SiriusXM radio show Three Chords & The Truth alongside her husband, renowned musician Duff McKagan, blending music and storytelling in a format that reflects her diverse interests.
In celebration of the paperback release of The Velvet Rose, Holmes McKagan hosted a highly anticipated event at the Sunset Marquis in West Hollywood. The nostalgic, 1990s-inspired evening drew friends, fans, and industry insiders for a lively gathering filled with classic hits, cocktails, mocktails, and the company of Wags & Walks pups. The event was a resounding success, attracting notable guests including Slash and Alice Cooper, who came together to support Susan and celebrate the next chapter of her literary journey.
Through her multifaceted career, Susan Holmes McKagan continues to exemplify resilience, creativity, and enduring relevance in the worlds of fashion, literature, and media.
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