Susan Holmes McKagan Reflects on Her Most Cherished Beauty Experiences

Susan Holmes McKagan, 52, is one of those make the most of life types of people. A supermodel, entrepreneur, mom of two and wife to rock star Duff McKagan, she is always in search of a fun adventure, a way to give back and quality time with her family. From her first modeling days in the early ’90s to her current modeling days (yes, she’s still strutting down catwalks in her 50s!), here, the American beauty takes us on a fun trip down memory lane.

“This was me modeling in 1991. I love the timeless fashion aesthetic, hair and makeup that still resonates from this iconic era. It’s still so strong today!”

“This was taken backstage at a runway show in the ‘90s. I always love doing the Paris Fashion Week catwalks! I lived in Paris for eight years. I often did my own makeup for shows, and I remember always using that MAC ‘Cool Spice’ Lip Liner. Sometimes, if I would run out of it, I would use a light brown eyebrow pencil to do the trick. Henri Bendel, the iconic department store in NYC, sent the models their signature brown-and-white-striped makeup bags we all loved to use.”

“This is from a Bruno Magli shoe campaign, shot by one of my all-time favorite fashion photographers, Arthur Elgort, in 1995. His light and talent are always so genius. He makes you feel naturally pretty, even in curlers. I have been fortunate enough to shoot with him over the years for everything from Vogue and YSL campaigns, to even getting to be on his latest book cover.”

“I was so honored to win ‘Swimwear Designer of the Year’ at the prestigious Michael Awards in New York in 2008, where I was alongside other amazing designers like John Varvatos. I loved that Niki Taylor, also a supermodel, was there to honor me with it. She inspires me so much. And, I love that the event’s proceeds benefit the National Children’s Leukemia Foundation.”

“This was taken at the Life Ball—the world’s largest HIV/Aids benefit—in Vienna, Austria in 2017. I got to walk the red carpet in front of 30,000 people and be dressed in the designer of that year’s fashion show, which was Francesco Scognamiglio, who I first met backstage at a Gianni Versace show in Milan. I love giving back, and this show was so fabulous. It helps so many people for such an important cause.”

“This was a proud moment from my hard work on my award- winning first novel The Velvet Rose. This photo was taken at the iconic Strand bookstore in NYC while on my book tour in 2019. Miss Jay Alexander from America’s Next Top Model was my moderator, which was so cool. Can you believe I also was his first runway model student ever? He taught me so much. I love how timeless a book can be, and that it is now also available as an audio book to listen to on Audible.”

“Working out consistently is key for me to feel and look my best. This picture was taken in early 2020 just before COVID. I remember how tremendously hard and long I trained for this cover shoot for Shape magazine. I try to always incorporate weight-training into my routine. As we mature, it is especially essential for our muscles, bones and health. When I’m on the elliptical, I love to watch my favorite shows to maximize my workout time. Before I go on holiday or tour with my hubby, I watch the best places to visit and explore on YouTube, too.”

“This was last year, celebrating the love of my life—our 25th wedding anniversary! Duff and I got to do a photo shoot together—which is rare—honoring our infinite love story. Duff is a superstar to the world of music of course [the founding member of Guns N’ Roses, a two-time Grammy Award winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame winner], but most importantly, he is the king of my heart. He is truly a wonderful husband who makes me laugh, and he is the best father to our daughters. He loves and respects my success, just as I do his. I am genuinely so blessed and happy to have found my soulmate.”

“My heart melts whenever I get to spend time with my daughters Grace and Mae. This was taken at my Cinco de Momma birthday party last year. I am so honored to have such beautiful and talented daughters, who are also so kind. Mae is a recent honors graduate of Parsons and The New School, and has started her own collection of clothing called Mae.NYC. Grace is a super talented singer and songwriter and plays festivals at Coachella to download in the UK. She is also continuing her education and completing her last year of college.”

“This is me walking the runway at NYFW for Sergio Hudson last year. He is a master craftsman in making stellar women’s suits—he designed Michelle Obama’s inauguration one. He dresses many powerful and beautiful women, including Beyoncé, Kamala Harris and Jennifer Lopez.”

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