Susan Holmes on NYFW: Beauty, Drama, and Backstage Secrets

New York Fashion Week can be chaotic. But it can also be beautiful. For supermodel Susan Holmes, it's that exact duality that keeps the magic alive. A familiar face on the runways of Yves Saint Laurent, Oscar de la Renta, and Christian Lacroix, and once famously dubbed “the body” by legendary photographer Steven Meisel, Holmes has earned a cult status that marks her as a true icon of the industry. Still modeling for labels like Kim Shui and Sergio Hudson, she continues to carry the torch of the supermodel era with effortless grace. This season, she graced Christian Siriano’s runway not once, but twice. Ahead, the supermodel spills all of NYFW: the beauty, the drama, and the backstage secrets no one tells you about. 

Susan, what’s your “NYFW survival kit” in three essentials?

Confidence, electrolytes, and an underpinnings/shoe kit— I like to always be prepared for any unforeseen runway circumstances. This year, my dream came true when I was asked to walk for Christian Siriano. One of my looks was a stunning, long, sheer black gown, and at my fitting, he asked if I’d be comfortable wearing a thong underneath it on the runway. I laughed and said, “At my age, honey, when someone of your prestige asks, you say yes!” So I did — and thanks to my hydrating electrolytes and a whole lot of confidence, I walked that very long runway without a single cramp and with a smile.

What’s the most New York thing you’ve eaten, done, or seen so far?

Live in New York! I truly believe that if you’re ever given the opportunity, everyone should

live—or at least spend an extended period of time — in this magnificent city. You begin to see it through a different lens: one of appreciation, fondness, and respect.

As far as cool New York memories go, I’d have to say some of the most “New York” things I’ve experienced include walking in the iconic NYFW shows (Christian Siriano, Michael Kors, Oscar de la Renta…), staying with my husband, kids, and close family friends at John McEnroe’s incredible Hamptons estate, and taking an epic historical boat tour around the entirety of Manhattan with my husband Duff and our youngest daughter, Mae McKagan — a recent Parsons/The New School graduate who now calls NYC home full-time.

 NYFW in 3 emojis…go!

💛🗽🍎

If NYFW were a fragrance, what would it smell like?

Personally, I’d love to create my own fragrance. If it were to capture me in New York, it would start with notes of beach rose—native to coastal New York and a subtle nod to my husband’s band, Guns N’ Roses. I’d also weave in Lithuanian wild honey, honoring my heritage and the immigrant traditions that align so beautifully with New York’s cultural melting pot. The honey adds a warm, golden richness. Finally, I’d ground it with American sycamore, bringing in that earthy, papery essence of Central Park as the base note.

If NYFW were a celebrity, who would it be, and why?

 Honestly, I think it would be an amalgamation of one fierce, forward-thinking individual — because that’s exactly what New York represents, and why it’s so beautiful.

Who’s your “I must say hi or die trying” designer or editor crush this season? 

Edward Enninful, Christian Siriano, and of course my beautiful daughter, designer @mae.newyork — she takes my breath away every time.

Be honest: Uber, subway, or a classic late strut? 

Walking or black car (but preferably an electric one).

 If you could swap wardrobes with anyone at NYFW, who’s the lucky one?

 Me — because it would be with my good friend Laurie Lynn Stark, designer and owner of Chrome Hearts. She creates some of the chicest one-of-a-kind pieces and always kills it. We recently went to the Fashion Trust Awards in Los Angeles together, and I wanted to steal everything she was wearing that night — from her perfectly styled Chrome Hearts clothing to the jewelry and shoes. She embodies that rock ’n’ roll meets elegant style icon vibe that I so deeply adore.

What’s the energy at Christian Siriano backstage? 

It’s bananas! It is a well-oiled machine. Christian personally oversees and meticulously makes sure each person and look is flawless and runway ready!

If Christian Siriano’s show were a song, what would it be? 

Darling, it would have to be a fabulous new sensational mash-up — like the incredible musical talent sitting front row at Christian’s show. I’m talking about Adam Lambert and Lizzo on vocals, my husband Duff McKagan (Guns N’ Roses) on bass, and Isaac Carpenter on drums (he plays with GNR and has also toured extensively with Adam). Now, who would play guitar? Here’s a hint: he wears a black top hat, and his name starts and ends with the letter “S.” Yeah… that would be sick — a truly iconic NYFW moment!

Which Christian Siriano look made you want to scream “I need it now”? 

Both of the looks I got to wear were so beautiful. I loved the low-cut, V-neck, three-quarter length polka dot dress — and the gorgeous sheer gown I got to wear, too!

After-parties: worth it or overrated?

 I think after-parties are such a fun way to let off steam and celebrate. But this Fashion Week, Momma flew back early to attend a children’s foster youth charity gala for Promises2Kids in San Diego — so no after-parties for me this time.

What’s the first thing you’ll do when the shows are over? 

I’ll land back in LA, do some laundry, and play with my pup Hadleigh before recording another Sirius XM radio show that I co-write and co-host with Duff for Ozzy Osbourne’s channel — which now airs globally to over 20 million listeners. Then I’ll head down to my home in San Diego to support and attend a wonderful evening honoring foster youth at the impactful Promises2Kids Gala. 

Finish this sentence: New York Fashion Week is… 

Electrifying, transformative, community-driven, inclusive, and timeless!