IN CONVERSATION WITH SUSAN HOLMES MCKAGAN

interview by JANA LETONJA

Multi-hyphenate and legendary supermodel Susan Holmes McKagan will be joining her husband, Duff McKagan of Guns’N’Roses on tour this Spring and Summer. Her career spanned the golden era of the 90s fashion world and has since expanded into so much more, including becoming an Award winning author and radio host of Sirius XM’s Three Chords & A Truth alongside her husband. Known for her striking beauty and strong runway presence, Susan was a muse for some of the most iconic photographers and designers of the time. 

Susan, you were dubbed “The Body” by Steven Meisel, a title that holds so much prestige in the fashion industry. What was that moment like for you, and how did it shape your career in the fashion world? Having been a muse for some of the most iconic photographers and designers in the 90s, could you share a memorable experience from a collaboration with someone like Steven Meisel or John Galliano?

Working with such a legend is always beyond an amazing experience. And my being coined ‘the body’ by the master himself, Steven Meisel, is so incredibly humbling. Steven studied fashion illustration at Parson’s. After graduation, he drew for Halston and Women's Wear Daily while teaching at Parsons. So, to convey it succinctly, he understands angles, movement, lines, light and the emotive aspects of a fashion photoshoot more than anyone else.  His confidence in me helped shape my career and also helped me believe in myself. 

Once you work consistently with Steven, then pretty much everyone wants to work with you. I’ll never forget one particular epic shoot we did for the Dolce & Gabbana campaign. It was shot on my actual birthday in New York.  In one of my looks, I remember wearing one of their beautiful hand painted women’s suits, and the hair and makeup by the dream team, all so iconic. Such an unforgettable day being there all together. At the end of the shoot, I was even surprised by a birthday song and cake alongside my model friends Meghan Douglas, Tyra Banks and Kate Moss. 

You were at the forefront of the fashion world during its golden era in the 90s. What was it like to be part of such a transformative period in fashion history, and how has the industry changed since then?

I love and am so mesmerized to have been part of the incredible 90s fashion era. I adore it so much that I actually wrote a book about it, called ‘The Velvet Rose’. The 90s were unlike any other era. The models, the industry, the glamour, I mean, it was swollen with a sort of a legendary ‘evergreen stalwart’ that will in my humble opinion, never be quite matched. There was a certain mystery to modeling then, and taking photographs for magazines. What the photographer captured was what was then printed. Not really retouched, and not seen until the magazine came out. The only evidence we might have had of that photoshoot was a few polaroids.   

The 90s fashion scene is often viewed as iconic. How do you think today’s fashion industry compares to that era in terms of creativity and inclusivity?
The 90s were at times inspired from the 1960s and 70s, with skinny brows to middle hair parts, a chunky boot and vintage silk slip dress. The 90s really pronounced a ton of strong independent looks on their own too, mixing black with red lipstick for that definitive 90s burgundy signature lip and nail that make-up artist, Stephan Marais, custom made for us models. I love that today the fashion industry has nicely expanded to be more inclusive, more ethnicities, less ageism, more shapes and sizes, and more women designers too. I love designer Kim Shui, and always love walking in her shows every Fall NYFW. 

You’ve transitioned from being a model to becoming an award-winning author and radio host. Can you talk a little about that transition and what sparked your interest in exploring other creative avenues?

I think it’s important to keep learning, growing, stretching, trying, and having a creative outlet.  I have a passion for fashion. Can you believe I was even the president of my sewing club in high school? I would enjoy taking extra sewing classes after school, to learn more about the craft, and understanding patterns, and the machines. 

I have great respect for literature and writers. My mother taught seventh and ninth grade English and I grew up reading and correcting homework with her sometimes. I pivoted my writing with front page Huffington Post columns to then also writing and having my first novel ‘The Velvet Rose’ published. I worked fastidiously on my first book and was so elated when it won an Award, and sold out in one day on both Amazon and Barnes & Noble.  

The Sirius XM show, ‘Three Chords and The Truth’, I host with my husband Duff McKagan is fun because we get to play music that we think depicts the truth in rock’n’roll, from hidden gems to up and coming cool bands, to classic not heard enough edgy cool artists music. Our Sirius XM show now airs in over 12 countries worldwide and has grown to a listenership of over 20 Million!

Hosting a radio show like Three Chords & A Truth with your husband, Duff McKagan, must offer a unique dynamic. How do you balance that role while also keeping up with your other ventures?

It’s a balancing act. I am a creature of habit and like to take pride in my organizational skills.  Every evening before I go to bed, I write a to do list, and if I tackle four of the ten items, it’s a good day. I wear many hats - mom, wife, model, writer, radio host - and am constantly traveling and in a different country and time zone. My advice is, find a formulated habit that works well for you. I get up, drink my fresh lemon water and coffee, feed my dog and then comb through e-mails. I then walk the dog and get in a workout and stretch. 

You’re joining Duff on tour this Spring/Summer. What’s it like being on the road with one of the most iconic rock bands of all time, and how does that experience compare to your modeling days?

Touring with one of the biggest rock bands in the world is pretty fabulous. I have gotten to see and explore so many wonderful places together with my husband, even some different ones than from modeling trips, from Africa where we went on safari, to Seoul where I had the 15 step scalp analysis treatment, to Buenos Aires where we got to see the fabulous city and watch the fabulous flamenco dancers. Of course, it wouldn't be fair to not mention Duff and I’s big 20th wedding anniversary whilst on tour in fun and fierce Amsterdam. I think I have now been to over 59 countries in less than 36 months.

Some fascinating places I’ve gotten to go to for modeling over the years include Jamaica, Cuba, Morocco, to shooting an American Vogue shoot literally on Karl Lagerfeld’s bed in his French bedroom with famed photographer Ellen Von Unwerth. I think there’s a good reason why models and musicians often date, as we live very parallel lives with travel, fast paced lives and being creatives. 

As a wife, mom, and creative powerhouse, how do you juggle your family life with your career and its demands?

Family first is my motto for life. I feel so lucky to be a mother to two healthy, smart, kind, intelligent and sweet daughters, Grace and Mae. My husband is so beyond cool and we just make sure to give each other attention, appreciation and affection. We dedicate each other wholeheartedly and I would say loyalty, devotion and humor are key. I plan when our family will get to be together, whether we jump on the tour somewhere with Guns’N’Roses and visit their dad, or we plan a special holiday all of us together. Last year, we all went boating around the south of France and Italy.  

Finally, what advice would you give to young women looking to make their own mark in an industry like fashion, or those trying to balance their creative passions with family life?

I would say believe in yourself, be tenacious, know and believe in what you can bring to the table, keep your thirst for knowledge in fashion and various cultures. Remember sometimes that with modeling it is timing and what particular look is in fashion at that particular moment. In other words, don’t take it personally if you do not get a particular job. Modeling is subjective, and there’s enough room for everyone. 

Also, have fun and enjoy the journey. Nowadays women continue their careers and success later in life so don’t feel so rushed and enjoy the journey. 

CREDITS:
photography DIMITRY LOISEAU