Susan Holmes McKagan is no stranger to reinvention. From gracing the runways of the world’s top fashion houses to becoming a respected media personality, designer, and best-selling author, her career has been defined by evolution and ambition. But beyond the glitz and glamour, Holmes McKagan has built an empire rooted in creativity, resilience, and an unwavering passion for storytelling. In celebration of Women’s History Month, Holmes McKagan reflects on how her journey serves as an inspiring testament to the power of reinvention and the strength of women who refuse to be limited by their past.
Holmes McKagan’s ability to seamlessly pivot across industries is nothing short of remarkable. While many know her from her iconic presence in the fashion world as a Victoria’s Secret model, she has spent years honing her voice as a writer, drawing inspiration from personal experiences, observations, and an undeniable knack for weaving compelling narratives. Beyond her best-selling book, she continues to push the envelope, embracing new creative challenges that allow her to connect with a broader audience.
As a woman who has consistently defied expectations and embraced new challenges, Holmes McKagan’s journey is a reflection of the essence of Women’s History Month: a celebration of strength, empowerment, and breaking boundaries. In an exclusive interview with GRAZIA USA, she opens up about her transition from the catwalk to the page, the inspirations behind her multifaceted career, and what’s next for her ever-evolving journey.
GRAZIA: From strutting the runway as a Victoria’s Secret Angel to co-hosting a radio show and writing a novel, your career is anything but conventional. As we celebrate International Women’s Month, how does it feel to reflect on the legacy you’ve built across fashion, media, and literature — and what does this moment mean to you personally?
SUSAN HOLMES MCKAGAN: I feel incredibly grateful and blessed for the longevity and fruitful modeling career that I happily continue to enjoy. I think it’s fabulous that brands, designers, and magazines are encompassing more inclusivity than ever; showing beauty at all ages, and ethnicities, embracing LGBTQ, all sizes, etc. I really wanted to embrace the humility, humor, and intelligence of females in my book, The Velvet Rose. I feel so honored that my first published book sold out in one day on both Amazon and Barnes and Noble on its release date! I also think it’s especially fun and cool that it’s my book, which primarily takes place in a male dominant setting, in the early 90’s Rock N Roll world. Personally, I feel so lucky that my career has been so successful and still more than ever, continues to resonate in this strong female environment.
GRAZIA: Your novel, The Velvet Rose, draws inspiration from your real-life experiences in the world of fame, fashion, and rock and roll. What inspired you to share these stories, and how do you hope your journey empowers other women to embrace their own voices and truths?
HOLMES MCKAGAN: I was inspired to share some of my stories in the format of a novel because I thought they would inspire, resonate and entertain readers, women in particular. I hope I demonstrated to other women to have the courage to follow through on their career paths… whether it be in creative endeavors like writing, teaching, or creating. Just remember, for all the women who are unsure whether they should proceed or lean in with their vision, “Failure is a detour, not a dead-end street.”
GRAZIA: You’ve successfully worn so many hats — model, designer, author, media personality. This month honors women breaking boundaries — what does it mean to you to embody these multifaceted roles, and how do you stay inspired to keep evolving?
HOLMES MCKAGAN: It means everything to me. I work really hard on my craft every single day. I put my heart and soul into each and every project. I truly love what I do. I feel so thankful to constantly have the creative ability, it keeps me feeling alive. I am always trying to lean in on my surroundings, especially when traveling around the globe: the next stop is Seoul to Tokyo to Turkey to Portugal! Of course, it would be remiss if I didn’t mention my husband and daughters who inspire me a ton, too.
GRAZIA: Living alongside a rock legend while building your own empire is no small feat. During Women’s History Month, we’re spotlighting women who defy expectations — what’s one way you’ve redefined the ‘Rockstar WAG’ title and made it your own?
HOLMES MCKAGAN: I love being a wife and mother. I also think it’s extremely important to keep one’s own identity. And it makes a much more interesting dinner conversation, too! I walked into my relationship bringing my own merit and accomplishments to the table.
GRAZIA: You’ve witnessed fashion evolve across decades, from your days on the covers of Vogue to today’s digital-first world. How has being a woman in the fashion and entertainment industries shaped your perspective, and where do you hope to see the industry evolve for future generations of women?
HOLMES MCKAGAN: Being a mom of two daughters, I especially personally feel it is important that their generation moving forward is primarily consistent with diversity, strength, resilience, empathy, generosity, and hope.
GRAZIA: This International Women’s Month, we’re celebrating trailblazing women who redefine success on their own terms. What does female empowerment mean to you, and how do you use your platform to uplift and inspire other women?
HOLMES MCKAGAN: Female empowerment means having the time and freedom to then give back and inspire others. I use my platform to promote various humanitarian causes, using my social media platform to showcase that.
GRAZIA: You’ve built a life that blends rock and roll grit with undeniable grace. What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to women balancing career ambitions with personal life, especially in a world that often pressures women to ‘choose’ one over the other?
HOLMES MCKAGAN: Balance is key. Organization is everything. I’m a visual person, so for me, tackling family and work stuff on a detailed, handwritten calendar is crucial.
GRAZIA: As someone who has reinvented themselves across industries, what advice would you give to women looking to pivot in their careers or chase new dreams — particularly those doing so later in life?
HOLMES MCKAGAN: First, write it down. Come up with a plan and slowly see it come to fruition. Believe it or not, this truly helps when you write something down, it manifests itself not only to yourself but to others. Though keep your eye on the prize, allow yourself to encompass mistakes or rejections and learn from them. And repeat. Communicate with mentors, seek guidance, and believe in yourself. Navigating your new venture takes a lot of hard work and a lot of time, but if that’s what you’re truly passionate about, it’s well worth it in the end. I went back to school, further sharpening my writing skills. It was so hard and time consuming but to be good at your craftsman you have to constantly work towards becoming better; never assume you are the smartest in the room.
GRAZIA: Your daughters are following in your and Duff’s creative footsteps. How do you guide them in navigating the spotlight while encouraging them to develop their own unique voices as young women?
HOLMES MCKAGAN: Both Grace and Mae, our daughters, are immensely ambitious and creative, but also intellectual. That being said, I try my best to always be here for them of course, but allow them to formulate their own narrative and purpose. I always think a strong education is key, I am so proud of them both. Mae recently graduated with Honors at Parsons, School of Design and The New School in New York City. Her new inaugural collection is out now and stunning! I love that she has designs that encapsulate business to dinner. Grace is also almost complete with her college degree. She is at UC Riverside and also has a very strong GPA. She is currently studying everything from British Literature to political science.
GRAZIA: In an era where social media often shows only the ‘highlight reel,’ you’re offering an authentic glimpse into your life. During Women’s History Month, why is it so important for women in the public eye to share both their triumphs and challenges — and what impact do you hope your transparency has?
HOLMES MCKAGAN: Well we all know it is important to engage with your followers, as we all know life has its ups and downs and it is not all unicorns and roses. That’s why primarily on my Instagram account @susanholmesmckagen, I engage with my followers by asking questions, being realistic, and understanding what they would like to see more of. You gotta think of it like this: We’re all at one big dinner party, let’s engage and acknowledge each other! I love to also ask them for song requests on my radio show with Duff (Three Cords and The Truth on Sirius XM).
