Susan Holmes,former Supermodel and now a top designer, was honored as Swimwear Designer of the Year at the 15th Annual Michael Awards for the Fashion Industry, held on May 7 at the New York Marriott Marquis Hotel. The annual awards ceremony, referred to by the media as the “Oscars of Fashion,” showcases and honors the best and brightest of the fashion industry. Previous winners in different genres include Cindy Crawford, Calvin Klein, Oscar de la Renta, and Tommy Hilfiger.

As a senior in high school, surrounded by the San Diego surf scene, Susan Holmes made swimsuits just for fun. Unfortunately, for all the fans of her designs, she got sidetracked into another fashion field—modeling.

By the mid 1990’s, Susan was one of the 20 highest paid fashion models in the industry modeling for such names as Valentino, Versace, Prada and Chanel. Not to mention her print and commercial work for everyone from Lagerfield and St. Laurent to Peugot and Revlon.

But it wasn’t till years later, when she married Duff McKagan,( founding member of Guns n Roses and Velvet Revolver), and they began a family, that she revisited her passion for creating fashion. Susan has become equally successful with that, creating swimwear that in her own words “exudes charm with rock n’ roll inspiration and attention to detail.”

Holmes swimsuits are worn worldwide by celebrities such as Kate Hudson, Venus Williams, Elle Macpherson, Stella McCartney, Heidi Klum and many others. In a recent Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition, she was the designer with the most suits featured in the spread.

One of the benefits she enjoys of having a successful business is the ability to give back over 10% of net proceeds to charities such as Project Angel Food, the only free meal delivery program in all of LA, the Surfrider Foundation, an environmental organization that works to protect the our oceans and beaches, and The Red Cross.

Even though she is mostly known for her modeling and designing it is her charity work and love of family that truly defines her success. It is clear that those years of modeling swimsuits gave her the instincts to know what women want in swimwear.

Susan is writing a book on successful “Hollywood Marriages” and what makes a strong marriage partnership.

She has also appeared on numerous TV shows with her swimwear designs and she appeared on Fox News Channel as the American Idol commentating expert.

www.susanholmes.net

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON SUSAN CONTACT HER PUBLICIST: KAREN AMMOND- KBC MEDIA

kbcmedia@att.net