Model Eleanor Simon Takes Us Backstage at NYFW

At 56, Eleanor Simon is living proof that beauty and confidence can deepen with time. As she returned to New York Fashion Week this season, her schedule was packed with runway appearances for designers such as 3.1 Phillip Lim, Christian Cowan, and Bibhu Mohapatra. Navigating the fast-paced frenzy of castings to soaking in the exhilarating, sometimes chaotic energy backstage, Eleanor’s annual sojourn at New York Fashion Week is always a thrill.

“I never really know what to expect,” she shares, recounting how her days were filled with requests and fittings, some, last minute, but each one adding to the excitement. “There is no real schedule. You just have to be ready to go.”

Despite the hustle, Eleanor finds time for her tried-and-true rituals, balancing the intensity with mindful self-care—hydrating, resting, and preparing her body for the demanding week ahead. “My prep really is to eat healthy and get a lot of rest because it’s a real hustle,” she admits. “The travel, castings, the city—it’s a lot of leg work, so I’m really good with self-care.”

Backstage, at the shows, she embraces the chaos and soaks in the excitement. “Sometimes, at the fittings, they are still working on the pieces. The day of the show is madness backstage—in a good way,” she muses. “It is so exciting! Hair and makeup, mani-pedis, so much glamour!”

But the real magic happens when Eleanor hits the runway. “The thrill is everything,” she says, reflecting on the exhilarating moments when the lights dim and the music starts.

This season, each show gave Eleanor a chance to embody a different vision. From the urban elegance of the 3.1 Phillip Lim show, to the bold, high-fashion flamboyance of Christian Cowan, Eleanor would shift into the look and attitude that perfectly embodies the collection. Elegant yet sensual in a black and white evening gown for Bibhu Mohapatra, sophisticated with a hint of playfulness for Rachel Comey, and curious in Kallmeyer.

And even after all these years, the excitement of the catwalk still fuels her passion. “[I am] beyond grateful after all these years to still be doing this. Sometimes I still can’t believe it. I’m enjoying every single second.“

Eleanor Simon walks for the Christian Cowan spring 2025 ready-to-wear show. Photo: Daniele Oberrauch / Gorunway.com

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In the hair and makeup chair before walking the Christian Cowan show. Courtesy of Eleanor Simon

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A snap of the styling notes for Eleanor’s look for Christian Cowan. Courtesy of Eleanor Simon

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A snap from Eleanor post-show at Christian Cowan. Courtesy of Eleanor Simon

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Eleanor Simon walks for the 3.1 Phillip Lim spring 2025 ready-to-wear show. Photo: Paolo Lanzi / Gorunway.com

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Courtesy of Eleanor Simon

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Eleanor checks in backstage for 3.1 Phillip Lim, her first show of this season’s New York Fashion Week. Courtesy of Eleanor Simon

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In the hair and makeup chair before walking the 3.1 Phillip Lim show. Courtesy of Eleanor Simon

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Eleanor’s look for 3.1 Phillip Lim. Courtesy of Eleanor Simon

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Eleanor with her fellow models backstage at the 3.1 Phillip Lim show. Courtesy of Eleanor Simon

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Eleanor Simon is cast as Look 18 for the 3.1 Phillip Lim show. Courtesy of Eleanor Simon

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Eleanor Simon walks for the Rachel Comey spring 2025 ready-to-wear show. Photo: Filippo Fior / Gorunway.com

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Eleanor’s look for Rachel Comey. Courtesy of Eleanor Simon

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Courtesy of Eleanor Simon

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A quick selfie ahead of the Rachel Comey show. Courtesy of Eleanor Simon

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Eleanor Simon walks for the Bibhu Mohapatra spring 2025 read-to-wear show. Photo: Isidore Montag / Gorunway.com

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The nail station backstage at the Bibhu Mohapatra show. Courtesy of Eleanor Simon

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In rehearsals for the Bibhu Mohapatra show. Courtesy of Eleanor Simon

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Backstage, Eleanor revels in her look before the Bibhu Mohapatra show. Courtesy of Eleanor Simon

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Eleanor’s look for the Bibhu Mohapatra show. Courtesy of Eleanor Simon

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Eleanor backstage at the Bibhu Mohapatra show. Courtesy of Eleanor Simon

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Eleanor walks for the Bibhu Mohapatra spring 2025 ready-to-wear show at New York Fashion Week. Photographed by Angelina Lippert. Courtesy of Eleanor Simon

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Eleanor Simon walks for the Kallemeyer spring 2025 ready-to-wear show. Photo: Filippo Fior / Gorunway.com

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Eleanor and her look for Kallemeyer. Courtesy of Eleanor Simon

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Eleanor in her look for the Kallemeyer show. Courtesy of Eleanor Simon

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