Stassi Schroeder, best known for her role on the reality television show “Vanderpump Rules,” recently walked the runway at the 2026 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Runway Show in Miami Beach. This event, which took place on May 30, marked another significant milestone in her career as a model and a mother of two. Backstage at the glamorous venue, the 37-year-old opened up about her experiences in modelling, the challenges of motherhood, and her new reality series, “House of Stassi.”
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Having made her debut in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit fashion show in 2025, Schroeder returned this year to further showcase her confidence in front of the audience. The experience, she stated, felt immensely powerful: “I’ve never felt so powerful and so in my body.” However, the nerves still linger whenever she dons a bikini and steps out onto the runway. “I still kind of want to s— my pants,” she admitted, before revealing her pre-stage mantra that drives her confidence: “You are an icon, you’re everything. You have to have delulu energy.”
In preparation for her second runway appearance, Schroeder intensified her workout routine and indulged in lymphatic drainage massages and spray tans. These efforts were not solely for aesthetics, but rather to bolster her confidence as she navigates the dual roles of being a public figure and a parent. She highlighted the camaraderie among the women involved in the Sports Illustrated brand, remarking how supportive they are of one another. “Every single girl here is so welcoming… it does wonders for my confidence,” she said, emphasising the sense of sisterhood shared among the models.
Schroeder’s sentiments about the strong female support extended to her own family life. She noted that her five-year-old daughter, Hartford, sees her as a role model. After witnessing her mother on the runway last year, Hartford has expressed her admiration and joy, often reminiscing about the experience. “She watched Mommy work. She walked across the pool,” Schroeder recalled, showing how impactful the moment was for both mother and daughter. The mother-daughter duo has been playful, with Hartford mimicking her during photo shoots, delighting in her mother’s creative profession.
As she juggles her modelling career with motherhood, Schroeder is also set to premiere her new reality series, “House of Stassi,” on July 29. This show promises to offer an intimate look into her life after leaving “Vanderpump Rules.” “It’s way more intimate,” she described the project, indicating it marks a new era for her family. The series will explore her life as a married woman and mother, presenting an unfiltered portrayal of her journey since her reality TV debut.
The show’s authenticity is something Schroeder is eager for viewers to experience, stating that they “don’t hold back” in presenting their reality. She even mentioned that, following the series’ release, she might take a break from social media to avoid the inevitable scrutiny. “I think people will be surprised by how open we are to showing our real lives,” she reflected, hinting at the show’s raw and honest storytelling.
Fans of Schroeder and the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit franchise can look forward to the broadcast of the 2026 runway show, which is set to premiere on June 9, available to stream on platforms such as Hulu and Disney+. This year’s fashion showcase will include performances from well-known artists and provide exclusive behind-the-scenes moments, enriching the viewer experience.
As Schroeder continues to navigate her multifaceted life, she emphasizes the importance of female empowerment and positivity, both within the modelling industry and at home. With her new series and her commitment to motherhood and self-acceptance, Stassi Schroeder remains an inspirational figure for many, demonstrating that confidence and authenticity can coexist beautifully in both personal and professional realms.