Nationality: Dutch
Profession: Fashion Model
Mother agency The Netherlands, Amsterdam: Touché models
Agency USA, New York: Elite
Agency Frankfurt, Germany: East West Models
Milestones:
Adds: Sportsgirl Australia, Avon, Timberland, Bijenkorf, Wella, PHCY Industry
Magazines: Glamour, Elle, Marieclaire, Intown, Cosmopolitan, Women, GQ, Avenuel, Noblesse
Shows: Iceberg, Benneton, Tommy Hilfiger, DEPT, Fornarina
Commercials: Volkswagen, Greenpeace, Ferrero, AngelDevil
Current location: Amsterdam!
How did you start modeling?
"I was 16 when a group of friends and I were in Amsterdam for a day, which was really exiting coming from Groningen. We were shopping in Magna Plaza shopping centre when a photographer grabbed my arm and wanted me to join a Nivea Young competition. My friends pushed me into it. A week later I got a call from a lady, telling me I won the competition. At first, I didn’t even know what she was talking about. My face was on billboards through the North of Holland, even at my high school. It was so shy! A small agency in Groningen took me on and after high school; an agency in Milan and Paris asked to represent me. I wanted to see the world and it was my way out of the small city."
What does your career do for you?
"I think a career should be an extend of what you love doing most. Travelling and working with many different people is inspiring and stimulates you to be creative. The creative part of the job is fantastic. Working together with a team, building towards a great shot..
I am interested in comparing cultures, countries, people and food around the world. Modelling also gives you a lot of responsibility and in that way opportunity to work hard, grow up and learn quickly. If you have a curious attitude towards the world, modelling can give you a lot of answers.
And it pays the rent.."
What’s your most memorable shoot?
"I flew to the Tunisian dessert for an editorial once. We were shooting at the Star wars village. For lunch, the women from a tiny village nearby cooked a massive pot of couscous for us. Everyone gathered around and ate from the pot. We couldn’t talk, but the food brought everyone together. After lunch, when the other model was shooting, I and the men from the village played a game of soccer. It was so much fun, all these men in long white drapes and this tall blond girl, with their camels watching by the sideline, playing soccer in the Tunisian middle of nowhere."
What do you think Modellist-id can do for the model community?
"Modellist-id is such a great idea! This website will make things much easier for models to do their job. It’s good to figure things out by yourself, but hey, everyone needs a little help once in a while. Where to go in which city and how to get around, older models talking to younger models about their experiences, which agencies are good and last but not least to spread information (not keeping a taoo) about taking care of your body and keeping both feet on the ground when travelling around the globe by yourself."
Who do you admire and would you like to meet?
"My examples are my parents, but admiring sounds more like “who’s your idol?”
I admire strong women such as Angelina Jolie, Beyonce and the Dixie Chicks. I also admire people who move people and stay true to themselves, no matter what, such as Ghandi, Buddha and Obama. As a model I like Erin Wasson. She’s gorgeous and a great model. All people I’d like to meet!"
What’s your favourite book/film/music?
"Such an impossible one to answer! I’ll try to keep it short.
I’ve just finished reading “A thousand shining suns”, which was beautifully sad. Usually, I tend to read “Catcher in the rye” type of books such as “Everything is Illuminated” or “The curious incident of a dog in the nighttime”.
Movies: Boys on the side, Dances with wolves, The life aquatic and Y tu mama tambien.
Music wise I love going to concerts. I guess you could describe by taste as Indie-rock and singer-song music. But I also can’t do without some Reggae or Brazilian swinging. At the moment, I’m listening a lot to The Avett Brothers, DeYarmond Edison, Fleetwood Mac and Raphael Saadiq."
What’s your beauty regime?
"I clean my face with Bioderma H2o, which I order through internet from France. I love organic products. The Zarqa face cream from De Tuinen keeps your skin hydrated and soft, but not too fatty. I brush my eyebrows, curl lashes, put on Telescope mascara from L’Oreal (which actually really has a telescopic effect!), a tad of blush and voila, ready steady. And I brush my hairJ I always carry a small bag with a tiny hairbrush and Lucas Pawpaw Ointment lip balm (Australian) with me. Brushed hair looks healthy and fresh and the lipbalm helps you look fresh for the casting. Once in a while I lock myself up in the bathroom for a full body scrub and I take care of my hands and feet. I like to keep it as natural as possible, since I have to wear so much make up for my job. Healthy food and natural products."
What are your favourite hang out spots in the city you live in?
"In summer the Vondelpark, in winter all the cute little lunch places and during the entire year; my home. Home sweet home."
What is your favourite city and where do you like to hang out there?
"I don’t have a favourite city. El born area in Barcelona, the Jordaan in Amsterdam, my family in Groningen, surfing in Cape-town and Williamsburg buzz in NY all have their individual charm."
Do you have any advice for those who want to start modeling?
"One step at the time, it’s a career you will get good at and understand by time. Travel much and keep your eyes open."
What are your future plans?
"Continuing modeling and writing, getting better at photography and perhaps coach models, since I’m studying nutrition. I want to enjoy as much as possible and hope to inspire."
