The Netherlands has produced some of the most successful models of the last few decades, from 90s supermodels to Victoria’s Secret Angels and Hollywood actresses. Here are 10 famous Dutch models and what made their careers.
1. Doutzen Kroes
Born on January 23, 1985, in Friesland, Doutzen Kroes is one of the most successful Dutch models of all time. She became a L’Oréal Paris ambassador in 2006 and was a Victoria’s Secret Angel for several years. She has appeared on countless Vogue covers and played an Amazon warrior in Wonder Woman (2017). Kroes is also known for her work with Dance4Life and for wildlife conservation campaigns, especially for elephants.
2. Lara Stone
Lara Stone was born in Geldrop to an English father and a Dutch mother and was discovered through the Elite Model Look competition. She became one of the defining faces of the late 2000s, fronting campaigns for Calvin Klein and Givenchy, and was named Model of the Year at the British Fashion Awards in 2010.
3. Rianne ten Haken
Rianne ten Haken started modeling as a teenager after taking part in the Elite Model Look contest. She went on to walk for major designers and appeared in beauty and fashion campaigns, becoming one of the best-known Dutch runway faces of the 2000s.
4. Karen Mulder
Karen Mulder, born on June 1, 1970, was one of the supermodels of the 1990s. She rose to fame through the Elite Look of the Year contest, walked for top designers, appeared on many magazine covers and modeled for Victoria’s Secret. She has also released music as a singer.
5. Sylvie Meis
Sylvie Meis, born in 1978 in Breda, is a model and TV presenter who became especially famous in Germany, where she hosted the dance show Let’s Dance. She has spoken openly about her recovery from breast cancer and has designed fashion and lingerie collections.
6. Famke Janssen
Famke Janssen modeled for top fashion houses before moving into acting. She is best known as Bond villain Xenia Onatopp in GoldenEye (1995), as Jean Grey in the X-Men films and as Lenore in the Taken series. She has also directed the film Bringing Up Bobby (2011).
7. Kim Feenstra
Kim Feenstra won the second season of Holland’s Next Top Model in 2007 and went on to model internationally. She has also worked as an actress and TV personality in the Netherlands.
8. Yfke Sturm
Yfke Sturm was scouted as a teenager and modeled internationally, including for Victoria’s Secret. She was also the first host of Holland’s Next Top Model, presenting its first two seasons.
9. Daniella van Graas
Daniella van Graas was scouted at 18 and went on to model for major magazines and brands, including Victoria’s Secret. She later appeared on Dutch television and has worked as the face of skincare brand Aveeno.
10. Daphne Deckers
Daphne Deckers is a model, TV presenter, actress and writer. She had a role in the Bond film Tomorrow Never Dies (1997), has written books and newspaper columns, and is married to former Wimbledon champion Richard Krajicek.
Final Thoughts
From Doutzen Kroes and Lara Stone to Famke Janssen’s Hollywood career, Dutch models have left a huge mark on fashion and film. For more, see our list of famous European models.
