Doutzen Kroes is more than just a top model. She is an actress, philanthropist, and activist whose life story has inspired countless women worldwide. From her early days in a small Dutch town to becoming one of the most recognized supermodels in the world, Doutzen’s career is a testament to hard work, talent, and perseverance. Alongside her modeling career, she is dedicated to advocacy, using her platform to drive social change.

Early Life and Beginnings

Born on January 23, 1985, in Eastermar, a small village in the Netherlands, Doutzen grew up in a family where sports played a significant role. Both of her parents were champion speed skaters in the 1970s, which influenced Doutzen’s initial dream of becoming a professional speed skater. However, her path took a turn when she entered the world of modeling. In 2003, Doutzen began her modeling career in her home country, and her natural talent quickly caught the eye of agencies. Not long after, she was sent to New York, where she signed with top brands, including the prestigious lingerie brand, Victoria’s Secret.

Rise to Fame

Doutzen’s big break came in 2006 when she became a brand ambassador for L’Oréal Paris. Just two years later, in 2008, she was named a Victoria’s Secret Angel, a role she held until 2014. During this time, Doutzen earned recognition as one of the highest-paid models in the world, with her annual earnings estimated at over $5 million by 2008. By 2014, she had climbed to the second-highest spot on Forbes’ list of top-earning supermodels, making around $8 million that year.

A Star on the Runways and Covers

Initially hesitant about pursuing modeling seriously, Doutzen’s career skyrocketed after she began sending snapshots to agencies in Amsterdam in 2003. By 2005, she had already won the title of “Model of the Year” from Vogue.com readers. She was featured on the cover of the May 2007 issue of Vogue as one of the world’s next top models and appeared in the 2008 Pirelli Calendar. Her success continued as she made regular appearances on Forbes’ top-earning model list, maintaining her spot in the top five for several years.

Victoria’s Secret and Beyond

Doutzen became an iconic figure at Victoria’s Secret, known for her stunning runway presence. In 2008, she officially became an Angel, marking the beginning of a successful partnership that lasted six years. In 2013, Doutzen made history by being the first model to grace the cover of four international Vogue editions in the same month. She also appeared in Calvin Klein’s Reveal fragrance campaign in 2014. That year, she made the decision to part ways with Victoria’s Secret, ending a seven-year collaboration with the brand.

Doutzen Kroes: An Actress and Entrepreneur

In addition to modeling, Doutzen pursued an acting career. Her debut came in 2011 in the Dutch 3D film Nova Zembla. She also trained in acting for several years in New York City, hoping to further her acting career. In 2017, Doutzen appeared in the blockbuster film Wonder Woman as an Amazon warrior, marking a significant milestone in her acting journey.

Aside from acting and modeling, Doutzen launched her own line with Dutch lingerie brand Hunkemöller in 2016. Her collection, Doutzen’s Stories, was well received, and she became the spokesperson for the brand, starring in multiple campaigns.

Philanthropy and Activism

Doutzen is also dedicated to giving back. She is involved with the non-profit organization Dance4Life, which educates young people about HIV and AIDS prevention through music and dance. Additionally, she is an ambassador for the Praat mar Frysk campaign, which promotes the Frisian language, the native tongue of her home province, Friesland.

Conclusion

Doutzen Kroes has achieved much in her career, from gracing the covers of major fashion magazines to becoming a philanthropist and activist. Her journey from a small village in the Netherlands to becoming a global icon is a powerful reminder that dreams can become reality with hard work, passion, and a commitment to personal growth. Whether she’s strutting down the runway, advocating for important causes, or acting on the big screen, Doutzen continues to inspire people all over the world.