Doutzen Kroes, Dutch model and actress

Doutzen Kroes: A Global Icon in Fashion and Beyond

Doutzen Kroes, born on 23 January 1985, is a globally recognized Dutch supermodel and accomplished actress. Hailing from Eastermar, Friesland, her native West Frisian pronunciation of her name is [ˈdɔu̯tsə(ŋ) ˈkrus], while in Dutch, it is pronounced [ˈdʌutsə(ŋ)]. She has cemented her status as one of the most influential figures in the modern fashion industry, celebrated for her distinctive beauty and remarkable career longevity.

The Trajectory of a Supermodel: From Discovery to Global Stardom

Doutzen Kroes embarked on her illustrious modelling journey in 2003, initially discovered within her native Netherlands. Her unique look and undeniable charisma quickly caught the eye of her agency, leading to a pivotal move to New York City, the epicenter of global fashion. This strategic relocation proved to be a turning point, as she was swiftly cast by Victoria's Secret, the renowned American lingerie brand. This early exposure to such a prominent label laid the foundation for her rapid ascent in the industry.

Victoria's Secret Angel and Brand Ambassadorships

Kroes's career reached new heights when she became an official Victoria's Secret Angel, a highly coveted title, from 2008 until 2014. This role positioned her among an elite group of models, granting her immense global visibility and establishing her as a household name. Notably, she holds the distinction of being the second Dutch model to achieve this prestigious status, following in the footsteps of Karen Mulder. Beyond the runway, Doutzen Kroes has cultivated a significant presence in the beauty industry, serving as a prominent brand ambassador for L'Oréal Paris since 2006. Her enduring partnership with such a global beauty giant underscores her widespread appeal and influence.

Financial Success and Industry Recognition

Doutzen Kroes's professional success has translated into substantial financial achievements, consistently placing her among the highest-paid models in the world since 2008, with estimated annual earnings often exceeding $5 million. Her earning power peaked in 2014 when Forbes, the authoritative business magazine, ranked her second on their top-earning models list, estimating her income for that year at an impressive $8 million. This placed her firmly among the elite earners in an intensely competitive field. As of December 2015, her stature in the fashion world was further solidified when Models.com, a leading industry database, recognized her as one of the "New Supers," a designation reserved for models who transcend traditional categories and achieve iconic status. The platform also aptly dubbed her the "Helen of Troy of advertising," a testament to her captivating beauty and profound impact on commercial campaigns.

In 2013, Kroes achieved an unprecedented feat in the publishing world, becoming the first model to grace four different solo international covers of Vogue's highly anticipated September issue in a single year. The September issue is traditionally the largest and most important of the year for fashion magazines, making this achievement a rare demonstration of her unparalleled global demand and editorial prominence across various international editions of the iconic fashion bible.

Venturing into Acting: Film Debut

Expanding her creative endeavors beyond the fashion runways, Doutzen Kroes made her acting debut in the 2011 historical drama film Nova Zembla. This marked her foray into cinema, showcasing her versatility and willingness to explore new artistic avenues beyond the realm of modeling.

Frequently Asked Questions About Doutzen Kroes

When did Doutzen Kroes begin her modeling career?
Doutzen Kroes commenced her professional modelling career in 2003 in the Netherlands.
Was Doutzen Kroes a Victoria's Secret Angel?
Yes, Doutzen Kroes was a prominent Victoria's Secret Angel from 2008 until 2014.
For which beauty brand is Doutzen Kroes an ambassador?
Doutzen Kroes has been a brand ambassador for L'Oréal Paris since 2006.
How much did Doutzen Kroes earn at her peak?
In 2014, Doutzen Kroes was estimated by Forbes to have earned $8 million in one year, making her the second highest-paid model globally that year.
What was Doutzen Kroes's film debut?
Her film debut was in the 2011 historical drama Nova Zembla.