Doutzen Kroes

Here is a profile of Doutzen Kroes — combining her biography, career, philosophy, and notable public quotes:

Doutzen Kroes – Life, Career, and Reflections

Born: January 23, 1985
Nationality: Dutch (Netherlands)

Introduction

Doutzen Kroes is best known as a supermodel, though she also works as an actress, philanthropist, and public voice on issues she cares about.

Below, I treat her public statements like “written authorship” — not in books, but in interviews, quotes, etc. — to draw out her beliefs, struggles, and identity.

Early Life and Family

• Doutzen Kroes was born in Eastermar (Friesland), Netherlands.

• Her mother, Geartsje Leistra, was a nurse turned teacher; her father, Johan Kroes, was a psychotherapist.

• In the 1970s, both her parents had been champion speed skaters.

• She has a younger sister named Rens, who is a nutritionist.

Growing up, she aspired to be a speed skater before modeling entered her life.

Education & Discovery of Modeling

After finishing school in 2003, Doutzen sent snapshots of herself to modeling agencies in Amsterdam. Paparazzi Model Management and soon relocated into international modeling opportunities.

She described that modeling never seemed like a real possibility early on. In interviews, she says she felt odd sending her own pictures and had to overcome inner hesitations.

Career & Achievements

Modeling & Fashion

• In 2005, Doutzen made her Victoria's Secret Fashion Show debut; later, she became a Victoria's Secret Angel from 2008 to 2014.

• She has been a long-time brand ambassador for L’Oréal Paris (since 2006)

• In 2013, she became the first model ever to land four solo international Vogue “September” covers in one year.

• In 2014, Forbes estimated her earnings at $8 million — making her one of the highest-paid models globally.

• She has modeled for many top fashion houses and been featured on international magazine covers (Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, etc.).

Acting & Other Ventures

• Her film debut was in the Dutch 3D film Nova Zembla (2011).

• She also appeared in Wonder Woman (as an Amazon warrior) and Justice League.

• Beyond modeling and acting, she is active in philanthropy. She is involved with Dance4Life, an organization educating youth about HIV/AIDS via song and dance.

• She supports conservation causes and has served as an ambassador for campaigns such as Knot on My Planet, focused on elephant protection and conservation.

Philosophy, Identity & Public Voice

Doutzen often speaks about authenticity, balance, and naturalness in the modeling world. She has advocated for showing less retouching and more “real skin.”

She emphasizes self-care, motherhood, and reconnection to nature:

“I’ve realized that I really like spending time in the countryside and having a garden.”

“When I am with my mum, I am happiest and healthiest. She always taught me how to eat healthily. She always cooked from the garden … it was always organic.”

She also expresses the tension between public image and private reality:

“Sometimes it's a struggle to keep up with my own photos, where the lighting is perfect, the makeup is done, and the images have been retouched. That’s not what I see when I look in the mirror!”

On work-life balance, motherhood, and identity:

“I don’t always feel sexy even though I have to look it … I’m a mom at home, and then I go into work … I see a different person in the mirror when I’m at work … than when I’m home.”

She has also discussed the idea of moderation:

“In any job, you have to give up certain things, and I believe that having a good quality of life means enjoying certain things only in moderation.”

In a more recent reflection on beauty and aging, she said upon returning to a Victoria’s Secret show after many years:

“I’ve learned that work is not who I am. I am not my job … everything that I get to do for my job is a bonus — and I really, really enjoy it.”

Lessons & Takeaways from Doutzen Kroes

1. Authenticity matters
   In a heavily curated industry, she pushes for more realness — less retouching, more acceptance of natural skin.

2. Identity beyond the job
   Her statement that she is not defined by her work is a powerful reminder to separate self-worth from career roles.

3. Balance & moderation
   Even in demanding professions, she advocates for giving up some things and choosing moderation to preserve well-being.

4. Nature and roots as grounding
   Her love for gardens, countryside, and her mother’s teachings reflect a search for grounding in a fast-paced world.

5. Using platform for purpose
   Transitioning into activism, conservation, and philanthropy demonstrates how one can grow a public role into a purpose-driven voice.