Doutzen Kroes

The Dutch model Doutzen Kroes, with her sensual doll -like look and her delicious pout, is a model à la Bundchen, i.e. fresh and dynamic. L'Oréal's icon since 2006, repeat appearances on the catwalks and a model for Victoria's Secret, Kroes at 22 is one of the most requested models on the planet.

When asked about her success, Kroes replied, "I thought that the era of Dutch models was beginning. After the Brazilians and the Russians, it was finally our turn!" Looking back, however, the infatuation with Kroes has less to do with her nationality than Doutzen herself. A beautiful, charismatic blond with a face that vaguely recalls Denise Richards, a voluptuous figure, a sporty/glamour look, and a mischievous and candid look - the fashion world could not pass her up.

Kroes was born near Amsterdam and grew up with no intention of becoming a model. She had a normal school life and it was not until she was 18 and pushed by those close to her (friends and admirers) that she decided to put together a book. In it were amateur photos like family snapshots, but this did not keep the agencies from seeing her enormous potential.

Some time after starting her career, she was called to Paris and posed for the cover of Numéro, her first photo session. She became a sensation and posed for fashion editorials for Elle, the cover of Time, Vogue and Harper's Bazaar.

In 2005, she walked for the big fashion houses and her name became known as well as her beautiful face. Vogue readers elected her model of the year, which she took as "an enormous compliment."

She became a part of the Victoria's Secret dream team, participated in their 2005 show, and since has appeared regularly in their catalog. She is also present in all the shows: Blumarine, Christian Dior, Ungaro, Karl Lagerfeld, Givenchy, Valentino, Versace and McQueen, just to name a few.

In 2006, she became one of L'Oréal's ambassadors, which for her was a consecration of her career. This contract pushed her up with women like Claudia Schiffer, Natalia Vodianova and Andy MacDowell. Kroes incarnated yet another facet of universal and cosmopolitan beauty put out by the cosmetics group.

In 2007, she replaced Christy Turlington at Calvin Klein and became the face of the perfume, Eternity. She also took her first steps at the Festival de Cannes as the L'Oréal icon. When she was asked if she was interested in working in film, Kroes found the question almost absurd - her career is modeling, it takes up all of her time, so no, she had never thought about making movies.

Despite her flamboyant career and the recognition of her peers. Kroes remains very prudent about her future. She imagines having children and living in the country. Her love of nature and her desire to offer future generations a healthy planet led her to join Greenpeace. She admits to having been impressed by Al Gore's film and hopes that it will be shown repeatedly in the schools in order that everyone becomes aware of the danger that may lie ahead.

As for her look, she likes mixing brand label accessories with little pieces from big chain stores like H&M. For her, it is important to show that one can be stylish without going bankrupt. She also admires Kate Moss who, whatever she wears, always has an amazing look.

Doutzen Kroes is a great girl, down to earth, who believes that a healthy lifestyle based on sports and organic food is the best beauty product. When the questions become more precise, however, she replies that nothing is better than L'Oréal...