At 30 years old, Romee Strijd commands a legacy built on runways, not hype. The Dutch-born model earned her place among fashion’s elite through talent and sheer resilience.
She is one of only three Dutch women to become a Victoria’s Secret Angel. This fact speaks to her craft and consistency in a fiercely competitive field.
This conversation cuts through the glamour. We hear directly from her about the moments that shaped her path.
She shares the journey from teenage nerves in Amsterdam to strutting for the world’s most respected fashion houses. Her career spans editorial covers and major campaigns.
Now, she balances motherhood with two daughters and a decade-long relationship. Her modeling work continues alongside a significant social media presence.
This interview offers insight into the real decisions and breakthroughs that define a model’s journey. It’s a story rooted in verified facts and her own voice.
A Candid Conversation with Romee Strijd on Career Highlights and Challenges
The first time she stepped onto the Victoria’s Secret runway, the sheer scale of the event hit her. As a newcomer in 2014, the lights and energy were overwhelming. Then, everything else disappeared.
Earning her Victoria’s Secret Angel wings the following year was a career peak. It placed her among an elite group of models. The title brought validation but also immense pressure to perform.
Facing the Highs and Lows of the Modeling World
Another high point came in 2018 when she wore the prestigious Shooting Star Swarovski Look. This honor confirmed her status within the Victoria’s Secret family. Yet, maintaining that level year after year took a physical toll.
She speaks openly about the lows, including a years-long battle with PCOS. The condition was worsened by intense workout regimens common in the fashion industry. For seven years, her health suffered before she prioritized it over industry standards.
Insights from a Former Victoria’s Secret Angel
This conversation reveals the discipline and sacrifice behind the Angel image. It took strength to step back and reclaim control over her body and career.
She also built a direct connection with fans through YouTube, starting in 2017. The channel shows the person behind the professional images. It has grown to 1.86 million subscribers who follow her journey beyond the runway.
Early Life & The Breakthrough Modeling Journey
Her journey into fashion started with a rejection at age 13, a moment that would later shape her entire approach to the industry. Growing up in Zoetermeer with her younger sister, she lived an ordinary life far from fashion’s spotlight.
Discovering a Passion at a Young Age in Zoetermeer
When a scout first approached her in Amsterdam, she said no. At thirteen years old, the idea seemed too intimidating. She had different dreams for her future.
Two years later, something shifted. At fifteen, she decided to give modeling a real chance. This led to signing with the prestigious DNA Model Agency in 2011.
| Age | Location | Career Milestone | Decision |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 years old | Amsterdam | First scouting opportunity | Declined due to nerves |
| 15 years old | Netherlands | Signed with DNA agency | Pursued modeling seriously |
| 17 years old | International | Worked for major brands | Returned home to finish school |
| After graduation | New York City | Professional modeling career | Moved with clear purpose |
From DNA Model Agency to International Runways
The early years tested her resilience. She worked in Milan, Paris, and New York for houses like Burberry and Prada. The pace overwhelmed a teenager navigating foreign cities alone.
At seventeen, she made a mature choice. She returned to the Netherlands to complete her education. This break gave her space to realize modeling was her true craft.
After graduation, Romee Strijd moved to New York with renewed commitment. Her early experiences built the foundation for the career that followed.
Inside the Runway: Modeling, Campaigns, and Iconic Editorials
The Spring/Summer 2012 season in Paris was a turning point. Booking shows for Saint Laurent, Louis Vuitton, and Alexander McQueen solidified her status. Designers recognized a model who could embody distinct creative visions.
Experiences on the Victoria’s Secret and High-Fashion Runways
Walking for Victoria’s Secret meant channeling explosive energy for a global television audience. It was pure spectacle. The contrast with a runway show in New York or Paris for houses like Prada was stark.
High-fashion required a different kind of precision. Each walk was a study in controlled movement. This adaptability became a hallmark of her career, respected by top models and designers alike.
Collaborations with Elite Brands Like Saint Laurent and Louis Vuitton
Beyond the runway, her appeal translated into major campaigns. She landed contracts with Michael Kors and multiple Victoria’s Secret deals. These partnerships proved her commercial versatility.
Her editorial work cemented her legacy. Romee Strijd graced the cover of numerous Vogue editions and Harper’s Bazaar. A particularly powerful moment was posing 26 weeks pregnant for Dutch Vogue.
That cover broke conventions and inspired an issue dedicated to motherhood. In 2017, she joined IMG Models, a move that reflected her position among the industry’s elite model roster.
Reflections on Success and Personal Growth in the Fashion World
Motherhood brought a seismic change in how she views her career and personal worth. Success now means health and longevity, not just the next campaign. Her two daughters reshaped her perspective entirely.
A stable partnership provided anchor points through the industry’s chaos. Her relationship began when she was a teenager navigating early modeling years. This foundation supported her through intense pressure.
Publicly discussing PCOS marked a turning point. She chose transparency over perfection after seven years of health struggles. Prioritizing well-being became more important than maintaining a damaging image.
Her YouTube channel connects directly with 1.86 million subscribers. It shows the person behind the professional images. This platform gives her voice beyond traditional modeling work.
Romee Strijd now focuses on helping other models understand that success shouldn’t require sacrificing health or relationships. The veteran model wants the next generation to define achievement on their own terms.
