IN CONVERSATION WITH ROMEE STRIJD

interview by ELIANA CASA

Numéro Netherlands is thrilled to present ROMEE STRIJD, gracing the cover of our 12th isuee Aurora. Many girls have daydreamed of being a VICTORIA’S SECRET ANGEL — and ROMEE STRIJD was one of them. This was until she found herself on the runway alongside some of the biggest supermodels. In this intimate conversation, she reflects on her journey from being a teenager to one of the most recognised faces in the fashion industry.

How did you first get signed with a modelling agency, and what was your life like before starting this career?

When I was 13 years old, a model scout approached me while I was in Amsterdam with my mom. Things started moving fast after I signed with agencies in New York, Milan, Paris and London. That was the real beginning of my modelling career. I was just like any other teenager in high school. Looking back, it’s kind of crazy to think how young I was when I started.

jacket HERMÈS

left
top, bodysuit, trousers and shoes BALENCIAGA
earrings CHRISTIAN DIOR

right
dress CELIO KRITHARIOTI
earrings and rings CHRISTIAN DIOR
shoes BALENCIAGA

In 2014, you joined Victoria's Secret. What’s your favourite memory from your first fashion show, and how did it feel returning to the runway after so many years?

I was incredibly nervous but also deeply honoured to walk alongside models like ADRIANA LIMA and CANDICE SWANEPOEL. When I was a child, I always dreamt of being part of the show. The confidence the models radiated and the empowerment they embodied was inspiring to me. It felt like a dream come true to be standing among them. I’ve been away from the runway for a while because of the birth of my two children. So, making a comeback recently has been so much fun.

Victoria’s Secret launched your international modelling career. Was there a specific moment when you realised your life was going to change completely?

In early 2015, my husband, LAURENS, and I decided to move to New York to fully support my career. Not long after, I was offered a contract to become a Victoria’s Secret Angel. It definitely gave my career a major boost, and I remember realising, “Wow, this is really something big.”

dress and bracelets GUCCI
gloves CHRISTIAN DIOR

top, bodysuit, trousers and shoes BALENCIAGA
earrings CHRISTIAN DIOR

dress LOUIS VUITTON
earrings and gloves CHRISTIAN DIOR
bracelets and shoes CHANEL
corset, jacket and necklace DOLCE&GABBANA

From an early age, women face strict beauty standards and expectations. How did you deal with these pressures growing up?

I was always quite slim as a child. That’s why, in the early days of my modelling career, it was relatively manageable for me to maintain a lean physique while staying healthy. The more I travelled for work, the more my life became increasingly stressful. I’ve learned that balance is everything to me. Instead of constantly pushing myself to the limit, I listen to my body more.

Previously, there was little room for diverse body shapes in the fashion industry, but nowadays, it’s more inclusive. I’ll always put my health first over my appearance.

full look DOLCE&GABBANA
shoes TOM FORD

As a mother, what is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned? What lesson do you try to teach your girls every day?

Patience and unconditional love are the foundation of everything. Becoming a mother has taught me to be more present, let go of things I can’t control and appreciate the small moments.

I want my kids to grow up knowing that they are enough just as they are, and they don’t have to meet anyone else’s expectations. Self-love, confidence and treating others with kindness and respect are values I hope they’ll carry with them always.

You’ve been open about your journey with PCOS. What advice would you offer to other women going through the same difficult journey?

Pushing myself too hard, both mentally and physically, contributed to the absence of my menstrual cycle and eventually led to my PCOS diagnosis. Once I moved back to the Netherlands, I adjusted to a more balanced routine. I encourage anyone struggling with challenges in life to never stop searching for new solutions. A saying I stand by is: “You can’t keep doing the same things and expect different results.”

full look SAINT LAURENT

tracksuit and bra FERRARI
earrings OLE LYNGGAARD

You founded your brand, NAETUR, with the mission of encouraging style and confidence by being your authentic self. What does confidence mean to you?

Life comes with a lot of expectations, whether from the media, society or even your own family. I believe that everyone has an inner compass, a natural sense of what path feels right to them. For me, confidence comes from listening to your heart and following what feels natural to you. It doesn’t have to be a fully mapped-out life plan. This sits at the heart of my brand. I hope that when people wear my pieces, they feel a sense of alignment with their true selves.

The theme of our 12th issue is Aurora, which historically refers to the break of dawn and symbolises hope and renewal. What keeps hope alive for you?

I embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and remain grateful for the people and experiences that shape me. Even when things don’t go as planned, I always try to stay resilient.

jacket HERMÈS
bra LUDOVIC DE SAINT SERNIN
trousers LOEWE
shoes SAINT LAURENT

full look SAINT LAURENT

TEAM CREDITS:

talent ROMEE STRIJD at IMG
photography DANIEL SARS
styling KOEN T. HENDRIKS at SCHIERKE.HOTTAS
hair HESTER WERNERT RIJN at BALLSAAL ARTIST MGMT for AUTHENTIC BEAUTY CONCEPT AND UKYSAH
makeup KATO FIERKENS at HOUSE OF ORANGE AGENCY
lighting MIKAH DE WOLF
styling assistant PHOEBE VOS
editor TIMI LETONJA
interview ELIANA CASA
cover design ARTHUR ROELOFFZEN