All of these pictures are of me, but with very different looks applied. The transformations are achieved through various layers, such as makeup, hairstyling, great clothes, retouching, or filters and ofcourse the photographers. I’ve always admired the talent of hair and makeup artists, as well as stylists, designers and photographers. It’s truly remarkable what the right team can accomplish. This reminds me of a program I hosted and produced 15 years ago called Covershot for the A&E network. We would select everyday women who had gone through difficult times and give them a complete transformation with the help of a fantastic team of makeup artists, hairstylists, stylists, and a photographer. The big reveal would be a billboard in Times Square, New York. It was incredible to witness the transformation and the positive impact it had on these women. It gave them a tremendous boost of confidence. However, I believe that experiencing such a transformation firsthand is even more empowering. That being said, it’s important to remember that when we scroll through social media, online platforms, or even magazines (showing my age here), the pictures we see may be taken by professionals, manipulated by apps, or even generated by AI. They may not accurately represent the people. In a world filled with carefully curated images and unrealistic standards, it’s easy to get caught up in the comparison game. But I think that beauty is not solely defined by flawless skin, impeccable makeup, or the perfect outfit. It’s about embracing our unique features, quirks, and imperfections that make us who we are. Happy weekend ;))
All of these pictures are of me, but with very different looks applied. The transformations are achieved through various layers, such as makeup, hairstyling, great clothes, retouching, or filters and ofcourse the photographers. I’ve always admired the talent of hair and makeup artists, as well as stylists, designers and photographers. It’s truly remarkable what the right team can accomplish. This reminds me of a program I hosted and produced 15 years ago called Covershot for the A&E network. We would select everyday women who had gone through difficult times and give them a complete transformation with the help of a fantastic team of makeup artists, hairstylists, stylists, and a photographer. The big reveal would be a billboard in Times Square, New York. It was incredible to witness the transformation and the positive impact it had on these women. It gave them a tremendous boost of confidence. However, I believe that experiencing such a transformation firsthand is even more empowering. That being said, it’s important to remember that when we scroll through social media, online platforms, or even magazines (showing my age here), the pictures we see may be taken by professionals, manipulated by apps, or even generated by AI. They may not accurately represent the people. In a world filled with carefully curated images and unrealistic standards, it’s easy to get caught up in the comparison game. But I think that beauty is not solely defined by flawless skin, impeccable makeup, or the perfect outfit. It’s about embracing our unique features, quirks, and imperfections that make us who we are. Happy weekend ;))
I love cruising on my beautiful lekker bike through the city, even at night, which is still a bit unusual for New Yorkers. It’s especially fun when I’m all dressed up and when I give my stylish friend a ride on the back – we attracted quite some attention with people whistling and laughing along with us. Last night before getting back on my bike, we stumbled upon a street rollerblade fiesta straight out of the eighties. I couldn’t resist doing a little dance 💃. I ❤️ New York! #SoDutch #DutchNewYorker
“A day without laughter is a day wasted” Nicholas, you’re not just a candle on our cake, you’re the spark that sets the whole thing on fire. So lucky to have you in our lives and light us up! You are one of the funniest, wittiest and smartest people I know. I feel so grateful having you in my life. Talking candles on the cake I won’t say how many there are now..who cares anyway.. though today another one is added on and we celebrate you. Happy birthday GUP! Love you very much ❤️ #fuckage #birthday #lovemyex
“A day without laughter is a day wasted” Nicholas, you’re not just a candle on our cake, you’re the spark that sets the whole thing on fire. So lucky to have you in our lives and light us up! You are one of the funniest, wittiest and smartest people I know. I feel so grateful having you in my life. Talking candles on the cake I won’t say how many there are now..who cares anyway.. though today another one is added on and we celebrate you. Happy birthday GUP! Love you very much ❤️ #fuckage #birthday #lovemyex
“A day without laughter is a day wasted” Nicholas, you’re not just a candle on our cake, you’re the spark that sets the whole thing on fire. So lucky to have you in our lives and light us up! You are one of the funniest, wittiest and smartest people I know. I feel so grateful having you in my life. Talking candles on the cake I won’t say how many there are now..who cares anyway.. though today another one is added on and we celebrate you. Happy birthday GUP! Love you very much ❤️ #fuckage #birthday #lovemyex
An Egyptian Adventure, How lucky am I! Having one of my dearest friends Filine ❤️show me around Egypt with her local friends. My last visit to this remarkable land was 15 years ago, but this time, I am experiencing it anew through the eyes of Filine, as we celebrate a significant milestone in her life. We are able to explore off the beaten path, away from the typical tourist spots. Well some ofcourse but we are taking the back entrance ;)) or at times the real entrance. The warmth and hospitality of the locals is felt everywhere. Driving through the vast desert landscape which is both intimidating and awe-inspiring. However, reaching the banks of the Nile fills us with wonder as we are greeted by a lush, green oasis. I am eagerly anticipating our upcoming adventures of going to some of the remarkable spots in Luxor
An Egyptian Adventure, How lucky am I! Having one of my dearest friends Filine ❤️show me around Egypt with her local friends. My last visit to this remarkable land was 15 years ago, but this time, I am experiencing it anew through the eyes of Filine, as we celebrate a significant milestone in her life. We are able to explore off the beaten path, away from the typical tourist spots. Well some ofcourse but we are taking the back entrance ;)) or at times the real entrance. The warmth and hospitality of the locals is felt everywhere. Driving through the vast desert landscape which is both intimidating and awe-inspiring. However, reaching the banks of the Nile fills us with wonder as we are greeted by a lush, green oasis. I am eagerly anticipating our upcoming adventures of going to some of the remarkable spots in Luxor
An Egyptian Adventure, How lucky am I! Having one of my dearest friends Filine ❤️show me around Egypt with her local friends. My last visit to this remarkable land was 15 years ago, but this time, I am experiencing it anew through the eyes of Filine, as we celebrate a significant milestone in her life. We are able to explore off the beaten path, away from the typical tourist spots. Well some ofcourse but we are taking the back entrance ;)) or at times the real entrance. The warmth and hospitality of the locals is felt everywhere. Driving through the vast desert landscape which is both intimidating and awe-inspiring. However, reaching the banks of the Nile fills us with wonder as we are greeted by a lush, green oasis. I am eagerly anticipating our upcoming adventures of going to some of the remarkable spots in Luxor
An Egyptian Adventure, How lucky am I! Having one of my dearest friends Filine ❤️show me around Egypt with her local friends. My last visit to this remarkable land was 15 years ago, but this time, I am experiencing it anew through the eyes of Filine, as we celebrate a significant milestone in her life. We are able to explore off the beaten path, away from the typical tourist spots. Well some ofcourse but we are taking the back entrance ;)) or at times the real entrance. The warmth and hospitality of the locals is felt everywhere. Driving through the vast desert landscape which is both intimidating and awe-inspiring. However, reaching the banks of the Nile fills us with wonder as we are greeted by a lush, green oasis. I am eagerly anticipating our upcoming adventures of going to some of the remarkable spots in Luxor
Reflecting on some of these magazine covers always brings a smile to my face. In particular, the older ones stand out in my memory. It was so much fun to be all dressed up with full makeup and hair, being photographed. Especially the ones by the esteemed Scavullo and the highly sought-after Cosmo cover. I distinctly recall gazing at my own image and barely recognizing myself. The transformation that hair, makeup, and the fab clothing can achieve is truly remarkable. And nowadays even more so with the magic of retouching , you can do some pretty ‘weird’ stuff. After each photo shoot, I would return home ready to wipe off all that glamour. I vividly remember my brother’s reaction one time coming back@from a Cosmo@cover shoot , his eyes wide and a hint of fear in his expression, as he gawked at me and exclaimed, “What have they done to you?” It was funny and brought me right back to my grounded self. #TBT #verydutch
What a beautiful night for the annual gala of City Harvest. The room exuded positivity, with generous donations flowing alongside fab music by Magic of Motown. John Legend was being honored for his remarkable contributions over the years. My date was exquisite – Beatrix. I’m so grateful we experienced one of those phenomenal Gotham nights together.❤️ Thank you, Bil and Jess 🙏😘
What a beautiful night for the annual gala of City Harvest. The room exuded positivity, with generous donations flowing alongside fab music by Magic of Motown. John Legend was being honored for his remarkable contributions over the years. My date was exquisite – Beatrix. I’m so grateful we experienced one of those phenomenal Gotham nights together.❤️ Thank you, Bil and Jess 🙏😘
What a beautiful night for the annual gala of City Harvest. The room exuded positivity, with generous donations flowing alongside fab music by Magic of Motown. John Legend was being honored for his remarkable contributions over the years. My date was exquisite – Beatrix. I’m so grateful we experienced one of those phenomenal Gotham nights together.❤️ Thank you, Bil and Jess 🙏😘
There is nothing quite like taking a break to reflect and realign oneself. Delving even deeper into one’s inner self is always good to do. Sometimes even transformative. A workshop at Omega did that for me facilitated by the wonderful, kind, and deeply empathetic @corymuscara There was even a part that had to be in silence which I found truly liberating and rejuvenating. Letting go of one’s own self can be a remarkable experience. (Next, I plan to attend a Vipassana retreat in the meantime I’m testing my renewed zen feeling while being in the Hamptons for 4 th of July weekend .. a real test 😂)
There is nothing quite like taking a break to reflect and realign oneself. Delving even deeper into one’s inner self is always good to do. Sometimes even transformative. A workshop at Omega did that for me facilitated by the wonderful, kind, and deeply empathetic @corymuscara There was even a part that had to be in silence which I found truly liberating and rejuvenating. Letting go of one’s own self can be a remarkable experience. (Next, I plan to attend a Vipassana retreat in the meantime I’m testing my renewed zen feeling while being in the Hamptons for 4 th of July weekend .. a real test 😂)
There is nothing quite like taking a break to reflect and realign oneself. Delving even deeper into one’s inner self is always good to do. Sometimes even transformative. A workshop at Omega did that for me facilitated by the wonderful, kind, and deeply empathetic @corymuscara There was even a part that had to be in silence which I found truly liberating and rejuvenating. Letting go of one’s own self can be a remarkable experience. (Next, I plan to attend a Vipassana retreat in the meantime I’m testing my renewed zen feeling while being in the Hamptons for 4 th of July weekend .. a real test 😂)
There is nothing quite like taking a break to reflect and realign oneself. Delving even deeper into one’s inner self is always good to do. Sometimes even transformative. A workshop at Omega did that for me facilitated by the wonderful, kind, and deeply empathetic @corymuscara There was even a part that had to be in silence which I found truly liberating and rejuvenating. Letting go of one’s own self can be a remarkable experience. (Next, I plan to attend a Vipassana retreat in the meantime I’m testing my renewed zen feeling while being in the Hamptons for 4 th of July weekend .. a real test 😂)
Walking up the steps of Hatshepsut’s mortuary temple, one can’t help but feel a sense of awe and wonder at the incredible legacy of one of the greatest Pharaohs in history, who happened to be a woman. Hatshepsut’s reign brought great wealth and artistry to her land ( 20 years in power), despite the societal norms that dictated only men could become Pharaohs. In order to rule, she declared herself as a man so she could be crowned. That’s why a lot of the depictions of her are with a man’s body and a fake beard. Amazing to think of all the centuries past …and still not enough women in power. #magical
Walking up the steps of Hatshepsut’s mortuary temple, one can’t help but feel a sense of awe and wonder at the incredible legacy of one of the greatest Pharaohs in history, who happened to be a woman. Hatshepsut’s reign brought great wealth and artistry to her land ( 20 years in power), despite the societal norms that dictated only men could become Pharaohs. In order to rule, she declared herself as a man so she could be crowned. That’s why a lot of the depictions of her are with a man’s body and a fake beard. Amazing to think of all the centuries past …and still not enough women in power. #magical
Walking up the steps of Hatshepsut’s mortuary temple, one can’t help but feel a sense of awe and wonder at the incredible legacy of one of the greatest Pharaohs in history, who happened to be a woman. Hatshepsut’s reign brought great wealth and artistry to her land ( 20 years in power), despite the societal norms that dictated only men could become Pharaohs. In order to rule, she declared herself as a man so she could be crowned. That’s why a lot of the depictions of her are with a man’s body and a fake beard. Amazing to think of all the centuries past …and still not enough women in power. #magical
Walking up the steps of Hatshepsut’s mortuary temple, one can’t help but feel a sense of awe and wonder at the incredible legacy of one of the greatest Pharaohs in history, who happened to be a woman. Hatshepsut’s reign brought great wealth and artistry to her land ( 20 years in power), despite the societal norms that dictated only men could become Pharaohs. In order to rule, she declared herself as a man so she could be crowned. That’s why a lot of the depictions of her are with a man’s body and a fake beard. Amazing to think of all the centuries past …and still not enough women in power. #magical
Walking up the steps of Hatshepsut’s mortuary temple, one can’t help but feel a sense of awe and wonder at the incredible legacy of one of the greatest Pharaohs in history, who happened to be a woman. Hatshepsut’s reign brought great wealth and artistry to her land ( 20 years in power), despite the societal norms that dictated only men could become Pharaohs. In order to rule, she declared herself as a man so she could be crowned. That’s why a lot of the depictions of her are with a man’s body and a fake beard. Amazing to think of all the centuries past …and still not enough women in power. #magical
Wiser than me, (yes thank you Julia Dreyfus for your fabulous podcast). Nothing is better than to be inspired and learn from people wiser than ourselves, my dear friend Beatrix, who always inspires and amazes me. ❤️ Love running around town together. Your quote, ‘Being in your body is the place to be,’ is one I love. As Marcus Aurelius once said, ‘Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking.’ This resonates with the importance of being present in one’s own body and mind to find contentment and happiness. @marcus.aurelius.meditations
