Photographers Jaap Strijker – Fashion Editor Misha Kratina – Model Sterre Harket at Ikon Model Management – Grooming Mascha Meyer – Casting and Production by Ezgi Önen – Interview by Marco Martello
Total Look Isabel Marant / Dress Jacquemus
First of all, what’s your earliest fashion-related memory?
Playing dress up with my sister and friends. My sister anmodelling tie a bunch of pyjamas around us and transform them into gowns. My best friend and I would then put on these made-up plays in front of our parents. Picking the costumes was always my favourite part!
Sterre, did you have a style icon growing up?
I honestly can’t really think of a specific person, and I for sure didn’t have a definitive sense of style growing up, it was all over the place. I also didn’t want to stand out too much in school, so I just wore the same clothes everyone wore. I did have a blue hair phase when I was 13, because I was sick of people confusing me with my twin sister. I loved it, but I had to go back to blond when I started modelling.
Total Look Calvin Klein – Scarf Stylist Own – Sunglasses Giorgio Armani via Roski Yard Vintage – Tights Stylist Own
That being said, what’s a piece of clothing or accessory that you hold on to because of the memories it brings back?
I’d say all of the keychains and good-luck charms I put on my bags. I still have this good-luck charm that I got from my dance teacher right before a performance 10 years ago. The mini keys to my childhood diary, a four-leaf clover necklace I always used to wear, and the ‘omamori’ I got in Japan last year are always by my side.
What’s the best piece of advice you were given in the early days of your career as a model?
Simply ‘keep going, don’t give up’. Every career has ups and downs, you never know what could be around the corner.
Total Look Givenchy / Dress Jacquemus – Earrings and Necklaces made by the stylist – Shoes vintage Miu Miu
Over the years, you’ve walked down the catwalk for brands like Marni, Gucci and Valentino. Do you remember how you felt when you lined up backstage for your first fashion show?
I was so nervous, my knees were literally shaking. My debut was for Marni FW20. Looking back, it was actually such an easy show: I wore sneakers and the runway walk was very straightforward. There was a big group of Dutch girls backstage, and they definitely helped me through it. I printed out the Vogue Runway pics and they hung on my wall for years – I was so proud.
Do you think your concept of ‘Beauty’ has changed since you started working in the fashion industry?
Oh definitely, in the past years the industry has made some big steps. I’m so glad to see more trans women on the runway, as well as different body types. However, there’s still so much work to be done. Many big brands have a certain quota to hit in terms of diversity, they won’t go past the number of looks they have to give to models of colour for example. The diversity is also extremely surface level, once you have a look behind the scenes you’ll realise that. I’d say, let’s keep pressuring these brands for beautiful inclusive casting and praise the ones that succeed in doing so!
total Look Givenchy / Coat, Bag and Gloves Celine – Bikini Stylist Own – Tights Calzedonia
Sterre, what’s a beauty secret models don’t tell?
When casting calls say no makeup, most girls still wear a smidge of concealer. Just find the right shade, put it on top of a very hydrating cream, and it’ll look super natural.
Do you feel like your job as a model has given you a chance to learn things you didn’t know about yourself?
Oh, so many things. I started modelling when I was 14, so I definitely feel like I grew up in the industry. I was a very shy, socially awkward girl and suddenly having to live on my own and make new friends in strange cities did force me to overcome some of that, although it wasn’t always easy. But I’ve grown up so much, and I’m happy where I am now, in terms of confidence and trusting in my own capabilities.
Total Look Isabel Marant – Tights Calzedonia / Dress Jacquemus – Earrings and Necklaces made by the stylist – Shoes vintage Miu Miu
Having starred in fashion campaigns and gracing the cover of well-known publications, what’s a piece of advice you’d give to someone who’s struggling to find the confidence one needs to stand in front of the camera?
As a young teen I was bullied for my appearance, so it was a bit of a learning curve to be confident in front of the camera. I look back on my first editorials and just have a laugh, I was so stiff and nervous. My biggest piece of advice is practice, practice, practice. Do as many test shoots as you can, and eventually you will grow more skilled and confident. It’s a learning curve for everybody, don’t be too hard on yourself.
Last but not least, what’s a question you’ve never been asked but always wanted to answer?
Definitely not this one (Laughs, E.D.).
Coat, Bag and Gloves Celine – Bikini Stylist Own – Tights Calzedonia /Total Look Calvin Klein – Scarf Stylist Own – Sunglasses Giorgio Armani via Roski Yard Vintage – Tights Stylist Own