Debuting exclusively for the Prada catwalk show during Milan Fashion Week is seen as a rite of passage for any model due a stellar future. The industry pays attention and this accolade has launched the careers of Karolina Kurkova, Sasha Pivovarova, Gemma Ward and Roos Abels, our current cover star.
The Dutch model, who has since walked the catwalk for Chanel (20 times to be exact), Versace, Fendi, Lanvin, Chloé, Louis Vuitton and Celine, amongst many; and appeared on the cover of W, Love and Vogue France, Italia, Australia and China, was discovered by model-turned-scout Kim Akkerman, in a supermarket in her hometown of Purmerend at the age of 13.
‘I DIDN’T EVEN KNOW WHAT PRADA WAS, AND THE AGENCY HAD TO EXPLAIN WHAT A CASTING WAS TO ME’
“It’s funny because I was talking to a little kid, because I love kids,” she explains. “The child’s mum said, ‘Are you model?’ I looked at my mum and was like, ‘What does she mean, are you a model?’ And it all started from there.”
When Roos’ mother mentioned the meeting to a colleague, whose cousin worked at Brave Model Management, she suggested that Roos fly to Milan to meet her. “I remember it so well, it was raining,” she laughs. “I went with my dad and it was my first time in Milan. I didn’t know what was happening. I was a little scared, but at least my dad was with me.” The agency signed her immediately.
