Inside Prime Doutzen Kroes: How She Redefined the Victoria's Secret Supermodel Era
By Maya Lin-Takahashi
Q1: What specific years defined the "prime" of Doutzen Kroes?
The peak era of Doutzen Kroes spanned 2005 to 2014. This period began with her Steven Meisel Italian Vogue cover and Model of the Year win, followed by her lucrative dual contracts with L'Oréal Paris and Victoria's Secret, culminating in her historic four international Vogue September covers in 2013.
Q2: Why was Doutzen Kroes' runway walk considered unique?
Unlike models who relied on sharp, robotic leg kicks, Kroes used a fluid, core-centered stride developed from childhood competitive speed skating. Her upper body remained still while her hips drove a smooth, powerful rhythm, giving her an effortless glide on high-fashion and commercial catwalks alike.
Q3: How much did Doutzen Kroes earn during her peak Victoria's Secret years?
Official annual tracking from the Forbes highest-paid models list placed her earnings consistently between $6 million and $8 million per year between 2008 and 2014, regularly ranking her within the top five highest-earning models globally.
Q4: What happened during Doutzen Kroes' return to the 2024 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show?
During her live catwalk presentation at the October 2024 show in New York, Kroes' shoe heel caught inside a stage floor gap. Without losing her composure or disrupting her tempo, she swiftly dislodged the heel, stepped firmly forward, and completed her walk, earning widespread praise from critics and social media for seasoned professional instincts.
Maya is a hardware enthusiast who tests and reviews smart home devices, smartphones, wearables, and audio gear. She focuses on practical consumer value and build quality.
