MD Friends

Having founded and led the world’s first Party for the Animals – there are now 19 chapters worldwide – Dutch politician and animal rights activist Marianne Thieme (49) is one of Mother Earth’s brightest and bravest representatives. But what fuels this feminine feminist’s fire? The clue can be found in her choice of swimwear…

Having empowered women since 1969, Dutch hairstylist Rob Peetoom has definitely earned a place of honor in this magazine. Although he may seem like a bundle of contradictions – a feminist patriarch, a trendsetter who goes beyond trends – Rob’s vision is straightforward: if a woman looks good, she feels good. Good enough to take on the world! During a lovely conversation on Bali, where Rob and his team styled the amazing hair looks on these pages, the maestro shared his wisdom and yes, some great hair tips.

I live and breathe feminine feminism. With each of my designs, but also through a number of empowering side projects such as ‚The Self–Love Show‘: a series of intimate, animated conversations on Instagram Live with feminine feminists from all walks of life. The subject? You guessed it, self–love! Because after all these years, I know one thing for sure: self–love is the key to unlocking potential. Your own potential, but also that of the women around you. So, let’s inspire each other! Let’s lift each other up! Here are some nuggets of self–love wisdom to get your started. Enjoy!

I’m all about pink and glitter, Jeanne de Clisson had a thing for black and red. But even though I’ve never killed anyone – thank god! – Jeanne and I have more in common that just a strict color scheme.

There was one moment during my transformation into Cheng I Sao that I looked in the mirror and saw my ancestors. It was so intense! Like an out-of-body experience, except I was still very much there. Because I was carried by the love and fighting spirit of all the strong women that came before me.

When people see me up on stage, twirling my pasties, they find it hard to believe that I have fears and insecurities. But I do! I just don’t let them stop me. Growing up, I was much more of a ‚good girl‘; trying to fit in, giving in to my fears. Then, one day, out of the blue, I signed up for a dance audition. Which was pretty crazy, because I had never danced before! I didn’t get the job, but I found my passion. I woke up my inner pirate that day.

I had a rocky start. Born a month early, I spent a week in an incubator, struggling to breathe. But my mom says I was a born fighter. ‚Maylo‘ is my second name; it means ‚winner‘ in Hawaiian. I still fight for what I believe in; I never mindlessly follow the crowd.

I am a warrior. I have been one for as long as I remember. I work hard for my goals, no shortcuts or distractions. Even though I did gymnastics for years, I didn’t start dancing till I was 15. One day, during an audition, I was told I was ‚a typical gymnast and would never be a dancer‘. „Okay,“ I said to myself, „it’s ON!“.

I may not have 200 Roman ships and 20.000 legionnaires after me like queen Teuta, but I know what it’s like to feel trapped and attacked. Too many women do. But we have one very important weapon: our voices.

As a writer for this glossy, researching all the badass female pirates was incredibly inspiring. Having felt like an outsider most of my life, deciding early on to write my own rules, I could relate to each single story of swashbuckling defiance. But Victorian streetfighter Sadie the Goat was my favorite, and how excited I was to step into her lace-up booties and kick some ass!

There was a moment during my transformation into pirate queen that I looked in the mirror at my belly – I was exactly 27 weeks pregnant – and started laughing. Grace O’Malley? Grace O’Belly, rather! The setting couldn’t have been more spectacular; the dramatic sky, the wild sea. It was like an Elizabethan sea battle painting come to life. But to really get into the role of a savage she-pirate was a little harder than I thought.

All it took for me to become Anne Bonny was putting on her pirate coat and boots. It was like an instant transformation! You see, except for the killing and setting everything on fire, I’m actually a lot like her. A modern-day pirate.

The first time I saw a picture of model Winnie Harlow, I was shocked. Here was this gorgeous woman, with the same skin condition I have: vitiligo. And she was totally owning and working it! I was just going through a difficult period; I was 12, 13 years old and desperately wanted to be ’normal‘. Every day, I thought: „Why can’t I be like the rest?“. But Winnie showed me how to take something that makes you different, and use it to your advantage. Just like pirate Jacquotte Delahaye with her flaming red hair.

„Where are all the female pirates?“ For American writer Laura Sook Duncombe, it started with a simple question which became a quest to dig up and share the incredible stories of ‚the princesses, prostitutes, and privateers who ruled the seven seas‘. The result: the ultimate guide to swashbuckling women throughout the ages. „It’s a myth that pirates buried their loot. Their stories are their real treasure.“

Royalty and celebrities like Queen Máxima of the Netherlands and Naomi Campbell trust her with their hair and she could easily paper her walls with all her Vogue, Elle and Harpers Bazaar covers. But at heart, Dutch-Moroccan hair stylist Ilham Mestour is, and will always be, a pirate.

I live and breathe feminine feminism. With each of my designs, but also through a number of empowering side projects such as ‚The Self-Love Show‘: a series of intimate, animated conversations on Instagram Live with feminine feminists from all walks of life. The subject? You guessed it, self-love! Because after all these years, I know one thing for sure: self-love is the key to unlocking potential. Your own potential, but also that of the women around you. So, let’s inspire each other! Let’s lift each other up! Here are some nuggets of self-love wisdom to get your started. Enjoy!

Triff Widget: internationales Model, Model-Coach, Akademikerin im Fachbereich Medizin und absolutes Kraftpaket! Widget hat in meiner Peekaboo-Leopard-Kollektion mit dem Fotografen Benedikt Ernst und der Visagistin Silke Ernst ein unglaubliches Fotoshooting gemacht, und ich habe mich schlichtweg in die Bilder verliebt. Flirtend, lustig, wild und weiblich; Widget zeigt uns, wie es aussieht, sich in seiner eigenen Haut wohl zu fühlen. Sie erinnert mich an einen wunderschönen Leoparden, totally owning her spots!

Meet Rui Jun Luong, a multidisciplinary designer on a journey to inclusivity. She describes photography as „a way to express and capture her observations“. Growing up in The Netherlands, she noticed that there were not a lot of Asian people around. Rui Jun now explores themes like identity, diversity and inclusivity through her work. As the founder of the ‘Asian Raisins’ Asian racism awareness community, she strives to achieve the elimination of (unconscious) racism and discrimination. Only then, everybody will be able to safely and proudly own their rightful spot in society!

Martin Garrix, Don Diablo, Yellow Claw, Sam Feldt, Lucas & Steve, names from the music industry that you probably know. Meet the power babe behind them: Jasja Heijboer, owner of Ace Agency based in Amsterdam. As an international booking agency she represents the leading DJs in the electronic music scene, arranging and organizing everything for all of their performances across the globe. The music industry is still known as largely dominated by men, but Jasja is one of the women who stands her ground right in the middle of it. Let’s find out how she owns her spots!

Posting underwear-selfies on Instagram; for Ellie it’s normal day-to-day business. The goal? To promote having a positive attitude towards your body, with all its ‘flaws’ and ‘imperfections’. If anyone can teach us how to own our spots, it’s Ellie! Time for a chat.

Glamour, sex and beauty: Cleopatra had it all. Some say the Egyptian queen owed her smooth skin to a daily bath in donkey milk, instead of water. But what did she like to find on her dinner plate?

Besides being head of product & design, Miranda Martinez is the green conscience of my company. When we started over 25 years ago, our mission was clear: to make beautiful products with an empowering message in a way that does not harm people or the environment. Sustainability may be a hot topic right now, but it has always been part of our brand’s DNA. And thanks to Miranda’s passionate endeavors, we are now taking it to the next level. Time for a chat with the female founder who is helping us with that process, Dieuwertje Damen of Rainbow Collection.

How can we have better sex? I talked with delightful Belgian psychologist and sexologist Kaat Bollen about slow love and porn, about reclaiming our bodies and starting a sexy sisterhood. “Your brain is your largest erotic organ. Keep it stimulated!”.

From astrology-based dating apps to Instagram ‘astro babes’ with millions of followers; astrology, that ancient study of the connection between heaven and earth, seems hotter than ever. It wouldn’t have surprised Cleopatra, who relied on the planets and stars as her guides. And it certainly doesn’t amaze world-leading Dutch astrologer Karen Hamaker-Zondag, who nevertheless warns against hypes and shortcuts: “Astrology is not a form of spirituality. It is a language you have to learn.”

You know the saying, ’empowered women empower women’? Well, investor, serial entrepreneur, technologist and innovator Janneke Niessen is the personification of that motto. I sat down with the Dutch feminist powerhouse to discuss the gender funding gap and how to fix it.

She is the link between ancient Arab goddess wisdom and Western feminism, between the head and the body, between Cleopatra and you. When it comes to Feminine Feminism, I cannot think of a more dazzling and delightful role model for women’s empowerment than Dr. Kaouthar Darmoni (PhD). During our exhilarating conversation, the university professor and goddess dance coach let me experience hands-on – or should I say hips-on? – how women unleashed their feminine power 4000 years ago. „It’s about taking back ownership of your vagina, your body, your self!“

When it comes to women in power, we’ve come a long way, right? Or perhaps not so much? I talked to feminist Egyptologist and archaeologist Kara Cooney, author of ‚When women ruled the world‘, about female power, then and now, from Hatshepsut to Hilary. „Cleopatra was the slut that needed to be shamed for many generations.“

By putting women’s hearts on the map, ‘cardiofeminist‘ Angela Maas has saved many lives while fighting sexism in the medical field. As the pioneering professor in cardiology for women likes to say: “Men and women are equal, but when it comes to cardiovascular disease, treat her like a lady.“

From his famous ‘knotted’ chair to in-fl ight tableware and multi-sensory hotel interiors, Dutch designer Marcel Wanders’ creations are not just smart, but also fun, fantastical and romantic. (He even designed a fabulous pregnancy testing kit!). Through them, he has touched the hearts and minds of people worldwide for over 30 years, including mine. Time for a heart-to-heart with ‘the Lady Gaga of design’.

Think you know everything about sex? Think again! For his must-read book ‘The erotic experiment’, Dutch philosopher Ype de Boer took off on a journey to discover strange new sexual worlds, freeing our erotic minds along the way.

From Cleopatra to Sheryl Sandberg; women have proven again and again to be excellent leaders. Yet there is still a worldwide gender leadership gap. And how about those deeply engrained stereotypes? I was interviewed by Caroline Glasbergen, successful Dutch entrepreneur and female business coach, who asked me: ‘What does female leadership look like?’

Murder, she wrote. And very successfully! But in her brave writings, bestselling author Saskia Noort – aka ‘the Dutch Queen of Suspense’ – goes beyond murder. Giving a voice to female fear and shame, she dares to touch on subjects such as sexual violence and victim blaming. “A lot of people say: ooh, I could never kill anyone! But have you ever been beside yourself with anger?”

Who really run the world? Well, although women are more socially engaged and activist than ever, it’s still the straight white men who rule the political game. Enough of that, political scientist Julia Wouters says. “Politics are too important to leave to men.”

With over 24 million copies of her crime novels sold in more than 60 countries (outselling even Stieg Larsson in her native Sweden), Camilla Läckberg is often hailed as ‘the New Queen of Crime’. But with her sexy, bold and unapologetic lifestyle, she also reminds me of another Swedish icon who doesn’t live by anyone’s rules but her own: Pipi Longstocking. “I’m not afraid to dream big.”

This watermelon and coconut salad recipe by Dutch kitchen goddess Miljuschka instantly makes me feel like I am having lunch at a tropical beach. Close enough! And the best part? Making it takes only 15 minutes.

Meet Bianca van Zwieten: professional hairstylist and total boss babe. She has over 20 years of experience in hairdressing, and 10 years of experience as an International Session Stylist in fashion. During these years she has won the most prestigious hairdressing award in the Netherlands, The Hairdresser of the Year Award, at the Coiffure Awards gala. She also won the third prize internationally in the Global AIPP awards held in London. Bianca’s work can be seen in magazines such as Elle, Vogue, Marie Claire and Grazia, and… on the runway of my FW20 fashion show!

From the Erasmus Bridge and the Mercedes-Benz Museum to Qatar’s metro network; Ben van Berkel’s iconic landmarks bring people together in rapturous beauty, again and again. I talked with the Dutch architect and educator about sensuality, ‘healthy’ buildings and the remarkable parallels between our designs.

Don’t ignore your emotions; they are much more powerful than you can imagine. By linking the magical world of emotions with hard science, Dutch scientist Pierre Capel, professor emeritus in experimental immunology, shows us the consequences of our feelings and the power of our minds. The message: we can do much more than we think. “Meditate. It’s the single best thing you can do for your health.”

Dr. Bram Bakker is a psychiatrist, a writer, a runner and a provocateur. With his many bestselling books and columns – and yes, even his own theatre show – he urges us to think outside the box when it comes to our mental health. Not crazy about popping pills? Bram shared some interesting alternatives with me, from throwing out our phones to running ‘till we puke’.

General practitioner Tamara de Weijer believes that we would feel a lot better if we hit the produce stand before we visited the pharmacy. “On a massive scale, we have been putting the wrong kind of fuel in our bodies.”

It’s hard to believe, but for women, talking about money is more of a taboo than talking about sex. And why are we still scared of (financial) success? I sat down with financial wizard Annemarie van Gaal to figure it out and score some amazing tips in the process. “If you don’t make any profit, whatever you do is just a cute little hobby.”

From period underwear and pee-proof panties to an affordable, portable bidet; Miki Agrawal invents products that disrupt society while streamlining people’s lives. Initially ridiculed, the companies she founded now have a collective value of over $150 million. With her new book ‘DISRUPT-HER’, the bad-ass mover and shaker has written a rallying cry for women to radically question the status quo. I talked with Miki about her drives and dreams (and our shared disgust for the use of dry, abrasive toilet paper).

Dutch bestselling author Heleen van Royen is the Amelia Earhart of writing: thrill-seeking, groundbreaking, not afraid to risk it all. On top of that, Heleen loves to cause a stir. So much so, that it sometimes overshadows the brave message of her work. Time to put a spotlight on the artist behind the phenomenon.

In January 2019, Marlies Dekkers launched her newest spring/summer & fall/winter 19 collections during a two-hour extravaganza in Rotterdam. Accompanied by spectacular live entertainment, Marlies her mission of empowering women came to life on stage: an unforgettable celebration of feminine feminism. Now, the feminine feminist movement continues! The newest marlies|dekkers collection, inspired by legendary Jazz singer Billie Holiday, will be shown at Masters of LXRY 2019 in Amsterdam.

Which part of your body has your pleasure as its only purpose? That’s right, your clitoris! But did you know that the small bulb at the top your lips has over 8000 nerve endings (nearly twice the amount found on the head of a penis, ha!) and is only the tip of a vast, fabulous iceberg? I asked the magnificent Mal Harisson -clinical sexologist, TEDx speaker and clit-pioneer- to tell me all about it.

Who run this (digital) world? For Saskia Van Uffelen, the answer to that question is crystal clear: women. And what better role model for these women than the passionate CEO of Ericsson Belux herself? Named ICT Woman of the Year in 2011, Belgian-born Saskia is a great inspiration -not only as a digital visionary but also as a top manager who gracefully combines a hectic job with a family of five children. „In disruptive times, we need women.“

Stella Bergsma is a singer, a writer, a Twitter virtuoso and an inventor of new words. With terms like ’sletvrees‘ (Dutch equivalent of ’slut phobia‘) and ’suckjobs‘ (blowjobs that suck), she touches society’s raw nerves while shaping a brave new world. I couldn’t wait to get down and dirty -or should I say wordy?-  with one of my favorite feminine feminists.

She was recently named one of the 20 most inspiring women in Ukraine and you only need to spend a few minutes in Alla Klymenko’s electrifying company to see why. During our rendez-vous in Kiev, the radiantly pregnant powerhouse shared her secrets for happiness and explained the 4 different types of ‚ice cream personalities‘. „Things don’t happen TO us; they happen FOR us.“

Few women are as controversial as Sylvana Simons, the Dutch dancer and tv presenter who gave up the privileges of fame to fight racism and discrimination. An icon to some, a villain to others, Sylvana is something infinitely more complex and precious to me: a dear friend whom I watched become a legend in her own lifetime. I had tea with Sylvana to speak about love, loneliness, and the incident that changed her life forever. „For 25 years, I had been avoiding this moment.“

As soon as Marjolein de Jong shakes your hand and fixes her steel blue eyes on you, you see it: the dedication and determination. Under her direction, with the help of her dedicated colleagues, the Alexander Monro Hospital in the Netherlands has become a worldwide example of state-of-the-art personalized breast cancer care. In other words: a place where the patient feels that they come first. "We focus on caring and curing.

“Every second of life should be as fabulous as possible’, Real Housewife of New York City, Sonja Morgan (54) likes to say. And sure enough, whatever the flamboyant designer/ entertainer/entrepreneur touches, becomes instantly glamorous. Even motherhood! I asked the fearless vixen about sex, ageing, and how her daughter feels about her mother putting it all out there…

It was a dream come true, working with the legendary photographer Ellen von Unwerth. I had admired her work for years, her iconic images of women like Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez, and Madonna in magazines like Vogue and Vanity Fair, her unforget-table campaigns for Guess and Chanel, but I had also felt a very strong kinship with her: here was another woman who celebrated women’s bodies without ever objectifying them. A woman who had been pioneering feminine feminism, just like me.

When I have trouble sleeping, I think of Donna D’Cruz. Or rather, I hear her whisper in my ear, in her incredibly sexy Australian accent: „Breathe in, breathe out…“. It works, every time. Meet the real life goddess who uses music, meditation, and the magic of sleep to reawaken women’s true power. „We are human beings, not human doings.“

Do you believe in the fountain of youth? Neither does Belgian doctor Peter Aelbrecht. He does, however, offer something nearly as miraculous: a personalized, holistic combination of Western medical science and alternative treatments that can slow ageing and dramatically improve the quality of your life. My kind of Doctor Love!

Jaap Korteweg is a 9th generation farmer who loves the taste of meat. He is also the world’s first vegetarian butcher. With his amazing ‚I-cannot-believe-it’s-not-meat‘ products, Jaap manages to convert even the biggest steak lovers. „Let’s take the animal out of the food chain.“

When Wim Pijbes became the Rijksmuseum’s director in 2008 (the most prestigious museum of The Netherlands), the first acquisition he made was my feminine feminist ‘Bare Bottom Dress’, comparing it with Mondriaan’s paintings and Rietveld’s iconic chair. A bold move, and typical for the dapper art historian with the rebellious streak who made the world news by breaking protocol and shaking hands with Barack Obama in front of Rembrandt’s Night Watch. As soon as the #MeToo movement hit the art world, I couldn’t wait to sit down with Wim and talk about the consequences of this historical event. „It all goes back to Eve picking the apple.“

Who is Tasya van Ree? The mysterious girl in the big black hat has been fascinating art connoisseurs and fashion lovers alike since she burst onto the scene with her stunning black-and-white photographs of celebrities like Michelle Rodriguez and (one-time lover) Amber Heard. I asked the Hawaiian-born visual artist of Dutch-Japanese ancestry (41) about her art and soul. „Between both King and Queen is where I exist.“

Niatia (pronounce: ’naah-tee-yah), also known by her stage name Lil Mama (28), is a fearless rapper, singer, dancer and actress from Brooklyn, New York. Her breakout hit ‘Lip Gloss’ came out in 2007, and since then she has been a celebrity judge on America’s Best Dance Crew, played Lisa “Left Eye” Lopez in VH1’s CrazySexyCool: The TLC Story, and was most recently the lead actress in a movie called ‘When love kills; The Falicia Blakely story’. But it hasn’t always been a smooth ride…

Sara Mearns (31) is New York City Ballet’s boldest ballerina. A passionate, intense dancer, she started dancing at 3 and starred in Swan Lake when she was only 19. But instead of resting on her laurels, Sara has kept challenging herself with daring projects, from a collaboration with hip-hop dancers to a leading role in a Broadway show. I talked with the fierce Swan Queen about sacrifices, body confidence, and how to turn pain into gain. “I’m not the typical skinny, tall, long-neck kind of ballerina.”

Meet Viktoriya Isakova (41), a stunningly beautiful Russian actress who is not afraid to get down and dirty for her brave performances. Her film credits include ‚Tochka‘ (2006), a movie about human trafficking and prostitution and ‚Mirrors‘ (2013), in which she plays the tragic Marina Tsvetaeva, one of the greatest Russian poets of the 20th century. I talked to the winner of many (international) awards about ageing, lingerie, and the need to always stay true to yourself.

With her stunning staged photographs, Dutch artist Marie Cécile Thijs (1965) connects the past with the present in an intensely poetic, painterly way. Originally a lawyer, she decided more than fifteen years ago to follow her love for the camera. In just a short period of time, Marie Cécile became an internationally acclaimed artist whose works are included in the collections of museums like the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam and the Museum of Photographic Arts San Diego. She has also presented her art at TEFAF (widely regarded as the world’s pre-eminent fair of art and antiques), Art Miami and Photo Shanghai. For her signature series ‚White Collar‘, Marie Cécile photographed the only surviving 17th-century pleated ruff in the world, then digitally added it to her models for an almost surreal, mesmerizing result.

From Li’l Mama’s spectacular makeover to singer Brandy’s unforgettable outfits, Hollywood stylist Michael Mann creates looks that turns women into the best, most powerful version of themselves. In other words: power dressing pursang. I talked to the über-stylist in LA to find out how he does it, and even managed to score a few tips…

“Every second of life should be as fabulous as possible’, Real Housewife of New York City, Sonja Morgan (54) likes to say. And sure enough, whatever the flamboyant designer/ entertainer/entrepreneur touches, becomes instantly glamorous. Even mother-hood! I asked the fearless vixen about sex, ageing, and how her daughter feels about her mother putting it all out there…

She started out as a contestant on the Norwegian version of ‘So You Think You Can Dance’; a few years later her debut single ‘Sunrise’ reached triple platinum status. But what makes Norwegian/Cuban star Alexandra Joner (27) such a feminine feminist icon is the fearless fun with which she expresses herself; in her singing and acting, but also in her fabulously sexy looks (often wearing marlies|dekkers, of course!). “I am fighting to make ‘sexy’ a positive thing!”

When I think of someone who is the embodiment of the highest level of expression, I have to think of German opera superstar Nadja Michael (47). This fearless feminine feminist is absolutely unforgettable in roles like Medea, Salomé and Lady Macbeth, performing phenomenally not just as a singer, but also a dancer and actress. How does she do it?

She grew up in a town with 3 traffic lights; now Lisa Benson represents some of the top names in the industry like Chanel Iman, Chrissy Teigen and Kelly Rohrbach. I met up with the IMG model manager to talk about the art of persistence and the importance of dreaming big. “I always trust my instinct.”

Karen Erickson is unique, with a mind as bright and sparkly as the fabulous, hand-crafted jewelry she designs for celebrity-fans like Madonna, Kate Moss, Angelina Jolie and Beyoncé. I met the ‘Duchess of Fabulous’ in New York, where she dazzled me with her stories and enlightening insights. “One day, instead of falling in love with each other’s genetalia, we will fall in love with each other’s souls.”.

What is it like to have a mother who is more than a mother? I asked my own daughter Zilver (20) and realized: it takes more than a daughter.

Loved by the food, fitness and fashion industries alike, sisters Jasmine and Melissa Hemsley have taken the health and wellness industry by storm since launching their family-run wellness business in 2010 for people who want to live healthier, happier lives.

Frida Kahlo used to say: “The only thing I know is that I paint because I need to.” I asked Emma Gale (44), a delightful Australian painter with a passion for color and a fascination with Frida Kahlo to give me some tips and tricks: how to get those creative juices flowing? 

Ruthie Davis is just like the amazing shoes she designs: daring, empowering and totally fabulous. After making Reebok hip again and completely revamping Uggs, she launched her own brand 10 years ago and quickly became the go-to designer for feminine feminists like Beyoncé and Lady Gaga. I met up with the American style maven in New York where we discovered we have a lot in common. Ruthie: “Fashion can be a tough game! I’m proud to still be standing… in my six-inch heels!” 

It has become THE way to express yourself: social media. But how to best broadcast your message and maximize its potential? I asked the woman who foresaw the social media revolution and turned beauty- and fashion stylists into the new superstars: Brooke Wall.

What was Frida really like? To find out, I had an exclusive interview with the woman who was there when Frida’s bathroom filled with personal treasures was opened after more than 50 years: Hilda Trujillo, director of the Casa Azul in Mexico City. 

“Opening the archives allowed us to discover the most important thing: the human being behind the famous artist.” 

When it comes to feminine feminism, TV -with its new generation kick-ass leading ladies expressing my motto ‘Dare to dream, dare to grow, dare to be’- is definitely where it’s at! So when I got invited to play a part in TV’s biggest night of the year, I grabbed my party heels and jetted off to Los Angeles.

When I met Jennifer Finnigan in Los Angeles at our Emmy’s gift lounge, there was an immediate spark and connection. The Canadian actress, who is currently starring in the controversial TV drama Tyrant, turned out to be a lingerie-loving, feminine feminist with a noble mission: to revolutionize the TV world, one show at a time. But when she found out I was Dutch, she insisted on first telling me about her adventure in our own Red Light District.

Not only do I admire Swedish super stylist B. Akerlund (41) for creating some of the world’s most iconic looks – Lady Gaga’s ‘Paparazzi’ video, Madonna’s Super Bowl halftime show, Beyoncé swinging a bat in ‘that’ yellow dress – I also recognize in her a fellow Feminine Feminist. “My job? To make women strong, sexy and unstoppable.”

As far as I am concerned, there is only one heiress to Edith Head’s throne, and that is the magnificent Arianne Phillips (53), twice Oscar-nominated costume designer and Madonna’s favorite style-collaborator. Like Edith, she is a tastemaker and visionary in both film and fashion. And just like her legendary predecessor, she is a feminist icon in her own right. I had the rare chance to interview Arianne and ask her about Madonna, feminism in Hollywood and why she thinks lingerie is ‘everything’. “We definitely do NOT like to hide it!”

Did you know that it takes about 10 minutes for the average marlies|dekkers customer to decide on a lingerie set, but well over an hour to choose a bathing suit or bikini? With these tips from my own swimwear experts you’ll shop like a pro.

‘Why do you still date men if we’re all such unreliable cheating bastards?’ It’s nine a.m., I’m barely awake, staring with a hot coffee at the screen of my laptop, when the poisonous questions from a certain ‘J.’ shoot right at me. ‘Give it up, feminist pussy, why don’t you become a lesbian?’

Question: what do a lingerie designer, a singing DJ and a geisha have in common? Let Johnny Kelvin show you…

Geisha are surrounded by mystery. Even in Japan where this tradition was born. The parents of the young girls who choose this path, are often taken aback and shocked by their daughter’s choice.

Word is out! Musical superstar, Adele, is a marlies|dekkers fan and our dame de paris style is her favourite sexy bra!

Last Friday, we presented our new lingerie collection at the one-off marlies|dekkers clubnight in Rotterdam. The theme of the collection is Awaken Your Senses.

We love sharing our latest products and news with you and the best way for you to keep up with Marlies and the brand is to follow us on Social Media!

Nicolas Scherzinger ist zwar gerade in einer Prominenten Dreiecksbeziehung mit Lewis Hamilton und unserer anderen guten Freundin Rihanna, aber heute blicken wir auf ein Musikvideo mit den Pussycat Dolls im Jahre 2006 zurück…

Diese Woche machen wir einen Rückblick auf 2012 als Taylor Swift ihr Musikvideo zu ihrem Song „I Knew You Were Trouble“ aus dem Album „Red“ drehte.

Wer ist diese Nicki Minaj? Das höre ich öfters und meine Antwort ist: „I’m like a multiple personality bitch…“

Jessie J zeigt uns wie man sich mit marlies|dekkers‘ Bestseller stylt, die Dame de Paris für einen amüsanten Freitagabend.

Der Mode immer ein paar Schritte voraus, rockt Rihanna 2010 auf der Rückseite ihres Albums Rated R in einem exklusiven und maßgeschneiderten Spider-Set von marlies|dekkers.

For over 20 years, celebrities are wearing my lingerie. It’s a combination between a good working PR machine, and designs which are truly new to the famous ladies.

When I came up with the idea of designing a lingerie couture collection, I thought of adventurous women, dreamers and modern thinkers who would wear the collection. I launched the couture line in the past winter collection and now the second collection is available since a few days.

Charlotte Olympias super sexy Killer-Heels haben Sie bestimmt schon mal bei Stars wie Dita von Teese, Beyoncé und überhaupt auf dem roten Teppich gesehen. „The higher the heel, the better you feel!“ (Je höher der Absatz, desto besser man sich fühlt!) lautet das Motto der Designerin (33), das ein wenig der Devise von Christian Louboutin ähnelt.

I really wanted to share the pictures of this powerlady with you. Sisse Marie seems to love wearing my designs and we all love to see her wearing it!

One of America’s ultimate top models, Tyra Banks, spotted in my designs, but this lady has a remarkable story

I recently met Anastacia and although we didn’t had much time, there were a few subjects I really wanted to talk about with her.

It looks like American actress and fashionista Sarah Jessica Parker loves marlies|dekkers. We spotted her wearing the Dutch lingerie brand for the third time!

Russian actrice and model Rita Volk is wearing our Dame de Paris collection in the romantic comedy hit serie Faking It on MTV!