MD Friends

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MD Friends

by Marlies Dekkers

Always follow your dreams! Remaining true to my talents and acting on my own vision of life has brought me so far. Here I’ll proudly share all wishes, photos and other cool material I’m gathering from MD friends: women who follow me, my business and my designs. This is what motivates me to keep dreaming. May it inspire you to live your life to the fullest as well. Dare to dream, dare to grow, dare to be!

The power of pleasure

MD Friends

The power of pleasure

by marlies dekkers

Since bursting onto the scene in 2010 with her delightful apple vibrator, Dutch sexpert Rianne Swierstra has been unwavering in her mission: to seduce women to take a bite out of the forbidden fruit of sexual self-knowledge and become juicy powerhouses. High time to high-five this fellow feminine feminist and have a Zoom chat about the power of pleasure in all its juicy forms.

An arctic dream

MD Friends

An arctic dream

by marlies dekkers

Following in the footsteps of the fierce female Polar explorers who inspired this season's collections, we ventured into the Arctic Circle Tromsø, Norway - for our campaign photography. Thanks to our partners, a work trip became the adventure of a lifetime. But did we see the Northern Lights?

Into the unknown

MD Friends

Into the unknown

by marlies dekkers

Sadly, there is no step-by-step manual for living through and coping with breast cancer. Every person or path is different. But when Dutch actress and writer Isa Hoes was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021, she started writing a tender, moving and shamelessly honest account that has become a must-read for anyone whose life has been touched - directly or indirectly - by cancer. "I started wondering: have I been living my life to the fullest? And honestly, the answer was no."

Vixen, not victim!

MD Friends

Vixen, not victim!

by Marlies Dekkers

On Cancer Survivor Day, we celebrate those who have fought cancer and won, while bringing hope to those still battling this terrible disease. With 'Cancer Vixen', Marisa Acocella's powerful, colorful and often hilarious cancer memoir, the American cartoonist has created a life-affirming gift for women on the front lines and beyond: a Sex and the City type tale of a woman kicking cancer’s butt - in killer heels! - that inspires hope and some healing laughter. "The word is vixen, not victim."

Why woman grow

MD Friends

Why woman grow

by Marlies Dekkers

'Why women grow' by Alice Vincent is a magical book. Reading the British gardener and writer's inspiring stories of soil, sisterhood and surviving enabled me to plug into an amazing community of gardening women, without ever having to leave my own garden. But the strongest connection I felt was with the writer herself. Like Alice, I am a self-taught urban gardener who didn't grow up gardening (even though we both had grandmothers who loved botany). And like Alice, I've learned since then that we grow through growing things. Time to have a heart-to-heart with my 'soil sister'.

Hildegard for president

MD Friends

Hildegard for president

by Marlies Dekkers

What on earth can we learn from a mystic German nun who lived nearly 900 years ago? Much more than you think! Just ask Mary Sharratt, the American award-winning writer and Hildegard von Bingen expert who channeled the badass nun for her phenomenal novel 'Illuminations'. "What Hildegard would do if she were alive now? I say: Hildegard for president!".

Hildegard von bingen and I

MD Friends

Hildegard von bingen and I

by Marlies Dekkers

Putting a flamboyant, female stamp on the male-dominated world of polar exploration, Bernice Notenboom (1962) is a breath of fresh - or should we say 'frozen'? - air. The first Dutch woman to conquer the South Pole on skies and the second one to climb to the top of the Mount Everest, Bernice's fondness for the cold matches her heartwarming openness. "A male explorer with children is praised for being a fun, adventurous dad, while a female adventurer is a selfish mother."

Bringing females forward

Females Forward

Bringing females forward

by marlies|dekkers

It’s no coincidence that the abbreviation of our Bringing Females Forward program is BFF – it was initiated to give women across our value chain the confidence to become their own BFFs and give themselves permission to fly. The saying ’empowered women empower women’ in action.

All for the sisterhood

Marlies Says

All for the sisterhood

by marlies|dekkers

Boss bitch, feminine feminist, body positive pioneer; over the course of the past 30 years, Marlies Dekkers has been called many things. Proud to call her my dear, dear friend myself, I sat down with the Anniversary Queen to toast to three decades of trailblazing, but also to explore the many wonderful ways she has shaped the world we live in today.

A piece of me

Marlies Says

A piece of me

by marlies|dekkers

Celebrating a milestone like a 30-year anniversary is the perfect moment to reflect back, look forward and party like it’s 1999 – or 1995, in my case. How fitting that in the run-up to my own celebrations, my life and art became the subject of a powerful performance in a party-like setting (a church converted into a 90s club for the night). In a dramatic monologue, Dewi Reijs played me so skillfully that I felt like seeing my life flash before my eyes at times! I sat down with the multi-talented actress to find out how she pulled it off.

The power in our blood

MD Friends

The power in our blood

by marlies|dekkers

Having assisted over 4000 women in childbirth – she once joked that her office was the vagina – legendary Dutch midwife Beatrijs Smulders knows a thing or two about feminine power. Luckily for us, she is sharing her wisdom and life experiences in ‘Blood’, the juicy first installment of her autobiographical trilogy. I talked with the formidable feminine feminist about love, power and sex in the age of Pornhub and Tinder. « YOU make the rules. »

Read the story of Nannette, breast cancer survivor

MD Friends

Read the story of Nannette, breast cancer survivor

by marlies|dekkers

« Hair, even if it’s a wig, can give you the strength to carry on. »

« Hair has always played a huge part in my life. Having been born into a family of hairdressers, it was only natural that I became one myself. My mother and I used to proudly wear our hair in beautiful long ponytails; a family tradition to celebrate our femininity. You can imagine how devastated we were when my mom got diagnosed with cancer and lost her hair. Trying to find her a decent wig only made things worse. « Please promise me to do something about this, Nannette, » my mom begged me with tears in her eyes after another failed visit to a wig shop.

Read the story of Renate, breast cancer survivor

MD Friends

Read the story of Renate, breast cancer survivor

by marlies|dekkers

« I realized that my beauty isn’t in my breasts or hair, but in my inner strength. »

« The first time I cried during this whole process was when I asked my oncologist: « Am I going to lose all my hair? » Sure, my main concern had been my boobs, but thinking of hair loss, it really hit me: I am sick, this is real. When shortly after the first chemo cocktail I discovered a bald patch, right in the front along my hairline, I decided to take matters into my own hands by shaving off all my hair. It may sound weird, but it actually turned into a beautiful, precious evening. My twin sister, my son and my partner all took turns shaving off a lock. I wasn’t allowed to see anything till it was done, but walking towards the mirror afterwards, I suddenly froze and turned around. I was terrified. Gently, my son took me in his arms and said: « Mama, you look stunning. » I took a deep breath and faced the mirror. Wow, he was right! I looked beautiful. Strong, like GI Jane. I loved it.

The eyes of the 80’s nightlife – Cleo Campert

MD Friends

The eyes of the 80’s nightlife – Cleo Campert

by marlies|dekkers

You know what they say: if you remember the 60s, you weren’t really there. Similarly, if you have a lot of party pictures of the 80s and 90s, you weren’t in the right scene. The visitors of Club RoXY, the epicenter of Amsterdam’s nightlife explosion, were simply too busy revolutionizing art, music and fashion to take photos. Luckily, one woman was there with two cameras, a curious heart and a sharp eye.

The ears of 80’s nightlife – Joost van Bellen

MD Friends

The ears of 80’s nightlife – Joost van Bellen

by marlies|dekkers

As one of the very first to preach house music, he touched our souls with his sounds. But as the ringmaster of the 80s and 90s club scene, Joost van Bellen also helped shape art and fashion into what it is today. Time to get down and dirty with my favorite DJ and find out why the spirit of the ‘Golden Age of Nightlife’ is more relevant now than ever.

Beyond the legend – Carolyn Burke

MD Friends

Beyond the legend – Carolyn Burke

by marlies|dekkers

She was a model and photographer, muse and reporter, sexual adventurer and domestic goddess. Yet Lee Miller’s stunning beauty has made it difficult to evaluate her work in its own right, according to biographer Carolyn Burke, who made it her mission to reveal the woman behind the legend. « Writing her story, my heart broke several times. »

Political animal – Marianne Thieme

MD Friends

Political animal – Marianne Thieme

by marlies|dekkers

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…

Rob Peetoom – Hair guru with a mission

MD Friends

Rob Peetoom – Hair guru with a mission

by marlies|dekkers

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.

The self-love show

MD Friends

The self-love show

by marlies|dekkers

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!

Amanda van Effrink

MD Friends

Amanda van Effrink

by marlies|dekkers

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.

Sioejeng Tsao

MD Friends

Sioejeng Tsao

by marlies|dekkers

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.

Laura Reijling

MD Friends

Laura Reijling

by marlies|dekkers

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.

Tess Maylo Blom

MD Friends

Tess Maylo Blom

by marlies|dekkers

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.

Esra Önsöz

MD Friends

Esra Önsöz

by marlies|dekkers

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! ».

Sigrid Boersma

MD Friends

Sigrid Boersma

by marlies|dekkers

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.

Beertje van Beers

MD Friends

Beertje van Beers

by marlies|dekkers

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!

Margriet Planting

MD Friends

Margriet Planting

by marlies|dekkers

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.

Jody Vivian

MD Friends

Jody Vivian

by marlies|dekkers

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.

Mo-Yccia Hanley

MD Friends

Mo-Yccia Hanley

by marlies|dekkers

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.

Pirate women – Laura Sook Duncombe

MD Friends

Pirate women – Laura Sook Duncombe

by marlies|dekkers

« 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. »

Ilham Mestour: Hair Queen with Pirate Roots

MD Friends

Ilham Mestour: Hair Queen with Pirate Roots

by marlies|dekkers

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.

Spreading the (self-) love!

MD Friends

Spreading the (self-) love!

by marlies|dekkers

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!

Own your spots with German fashion model Widget

MD Friends

Own your spots with German fashion model Widget

by marlies|dekkers

Meet Widget: international model, modelling-coach, medical academic and total powerhouse! Widget did an incredible photoshoot in my Peekaboo leopard collection and I just fell in love with the images. Flirty, fun, fierce and feminine; Widget shows us what it looks like to feel comfortable in your own skin. She reminds me of a gorgeous leopard, totally owning her spots!

Own your spots with Rui Jun Luong, founder of Asian Raisins

MD Friends

Own your spots with Rui Jun Luong, founder of Asian Raisins

by marlies|dekkers

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!

Own your spots with Jasja Heijboer, owner of Ace Agency

MD Friends

Own your spots with Jasja Heijboer, owner of Ace Agency

by marlies|dekkers

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!

Own your spots with body positivity-guru Ellie Sweet

MD Friends

Own your spots with body positivity-guru Ellie Sweet

by marlies|dekkers

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.

Making it easy being green – Dieuwertje Damen

MD Friends

Making it easy being green – Dieuwertje Damen

by marlies|dekkers

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.

Twisted sisters – Kaat Bollen

MD Friends

Twisted sisters – Kaat Bollen

by marlies|dekkers

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!”.

A language of symbols – Karen Hamaker-Zondag

MD Friends

A language of symbols – Karen Hamaker-Zondag

by marlies|dekkers

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.”

Fiercely feminine – Kaouthar Darmoni

MD Friends

Fiercely feminine – Kaouthar Darmoni

by marlies|dekkers

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 women ruled the world – Kara Cooney

MD Friends

When women ruled the world – Kara Cooney

by marlies|dekkers

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. »

A heart for women – Angela Maas

MD Friends

A heart for women – Angela Maas

by marlies|dekkers

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.

A world of wanders – Marcel Wanders

MD Friends

A world of wanders – Marcel Wanders

by marlies|dekkers

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’.

An erotic experiment – Ype de Boer

MD Friends

An erotic experiment – Ype de Boer

by marlies|dekkers

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.

Bossy and we know it – the face and future of female leadership

MD Friends

Bossy and we know it – the face and future of female leadership

by marlies|dekkers

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?’

The shadow of our smiles

MD Friends

The shadow of our smiles

by marlies|dekkers

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?”

Girl power? Political power!

MD Friends

Girl power? Political power!

by marlies|dekkers

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.”

Camilla Läckberg: Queen of everything

MD Friends

Camilla Läckberg: Queen of everything

by marlies|dekkers

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.”

Miljuschka’s wonderful watermelon salad

MD Friends

Miljuschka’s wonderful watermelon salad

by marlies|dekkers

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.

Behind the scenes: hairstylist Bianca van Zwieten

MD Friends

Behind the scenes: hairstylist Bianca van Zwieten

by marlies|dekkers

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!

Building bridges

MD Friends

Building bridges

by marlies|dekkers

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.

More than a feeling

MD Friends

More than a feeling

by marlies|dekkers

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.”

Running for your life

MD Friends

Running for your life

by marlies|dekkers

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’.

Peas & peppers instead of pills

MD Friends

Peas & peppers instead of pills

by marlies|dekkers

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.”

When finance meets feminism

MD Friends

When finance meets feminism

by marlies|dekkers

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.”

Revelation – Miki Agrawal

MD Friends

Revelation – Miki Agrawal

by marlies|dekkers

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).

Heleen van Royen: more than a phenomenon

MD Friends

Heleen van Royen: more than a phenomenon

by marlies|dekkers

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.

marlies|dekkers at Masters of LXRY 2019

MD Friends

marlies|dekkers at Masters of LXRY 2019

by marlies|dekkers

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.

Your clitoris: the delicious ‘inside’ scoop

MD Friends

Your clitoris: the delicious ‘inside’ scoop

by marlies|dekkers

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.

« Dare to be the CEO of your own career »

MD Friends

« Dare to be the CEO of your own career »

by marlies|dekkers

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. »

Life lessons from Lady Day

Females Forward

Life lessons from Lady Day

by marlies|dekkers

What makes Billie Holiday so unforgettable, and what can women today still learn from the Queen of Blues? I asked Dutch musical legend Sophia Wezer what it was like to be in Billie’s shoes.

Stella Bergsma’s Sensual Revolution

MD Friends

Stella Bergsma’s Sensual Revolution

by marlies|dekkers

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.

« Dare to upgrade yourself »

MD Friends

« Dare to upgrade yourself »

by marlies|dekkers

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. »

« My voice, my purpose »

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« My voice, my purpose »

by marlies|dekkers

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. »

Alexander Monro breast cancer Hospital

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Alexander Monro breast cancer Hospital

by marlies|dekkers

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.

Wake up your inner Burlesque Bombshell!

Females Forward

Wake up your inner Burlesque Bombshell!

by marlies|dekkers

Watch out, world! Burlesque bombshell Mosh is coming for you! I was lucky enough to have the Russian-American performer star in my campaign recently and watching her pose up a storm for photography legend Ellen von Unwerth was as exhilarating as watching an actual, big-production burlesque show.

Hotter with her daughter

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Hotter with her daughter

by marlies|dekkers

“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…

Putting the fun in feminism

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Putting the fun in feminism

by marlies|dekkers

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.

DREAM WOMAN

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DREAM WOMAN

by marlies|dekkers

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. »

Anti-aging beyond botox

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Anti-aging beyond botox

by marlies|dekkers

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!

The lady in blu

Females Forward

The lady in blu

by marlies|dekkers

She predicted the brightly colored hair trend years before it hit the runway at Chanel and she foresaw the rise of ‘flawed’ supermodels like Winnie Harlow. One thing is clear: trend forecaster and designer Antoinette van den Berg, aka The Lady in Blu, lives, wears and breathes trends. I sat down with the sparkly, blue-haired personality to find out what the future has in store for us. « I’m telling you, old is cool! »

Breathing Beauty

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Breathing Beauty

by marlies|dekkers

An interesting thing happened when I did Nadia Narain’s yoga class the other day. I had checked myself in the mirror beforehand, and thought I looked fine, but when I looked again afterwards, I fell utterly in love with my reflection!

Your pleasure, your power

Females Forward

Your pleasure, your power

by marlies|dekkers

Forget waiting around for compliments and a candy G-string; this Valentine’s Day, let’s seduce ourselves! How can you seduce others if you don’t know how to seduce yourself, right? But it actually goes so much deeper than that. I was in New York recently, where the magnificent Mal Harrison – clinical sexologist, TEDx speaker and clit-pioneer – explained to me why loving yourself up is one of the most empowering things a woman can do, in the bedroom and beyond. « It’s about owning your pleasure, your body, your power! »

Sustainable, healthy & cruelty-free

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Sustainable, healthy & cruelty-free

by marlies|dekkers

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. »

Art after #METOO

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Art after #METOO

by marlies|dekkers

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. »

Between king and QUEEN

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Between king and QUEEN

by marlies|dekkers

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. »

FEARLESS fly GIRL

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FEARLESS fly GIRL

by marlies|dekkers

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…

BRAVE ballerina

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BRAVE ballerina

by marlies|dekkers

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.”

GUTS & GLORY

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GUTS & GLORY

by marlies|dekkers

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.

LUST for LIGHT

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LUST for LIGHT

by marlies|dekkers

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.

BRAVE new style

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BRAVE new style

by marlies|dekkers

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…

HOTTER with her daughter

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HOTTER with her daughter

by marlies|dekkers

“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…

Fearless FUN

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Fearless FUN

by marlies|dekkers

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!”

Effortless EXPRESSION

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Effortless EXPRESSION

by marlies|dekkers

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?

Selfmade STAR maker

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Selfmade STAR maker

by marlies|dekkers

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.”

Dare to dazzle

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Dare to dazzle

by marlies|dekkers

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.”.

Mother’s Day 2018

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Mother’s Day 2018

by marlies|dekkers

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.

The ART of eating well

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The ART of eating well

by marlies|dekkers

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.

She comes in COLORS

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She comes in COLORS

by marlies|dekkers

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? 

How to keep your heels and standards HIGH

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How to keep your heels and standards HIGH

by marlies|dekkers

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!” 

The GREAT connector

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The GREAT connector

by marlies|dekkers

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.

Up close and VERY PERSONAL with Frida Kahlo

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Up close and VERY PERSONAL with Frida Kahlo

by marlies|dekkers

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.” 

LA’s leading ladies in love with my lingerie!

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LA’s leading ladies in love with my lingerie!

by marlies|dekkers

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.

Jennifer Finnigan | feminine feminist

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Jennifer Finnigan | feminine feminist

by marlies|dekkers

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.

Queen B’s mission

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Queen B’s mission

by marlies|dekkers

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.”

In bed with Arianne

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In bed with Arianne

by marlies|dekkers

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!”

The ultimate shop girls’ swimwear guide

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The ultimate shop girls’ swimwear guide

by marlies|dekkers

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.

Fun Feminism Now

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Fun Feminism Now

by Sarah Meuleman

‘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?’

Dreaming of Geisha

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Dreaming of Geisha

by Kjeld Duits

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.

Alexandra Joner wears my new couture collection

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Alexandra Joner wears my new couture collection

by Marlies Dekkers

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.

Spotted Sarah Jessica Parker

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Spotted Sarah Jessica Parker

by Marlies Dekkers

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!

Spotted Rita Volk

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Spotted Rita Volk

by Marlies Dekkers

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