When Romee Strijd was first scouted at age 14, out shopping with her mother in Amsterdam, she said no. Shy but confident, she was enjoying being a teenager, and modelling didn't really appeal. Thanks, but no thanks.

A year later, Romee's outlook had changed: 'I knew more about the industry and thought, why not?' she tells me over the phone on her way to JFK airport, from where she's flying to Los Angeles for some last-minute sunshine before her third Victoria's Secret show takes place.

Armed with a give-it-a-go attitude, Romee was booked for the Jil Sander, Prada, Burberry and Louis Vuitton shows in her first season. Since then, she's fronted campaigns for Alexander McQueen, Donna Karan and more, walked the hallowed Victoria's Secret runway and amassed more than three million Instagram followers.

We get to know the most laid-back yet motivated model we know…

1. 'The highlight of my career so far has to be my first fashion week'

When I look back, I didn't realise what a big deal it was. I did these shows [Louis Vuitton and Prada] and I wasn't nervous because I wasn't aware of what was going on. That was good for me. Once you start walking, you just focus on the end of the runway and everything else falls away.

Romee Stridj is ELLE's January cover star | ELLE UKpinterest
Laurie Bartley

2. 'I like showing my personality on the runway'

So the Victoria's Secret show is great for that. And Balmain, because you're surrounded by powerful women [Natalia

Vodianova and Natasha Poly both walked in the SS18 show], and [Balmain creative director] Olivier Rousteing encourages you to do what you want. I like to be positive on the runway; it's nice to smile.

3. 'After the Victoria's Secret show, we party'

It's fun because you see the relief from everybody after so much hard work. I love hanging out with [Victoria's Secret

Angels] Taylor Hill and Jasmine Tookes. We all got announced as Angels at the same time, so we've become close.

Nine Things You Need To Know About ELLE Cover Star Romee Strijd | ELLE UKpinterest
Laurie Bartley

4. 'Working out is something that comes naturally to me'

If I have only 20 minutes, I do a few jump squats, some lunges, a bit of skipping, ab work, ankle weights, and then finish with a little stretch.

5. 'I like to mix it up because I get bored easily'

I don't enjoy cardio, but 25 minutes on the Stair-Master helps you get good bum muscles. I love a barre class, and Pilates is great to stretch it out.

6. 'You've got to have upbeat, powerful music to exercise to'

Beyoncé and Rihanna are favourites. If I'm doing weights, I like to play house music; something that gives me energy.

Nine Things You Need To Know About ELLE Cover Star Romee Strijd | ELLE UKpinterest
Laurie Bartley

7. 'Il Pastaio in Beverly Hills is my favourite restaurant for a date'

My boyfriend and I sit outside, put our phones away and always have the best time. The pasta is so delicious. If you go late at night, you see all these crazy cars driving past, which we love.

8. 'I like to experiment with different beauty products'

Right now, I'm using an Estée Lauder bronzer. You only need to use a little bit to get a glowy look. I have a nice highlighter from Chanel, which I use on my cheekbones. For my eyebrows, I use a Benefit eyebrow pencil, and I like Charlotte Tilbury's Lip Cheat lip pencil with a little bit of the new Fenty lip gloss on top.

9. 'My English was horrible when I first move to New York'

But once I started working with all the girls, I learned pretty quickly. Taylor [Hill] always says, 'Let's play it by ear.' When I first heard that, I was so confused; I didn't know what she meant. But she doesn't like to plan; she prefers to see how the day rolls, so I've adopted that phrase – and attitude – too.


The January issue of ELLE with Romee Strijd on the cover is on sale now.

Photography: Laurie Bartley, Stylist: Anne Christensen, Hair: Panos Papandrianos, Makeup: Ayaminishimura