The Dutch model is currently enjoying his moment at the forefront of the fashion industry. You don’t have to look further than Republic Men to find several of fashion’s favorite faces. The Amsterdam-based modeling industry boasts top stars such as Ton Heukels and Sven de Vries, as well as the next generation of standouts like Parker van Noord. Acting as director, Stephanie Pistel recently collaborated with cameraman Max Maloney to capture the models making waves at Republic Men. Shot at Hans Ubbink Studio, the models come together in denim looks styled by Jos van Heel.
Republic Men Models
Mees Valbracht, 18, Noord-Holland
What is one thing people may be surprised to find out about you?
I am a pretty good singer, I can dance well, and I play the guitar a bit.
What are your interests/favorite things?
I like to play the guitar, as well as watch and play football. I also like road trips with my mom, just listening to music and talking. I love to hang out with friends and from time to time, I like to play some video games.
How were you scouted?
That’s a funny story. My brother Bram was already doing some modeling and after a year and a half, our booker said: Maybe it is time Mees should start doing some modeling and eventually I rolled into it.
Were you into the idea of modeling?
Yeah, I kinda was, but I would have never expected to do modeling when I was younger.
Why do you think Dutch models are successful in the industry?
I think it’s because we are very social and being tall helps as well.
What do you hope to accomplish in your modeling career?
I hope to accomplish making some new friends, doing some nice shows, and having some shoots. I also look forward to traveling around the world and just making a bit of money to help start my own bar.
When you’re not modeling, what are some of your favorite things to do?
My favorite things to do are playing football, relaxing at home with my family, exploring my hobbies, going to the gym and chilling with my friends.
What is your all-time favorite movie and why?
That would have to be Collateral Beauty. Mostly because I saw it a while back and it impressed me so much. It was a really good story and very deep and full of emotions.
What’s your town like in the Netherlands?
I live in a very small town in the Netherlands; Langedijk. It’s a very nice town because you know tons of people and everybody is always really kind and in for a chat. There are a lot of streams and a lake where we can swim and ice skate during winter time.
Describe your personal style in 3 words.
Fresh, original, and real.
Hugo De Groot, 20
What is one thing people may be surprised to find out about you?
The thing that always gets people the most is that I’m studying IT.
What are your interests/favorite things?
My favorite things are the simple things in life.
How were you scouted?
I decided to go to Amsterdam on a hot summer day where I ran into Republic’s scout.
Were you into the idea of modeling?
More agencies had approached me but I never had the interest. The thing that changed was that my impression of the agency I’m with now. They had a general good vibe and seemed to want what was in my best interest. They let me know that they would be right by my side along this crazy journey.
Why do you think Dutch models are successful in the industry?
It’s our Dutch charm!
When you’re not modeling, what are some of your favorite things to do?
My favorite things to do are skating, going out in nature and just hanging out with friends.
What is your all-time favorite movie and why?
If I had to choose one favorite, it would be Garden State simply because of the actors and their acting. I love the awkwardness in the movie.
What’s your hometown like in the Netherlands?
Small and surrounded by forest.
Robin van der Veen, 17
What are your interests/favorite things?
My interests are in sports. I like soccer the most.
How were you scouted?
I was walking down the street and a scout spoke to me and said: “Would you like to be a model?” And he asked other questions about me.
Were you into the idea of modeling?
Not initially. It was not my dream, but now I like it a lot.
Why do you think Dutch models are successful in the industry?
Dutch faces are beautiful. The faces have something special.
What do you hope to accomplish in your modeling career?
I hope that I can walk the Louis Vuitton and Gucci shows. I would also like to do a campaign for a good brand.
When you’re not modeling, what are some of your favorite things to do?
I think it’s nice to travel all over the world. Outside of modeling, I’d like to be a physical education teacher.
What is your all-time favorite movie and why?
My all-time favorite movie is John Wick 1/2, because the plot of the films is good and there are a lot of fights. I like it.
What’s your town like in the Netherlands?
My town in the Netherlands is Drachten. It is in the north of the country.
Parker van Noord, 20, Amsterdam
What are your interests/favorite things?
My favorite things definitely relate to everything that asks for creative input. I like to sit with myself and make something with my time, whether it is doing something with words or making a small brainstorm. Literally everything!
How were you scouted?
My father has been a model for like 30+ years already. I remember we got asked to do a shoot together as a father and son duo with Philippe Vogelenzang. I must have been like 14 years-old or something. All together we found out that I had a natural feeling in front of the camera. Philippe told me to go to Jorma and so I rolled in naturally.
Were you into the idea of modeling?
Well, I had no idea of what my father was doing actually and when I found out, I did not really know whether I was into modeling. However, it went natural as I said.
When you’re not modeling, what are some of your favorite things to do?
At the moment I am very occupied with my uni, so it’s not really that I work full-time; just sometimes on the weekends or when it fits my schedule. Furthermore, I think it is very good to occupy yourself in your leisure time in order to create something with your time and to feel vital. I find this vitality in creating art, so that is what I do in my leisure time.
What is your all-time favorite movie and why?
I Walk the Line with Johnny Cash. It contains everything really and I always get in a good mood when I see this movie.
What’s your town like in the Netherlands?
My parental home is super cool. It is like this open space with only cows and horses running in the fields. And just this spirit of a very calm atmosphere. Always come to ease at this place.
Bram Valbracht, 22, Zuid-Scharwoude
What is one thing people may be surprised to find out about you?
I’m working on becoming a personal coach.
What are your interests/favorite things?
Sports (running, gym, swimming, and football), Cooking, Reading, Coaching, and Traveling.
How were you scouted?
I was shopping with my family in Amsterdam when suddenly someone reached out to me and asked if I was a model. 2 days later I received a call that the agency was interested in meeting me in person.
Were you into the idea of modeling?
No. Prior, my sister told me twice to sign up for an agency but I never felt the urge to do so. Once I had the meeting with Jorma from Republic, who explained me clearly what this job meant and how it worked, I knew this was something in my league.
Why do you think Dutch models are successful in the industry?
They appreciate the chances given to them, people they get to work with and jobs they get to work on. Always looking to improve their way of working, straightforward with themselves and others, making it a solid bottom to start working and personal relationships.
What do you hope to accomplish in your modeling career?
Changing the way people think about themselves.
What is your all-time favorite movie and why?
Gladiator. I like that the main character is strong and determined, even after everything he’s been through. It made a great impression on me the first time watching it. Even after watching it several times, the end still gives me goosebumps.
What’s your town like in the Netherlands?
It’s a town built around a dike, making it have one big main road and around that, all the new houses were built. It’s surrounded by a lot of water and is called: het duizend eilanden rijk, litterly translated: The Thousand Island Rich. The town is filled with people that are generous to each other. It’s very common to wave or smile at people passing by, even if you don’t know them. Activity wise, there is not much to do…just two bars and a shopping mall…small and convenient.
Adil Haddaoui, 21, Rotterdam
What is one thing people may be surprised to find out about you?
This one maybe Jorma can answer Haha! Thanks Jor! (Agent: “Adil is very true to himself. He successfully finished Ramadan during summer fashion week, twice! Running around in 30 degrees with no food or water, and he never complained”)
How were you scouted?
It was my first day in Amsterdam. Then I saw two people looking at me and I asked my friend why they looking at me (Jorma and Anneriet). Then Jorma came up to me and asked me if I ever thought about modeling. I thought it was a joke, but here I am. I will never forget that day! Thanks again to Jorma and Anneriet. Much love for you guys.
Why do you think Dutch models are successful in the industry?
Personality! Most of the Dutch boys are social and nice. It’s not always about the looks. You need the whole package.
What do you hope to accomplish in your modeling career?
A lot of zeroes in my bank account.
How old are you and where are you from?
I am 21 years-old and from Rotterdam. I am a Dutch Morrocan.
What is your all-time favorite movie and why?
Difficult choice. I would say Scarface and Shottas because I like those kinds of movies and most of the time I forget a movie, but those two, I don’t forget.
What’s your town like in the Netherlands?
Rotterdam is for me, the best city we have. Nice people! Good spots to drink or eat and the traffic is perfect…not so busy.
Sep Graf, 17, Amsterdam
What is one thing people may be surprised to find out about you?
That I am in the first year of my studies for communication and multimedia design at the higher school of Amsterdam.
What are your interests/favorite things?
I love to play football, hang out with my friends, and I like to model.
How were you scouted?
I was scouted in the Jordaan (my neighborhood). There was a man calling for me while I was riding my bike. He asked me if I could stop because he wanted to ask me something. I was a little bit confused, but at the end, I am very happy that I didn’t ignore him.
Why do you think Dutch models are successful in the industry?
I think they are popular because the average Dutch boy is quite tall.
What do you hope to accomplish in your modeling career?
I would love to see the world and walk some spectacular fashion shows.
When you’re not modeling, what are some of your favorite things to do?
I love to play football. I am a huge fan of Ajax and I have a season ticket to visit all the games at the Johan Cruijff ArenA.
What is your all-time favorite movie and why?
The Incredibles, because I have watched it a couple of hundred times. I am very excited for the upcoming sequel.
What’s your town like in the Netherlands?
Amsterdam is very busy and touristic, but my neighborhood is very nice and quiet.
Jordy Baan, 22, Rijssen
What is one thing people may be surprised to find out about you?
People always look really surprised when I tell them that I have a twin brother.
What are your interests/favorite things?
I really enjoy all the traveling I do at the moment because of my job! One of my favorite things is to meet different people while working, and hear about there stories! Because everyone is so diverse yet the same.
How were you scouted?
I was scouted by my mother agent while shopping in Amsterdam.
Were you into the idea of modeling?
No, not at all! When I started, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I thought it was a really small industry and never thought I would travel the world because of it.
Why do you think Dutch models are successful in the industry?
Because it ain’t much if it ain’t Dutch. No, I think it’s because most of us are really down to earth and are ourselves. Plus we are quite tall and are lucky to have some good genes.
What do you hope to accomplish in your modeling career?
I want to get the most out of it for as long as I can. Because I really enjoy my life at the moment.
When you’re not modeling, what are some of your favorite things to do?
When I’m home I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. And of course, I go to the gym…haha.
What is your all-time favorite movie and why?
That would be the Pursuit of Happiness with Will Smith because it is such an amazing and inspiring story.
What’s your town like in the Netherlands?
It is a really small town with 30k people living in it. Everyone knows everyone but it’s a good environment to grow up in.
Describe your personal style in 3 words.
Dark, oversized, and classy.
Dani van de Water, 19, Zuidwolde
What is one thing people may be surprised to find out about you?
I’m a big fan of the football club PEC Zwolle. I follow them everywhere they go when I have the time for it.
What are your interests/favorite things?
Football, games, music, friends, and family.
How were you scouted?
I was scouted at the train station of Groningen.
Why do you think Dutch models are successful in the industry?
I think it’s maybe because of our height and we are not afraid to stand in front of the camera.
What do you hope to accomplish in your modeling career?
I hope that I will be able to buy a house and later start a family with this and make my friends and family proud. I also hope to be able to show my children all the beautiful things I have done.
When you’re not modeling, what are some of your favorite things to do?
Play football or video games.
What is your all-time favorite movie and why?
All parts of Insidious because it is exciting and it’s a good story.
What’s your town like in the Netherlands?
It’s really small and a bit countryside, but I like it because all my friends are here.
Describe your personal style in 3 words.
Sport, street, and unique.
Arjan Van Hesteren, 22, Amsterdam
What is one thing people may be surprised to find out about you?
I am really into politics, and I am somewhat over a year analyzing and trading Cryptocurrency.
What are your interests/favorite things?
I love music, politics, movies, technology, fashion, and sports.
How were you scouted?
A sister of one of my best friends was studying at Amsterdam Fashion Institue and asked if I could help her with a school project.
Were you into the idea of modeling?
Nah not really. I used to be insecure so I could not get into the idea of standing in front of the camera. And I did not have a really healthy lifestyle…haha.
Why do you think Dutch models are successful in the industry?
I think Dutch people are down to earth, speak their languages well, and they are easy to work with.
What do you hope to accomplish in your modeling career?
I want to see a lot of the world, live in NYC for some time, meet crazy people, and in the meantime get some cool campaigns! But when I’m “old,” I want to have my own program like David Attenborough, probably about history.
What is your all-time favorite movie and why?
Lost in Translation! I Love how the movie is so awkward, and I can sometimes relate.
What’s your town like in the Netherlands?
I’m born and raised in Amsterdam. I feel really lucky because I think Amsterdam is one of the best places to be born and raised! It is a social city and has so much to offer in a lot of different scenes and I think everybody can fit in! I have lived closely with a lot of different cultures and that really helps me to get along with all types of people.
Describe your personal style in 3 words.
Comfortable, funny and different.
Ton Heukels, 24, Hague
How were you scouted?
I was on holiday in Milan right after my exams looking for a pizzeria when a woman started shooting and running after me. She then pushed a mobile phone into my hands with the boss of Elite Milan who asked ifIi wanted to come by the agency.
Were you into the idea of modeling?
It never even crossed my mind. As a kid, I always wanted to become a firefighter or a policeman or a pilot. As I grew older, I wanted to work for an NGO, so the whole idea of modeling, I just never thought about it.
Why do you think Dutch models are successful in the industry?
Honestly, no idea. Because we’re awesome? Okay no…I think it’s because we’re tall, I guess.
What do you hope to accomplish in your modeling career?
Travel to as many places as possible!
When you’re not modeling, what are some of your favorite things to do?
I love playing guitar and piano when I’m at home! Otherwise, I spend my time playing basketball, snowboarding, and watching anything that’s Star Wars related!
What is your all-time favorite movie and why?
There are soooo many good ones, but if I had to choose, it would be The Big Lebowski! It’s funny, touching, original, and it gets better with every viewing!
What’s your town like in the Netherlands?
The Hague is the most beautiful place in the world, but then again, I’m pretty biased. It’s on the sea in between our dunes. There’s some surfing there, a lot of beach volleyball. There are also nice places to get a drink and most importantly, it’s filled with nice people.
Describe your personal style in 3 words.
Comfort, comfort, and comfort.
Sven de Vries, 23
What are your interests/favorite things?
Lately, I am watching more and more what I eat, which is pretty fun. Being more healthy and energetic is very important to me at the moment!
How were you scouted?
I was scouted during a school trip in London when I went into a restaurant I got asked by Cesar Perin if I ever thought about modeling. Never thought about that…was a bit odd at first but became fun real quick!
Were you into the idea of modeling?
Never really thought about it, but I thought yes let’s try it and go on an adventure haha!
Why do you think Dutch models are successful in the industry?
In general, Dutch people are openminded and easygoing. I think that’s a pro and we are all very tall of course!
What do you hope to accomplish in your modeling career?
I don’t have one set goal, to be honest. I love doing it and would love to do a lot more. Meeting new people and visiting new places are my favorite things. I’d also like to learn more about different cultures.
When you’re not modeling, what are some of your favorite things to do?
I like (believe it or not) to do some normal things, like helping at home. I do love to do sports like working out or cycling. I like to meet up with my friends who live locally too.
What is your all-time favorite movie and why?
There are several movies I like so it’s hard to pick one. I like Star Wars a lot, but also the Marvel movies. My favorite may be a documentary series about World War II called Band of Brothers.
What’s your town like in the Netherlands?
It’s pretty quiet with lots of nature, but I got everything I need (except an airport) within cycling range.
Describe your personal style in 3 words.
Smart, casual, and comfortable.
Credits
Director: Stephanie Pistel
Camera: Max Maloney
Gaffer: Rolf Roodhard
Focus Puller: Paco Kumar
Set Design: Jantien
Producer: Bart Reef
Grip/Dit: Paul Roelofse
Styling: Jos van Heel
Assistant Styling: Maaike Staal
Assistant Styling: Ricky van Gils
Hair & Makeup: Cynthia Schippers
Studio: Hans Ubbink Studio
Post Production: Ambassadors Studio
Edit: Oscar Marmelstein
Grading: Brian Krijgsman
Thanks to Scout William
