Daphne Muriël Deckers (born November 10, 1968) is a Dutch model, writer, and television presenter. She gained prominence in the Netherlands and internationally through her diverse career in fashion, media, and literature.
Early Life and Education
Deckers was born in Nijmegen, Netherlands. She grew up in a family with a strong emphasis on education. She pursued studies in communication sciences at the University of Amsterdam before embarking on her professional career.Career
Deckers' career spans several distinct but interconnected fields:Modeling
Deckers began her career as a fashion model in the late 1980s. She quickly achieved success, working for major fashion brands and appearing in numerous international magazines, including Vogue and Harper's Bazaar. She was particularly known for her natural beauty and versatile appeal. Her modeling career took her to fashion capitals such as Milan, Paris, and New York.Television
Transitioning from modeling, Deckers became a familiar face on Dutch television. She has hosted and appeared in various television programs, including:- Big Brother: She hosted the Dutch version of the reality show Big Brother in its early seasons.
- Holland's Next Top Model: Deckers served as a judge and host for several seasons of the Dutch adaptation of the popular Next Top Model franchise.
- RTL Boulevard: She worked as an entertainment reporter and guest expert for the popular Dutch daily entertainment news program RTL Boulevard, discussing fashion, lifestyle, and celebrity news.
- Other appearances: Deckers has also participated in various talk shows, game shows, and special event coverages throughout her career.
Writing
Deckers established herself as a successful author and columnist. Her writing often focuses on everyday life, motherhood, relationships, and observations on society, frequently infused with humor and personal anecdotes.- Columns: She has written columns for several prominent Dutch newspapers and magazines, including De Telegraaf and Viva. These columns often form the basis for her books.
- Books: Her published works include:
- De Dingen Die Je Niet Wilt Weten Over Moederschap (The Things You Don't Want to Know About Motherhood) – A collection of humorous and candid reflections on parenting.
- Opwaaiende Jurken en Ander Leed (Skirts Blowing Up and Other Woes) – A collection of columns.
- Children's Books: Deckers has also authored several popular children's books, most notably the De Vita series, which follows the adventures of a young girl.
- English-language work: She gained international recognition for her English-language novel Schapen Wassen (Washing Sheep), which was also published as The Things We Never Tell in some markets.
Personal Life
Daphne Deckers is married to Richard Krajicek, a former professional tennis player who won Wimbledon in 1996. They have two children. The couple often appears together at public events and has maintained a relatively private family life despite their public personas.Bibliography (Selected)
- De Dingen Die Je Niet Wilt Weten Over Moederschap (1999)
- Opwaaiende Jurken en Ander Leed (2001)
- De Vita Droombruiloft (2003)
- De Vita en het Vriendje (2004)
- Schapen Wassen (2007) (also published as The Things We Never Tell)
- De Zevende Hemel (2019)