The Artistry and Elegance of Saskia de Brauw: How This Visionary Model is Shaping the Future of Fashion and Artistic Expression

S askia de Brauw, born on April 19, 1981, in Amsterdam, Netherlands, is a remarkable figure in the worlds of fashion and art. Standing at 1.77 meters (5 feet 9½ inches), her striking presence has graced the runways and pages of the fashion industry, earning her a reputation as a top model. De Brauw's journey began at the tender age of sixteen when she entered the modeling world. However, after just one year, she chose to leave the spotlight to pursue her true passion for art, enrolling in the prestigious Gerrit Rietveld Academie in Amsterdam.

After a significant hiatus, de Brauw made a triumphant return to modeling at 29, quickly captivating the industry with her unique look and artistic sensibilities. Her career took off rapidly as she walked for renowned designers like Balenciaga, Givenchy, and Chanel, earning the title of a "new face" for Chanel. De Brauw's talent was showcased on the cover of French Vogue in March 2011, photographed by the legendary Mert and Marcus, alongside her stunning appearance on the cover of Vogue Italia the same month, captured by the iconic Steven Meisel.

Her modeling portfolio is extensive, featuring editorials in esteemed publications such as Italian, American, French, British, German, Russian, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese Vogue, as well as Harper's Bazaar, W, i-D, LOVE, and more. De Brauw has appeared on the covers of several major fashion magazines, including Italian, French, German, Dutch, Russian, Japanese, and Korean Vogue, further solidifying her status in the industry.

De Brauw's runway presence is equally impressive; she has walked for prestigious fashion houses, including Lanvin, Céline, Marc Jacobs, Versace, and Prada, among many others. Her versatility and ability to embody different styles have made her a sought-after model for both high fashion and commercial campaigns. She has appeared in advertising campaigns for major brands like Moschino, Chanel, Giorgio Armani, Louis Vuitton, and Versace, showcasing her adaptability and appeal to a wide audience. In 2023, she became the face of Roberto Cavalli's Spring collection campaign, continuing to cement her place in the fashion world.

Beyond modeling, Saskia de Brauw is also a talented artist whose work explores the relationship between the physical body and its surroundings. Her artistic endeavors encompass photography, installation, and written verse. In 2014, during the Edinburgh International Fashion Festival, she exhibited her enlarged photographs of discarded objects in a showcase titled "The Accidental Fold" at the National Museum of Scotland. This exhibition laid the foundation for a book published in 2016, further expanding her artistic impact.

In 2015, de Brauw began collaborating with her husband, photographer and filmmaker Vincent van de Wijngaard. Their partnership resulted in innovative multimedia projects, including a film depicting her walk along a north-south route through Manhattan, culminating in the 2018 exhibition "Ghosts Don’t Walk in Straight Lines." This collaboration emphasizes the intersection of fashion and art, showcasing their shared vision and creative synergy.

Now residing in upstate New York, Saskia de Brauw continues to thrive in both her modeling and artistic pursuits. Her journey reflects the power of reinvention and passion, demonstrating that one can successfully navigate different paths while leaving an indelible mark in both the fashion and art worlds. With her unique perspective and dedication, de Brauw remains an influential figure, inspiring the next generation of models and artists alike.