How models prepare for New York Fashion Week

And we are off with New York Fashion Week. The Dutch girls remain our coolest export product (besides Armin van Buuren and Iris van Herpen) and have left for New York in large numbers.Daphne Groeneveld, 'our' Maartje Verhoef, Maud Welzen, Julia van Os, Julia Bergshoeff, Romee Strijd, Vera van Erp, Marjan Jonkman (the girl discovered by Paul Fisher in 'I can make you a supermodel') and just keep rattling off with the big names. Doutzen Kroes and Saskia de Brauw will certainly make a guest appearance at a big show. And you can bet that everyone has prepared well for this.

1. Quit the carbs.

Don't think that all those models naturally have such a body given to them by mother nature. Every now and then there might be a walking tapeworm among them, but believe me, most have to work very hard for a hip measurement of 88 centimeters. Because models also want to have a life, they do eat more normally 'off-season' but a few weeks before fashion month starts, they steer clear of any carbohydrate that crosses their path.

2. Long, long, long.

Just before Fashion Week, the workout regime is mainly shifted to long muscles. The latest model phenomenon is SLT, which stands for strengthen, lengthen, tone. Here in New York, it is said; if cardio, strength training, and pilates had a baby, it would be this.

3. Water, water, water.

Good for the body but especially for the skin. The more you drink, the less you sweat (which is nice when you're running from catwalk to catwalk and really have no time to shower in between) and the smaller your pores will become. Read

just how to easily get enough water in. here 4. Make sure you have good gear.

As a top model, you are on the go all day. Just

take a look at an average day of Maartje Verhoef. From around five in the morning to half past one at night is not unusual. Then you have to make sure you carry your life in your bag. That includes your set cards, your heels for the castings, plasters for the blisters you will get on your feet, a nice refreshing deodorant, unsalted nuts for snacking in between, an extra battery for your phone, and a balm for your lips. here 5. Moment of rest.

Dutch girls are known for their calmness and stability. You won't quickly see them hanging from lamps doing a Kate Moss. Instead, an Instagram photo will pop up of a meditative moment with a candle, a cup of tea, and the view from their rooftop.

And we are off with New York Fashion Week. The Dutch girls remain our coolest export product (besides Armin van Buuren and Iris van Herpen) and have left for New York in large...