Exclusive interview Countess Eloise of Orange

If anyone dares to be themselves and shows who they really are, it is Countess Eloise of Orange. A person who is allowed to be, just like everyone else. And that led to a collaboration with Magnum in the form of a real exhibition. On Wednesday the doors will open, but now I was allowed to ask the countess some questions.

First of all, congratulations on this beautiful initiative: LAYERED. You have a good sense of the sign of the times: being who you are, being seen. Being yourself and showing yourself has become a bit of your signature. You position yourself on social media as yourself and not under a pseudonym. I assume this has been a conscious choice, tell me?
Thank you for the congratulations! I never started my Instagram account with the intention of doing something important or great with it. I never expected to be able to do such cool projects with it, it’s really a dream. I love communicating with people, so I’m also doing more and more with my account now.

There was – of course – criticism of photos where you were enjoying life, with a cigarette and all. Did you think in advance that this would take off like this? Would you do it again, mindful of: I am who I am?
I was indeed surprised that this attracted so much attention. I am young and have my own life. So it feels strange to be photographed during those kinds of private moments. But indeed: I am who I am.

Back to the exhibition. There are a number of people portrayed by William Rutten who tell a special story. Why did you choose these people?
I chose these three because they inspire not only me but also many others. I was curious about their story and find it very beautiful that I can now share that with others thanks to Magnum.

What story do you hope people will remember after your exhibition?
The LAYERED experience inspires you to celebrate all your ‘layers’. Prejudices often arise from what people see on the outside. A picture on social media, an assumption based on stories through others. Everyone has prejudices, consciously or unconsciously. But the picture on the outside often differs greatly from the innermost layers of people. There are so many sides of yourself that not everyone sees during their first impression of you. Letting that hold you back from being yourself is something both Magnum and I see as a great loss. That’s why this exhibition focuses on stories and sources of inspiration that I see as an example for letting go of those prejudices and daring to stand for who you are. Celebrating yourself, with all the layers of your personality.

Just a moment about Magnum: not just an ice cream with a beautiful message, but also simply the most delicious ice cream with the iconic crack when you take the first bite? Do you remember your first Magnum?
My first Magnum was a very long time ago, I really can’t remember it anymore. But my favorite is a classic, the mini-Magnum Almond. We always eat these when we’ve had a pizza night.

Why did you think: this brand, I want to work with them?
We found each other in this important message about how important it is to be yourself. And when the idea of this exhibition came up, I was also completely enthusiastic. Giving attention to that message in this way, I thought was a very nice idea.

And then I’m just terribly curious about what your agenda looks like after the exhibition.
Haha, I’m of course still busy with school and internship. I want to focus on this exhibition and my book, two projects that I am extremely proud of. Who knows what comes next.

The exhibition of Eloise, LAYERED, will be opened from next Wednesday and here you can sign up.

Image: Beurs van Berlage, Magnum x Eloise van Oranje