HNTM-report

Darling Nicky

As I write this, I’m fantasising about a creamy croque madam, a foamy latte (I could make one but whenever I stand up my whole world moves), a steak or a croissant with Nutella. The fault of a long, large and thrilling evening, the finale of Holland’s Next Top Model 2014, which started at 4pm in Studio 21 at the Media park in Hilversum.

 It’s all about the hair

It was going to be a Gucci-dress. The dress itself was quite flamboyant with leather and sequins and very party, so I wanted my hair to be a little nonchalant. Just like Frida Gianini sent her models on to the catwalk for her fall/winter look. Now it just so happens that I’m good friends with Rachel Geerman from The Building, who did the hair for the Gucci show. So with hair done, and pedal on the gas in Twingo, I arrived at the Pilotenstraat and was picked up by jury colleague Dirk. The amayzine editors had claimed Twingo for the evening, that’s why, and I was getting a lift back with my love, so I could enjoy the celebration champagne properly.

 Backstage baby

At 4pm we wandered our way through the cellars of Studio 21. Creep through, slip through, turn left, turn right, up the steps, two more lefts, through the cafeteria and there it was, our changing room. I’ve never been a top model and I’ll neverrrr be one, but my name on the door under the word ’top model’ was a moment to savour. And so was the chilled bottle of Piper-Heidsieck in my room. Exactly as I wanted.

 off with the dress

So there I was, all dolled up but with a huge, black hairdressing cape on for fear that my gorgeous Gucci would get dirty. I lifted the cape up every now and then to show an interested passer by (Fred, Freek or Dirk) and they all said “Looks fabulous but we think you should try the other one on.” That’s how my white robe ended up on a hanger (handy for Thursday when we celebrate amayzine’s first birthday) and I ended up in a black Gucci on my jury’s chair. Luxury problem.

 reunited with the girls

‘Our’ girls started filing in one at a time, only half done (curlers in hair, bathrobes and slippers on). Darling Nicky was eating fish in the cafeteria, I spotted Lincey in the loo. Poor child. Turns out her thyroid is not doing so well and so she’s struggling with her weight. Horrible. Holly was with her mother of course, stylist Xandra Brood and Liz who looked beautiful and strong, June with her new hair (brunette is the new blonde according to June), Debbie who looked gorgeous and Sanne and Aisha.

 And…showtime

And there I sat. Dirk and Freek beside me, and if I looked a little further into the hall I could see my darling and the Amayzine Liesbeth, Josselin (Jet had a different event, the premiere of ‘Pak van mijn Hart’ directed by brother Kees), sales director Daniëlle and our super interns Maud and Lisa.

 Debbie, Sanne, Nicky and Aisha

“My nerves are doing okay. No, I’m fine.” Aïsha told Anouk Smulders. Well I can tell you, she was just one step away from chattering teeth and I couldn’t see much of the ‘my nerves are fine’.

I looked over at Dirk and Freek during the first two rounds. “My heart, my heart” I whispered. Sending Aïsha home and then Debbie. Debbie. She shone on the catwalk. The grace, that body, her look, the stance. To close a door in someone’s face; but there can be only one winner.

 We all love Nicky

There she stood. Crying on the stage with a cheque that’s a ticket to her future. That bullied farm girl from Brabant that had never even heard of Anna Wintour or of a skyline. Darling Nicky, you’ll be travelling the world and I’ll be watching you.