‘I smelled his aftershave and thought: whoa.’
Her sweet husband, her two teenagers, and women supporting women. But also dogs Ollie and Scoop and her wedding dress from Vera Wang. These are the big pleasures and small pleasures of Anouk Smulders (49).
1. Great love
“Edwin and I have been together for twenty-two years, married for nineteen of those years. We just knock. We went to a big event in Curaçao with two hundred people and he immediately caught my eye. Big man, nice curls. On the plane he walked by, it was like a kind of magnet. I smelled his aftershave and thought: whoa. I still have the pink and white shirt he wore at the time, although it is almost torn apart. I wore it to both my deliveries.”
4. Cool Curacao
“Curaçao belongs to me. I was ten when I first came to the island – my mother’s sister had lived in the Antilles all her married life. We had a family home there for seventeen years, I met Edwin there and I got married there. There are many wonderful memories.”
10. Into the mountains
“In June I will organize our second hut tour in Austria with my women’s platform Grace & Us. You have to deal with different weather conditions, you are all in a hut, you do not have your own bedroom or bathroom. Still, it’s great. During the previous trip, one of the participants said: ‘You not only conquer the mountain, but also yourself.’ Not that busy life for a while, no reach, just walking, climbing, laughing and talking, back to basics, one with nature.”
11. Strong together
“Grace & Us gives me great satisfaction. I think women should support each other more. In addition to activities such as hut tours, we organize three major events per year. Put a group of women together and something special always happens. Everyone has a story, a struggle, fear, hopes and dreams. We’re in the same boat. Sharing together, daring to be vulnerable, brings beautiful things. This gives me energy.”
19. Here comes the bride
“My sister is getting married in June, I am really looking forward to this day. I am a master of ceremonies and I love arranging things, so I’m really looking forward to that. Of course I’m going to buy a party dress. I’m now looking everywhere, from Bijenkorf to Matches Fashion. What kind of dress did I wear when I got married myself? A Vera Wang – it still fits me, yes. I still think he’s da bomb! I saw it in a magazine and fell in love. As soon as I put it on live, I knew immediately: this is it.”
20. In the closet
“Cool, chic, comfy. There’s a lot of stuff in my closet. A glitter rack, sweatpants, from cool to classic, with also a number of unique pieces that I have had for years. Last year I was allowed to release a party collection with Mexx, a real party. Bucket list thing! In terms of jewelry, the Belgian Karolin van Loon is a nice tip. Her pieces are handmade, unique and natural.”
Curious about Anouk’s favorite restaurants, travel dreams or golden nostalgia tip? Then run to the store for the latest Glamial, where you can read the full interview.
Text: Sandra ten Brink | Image: Mexx xx Anouk Smulders
