‘After a few discussions and misunderstandings, the book was closed as far as I was concerned.’
Maria Tailor (40) and Tamara Elbaz (41) were inseparable for years, until their mysterious breakup eight years ago. They have recently been on speaking terms again and can be seen together in the Videoland series Real Housewives of Amsterdam. “The personal development we have undergone separately has shaped us into the women we are today.” They tell Glamial all about it.
Brouillage
Right on time, Tamara and Maria – also known as Tamaria in the editors – arrive within a few minutes of each other at La Nostra Gigi: a wonderfully over the top seventies restaurant in the capital. These two Real Housewives of Amsterdam are not only very punctual, but also very punctual. They greet each other warmly, as if they have not just made up after a tough eight-year brouillage, during which they did not see or speak to each other.
“Have you heard from Tamara?” we asked Maria while photographing her wardrobe in 2015, to which she bit her lip sadly. “You still haven’t made up?” we noticed with our mouths full a few months later, when we plundered the lunch table of generous hostess Tamara. “No,” she said, then looked away, hoping we didn’t see her eyes getting a little wet.
For eight years – despite repeated attempts, believe us – we did not get an answer to one of the most pressing Dutch showbiz questions:
Why did Maria and Tamara get into an argument in the first place?
Maria reveals: “We grew apart quickly: I had just become mother of Amelle eight years ago and got off that ambitious business train that Tamara was still on. We then had a clothing brand together, Tailor&Elbaz, and I no longer had to become the most successful brand. Not consciously, but suddenly something else was more important. Becoming a mother was always my biggest dream, and when it came true, I wanted to be there for my family more than anything. Work came second.”
Tamara adds: “At that time I also wondered – after we had been inseparable for a number of years – does Maria still need me?” She explains that she became ‘insecure’ about the role she played in Maria’s life. Maria then proposes to leave their company, but as far as she is concerned, the two best friends could have remained, she shares.
It was different for Tamara. “I didn’t see it that way. I can be quite radical and after a few discussions and misunderstandings the book was closed as far as I was concerned. Done and done.”
Spicy
Both ladies immediately agree that this was absolutely not an easy decision. “Maria was family to me and I was sad about it for a long time. As if my relationship had ended…’, Tamara shares. Maria, in turn, states that she also missed Tamara a lot – “Especially in the beginning” – but that the ‘hole’ was filled more quickly for her. Ultimately, both state that it was ‘good’ that things happened this way.
“We were sometimes very tough with each other,” Maria shares. “We had discussions about the stupidest things: about makeup in photos and stuff,” Tamara explains. “Now I think: what were we worried about? But also: how good it was that we distanced ourselves from each other. This way we could both develop independently of each other.”
Olive branch
Ultimately, it takes years before the two make up. Maria shares that she was the first to make contact again: “After I heard in the media that Tamara’s relationship was over after eleven years, I spontaneously sent her an app: ‘I hope you are doing well and if you want to talk, I am there for you.’ Something like that…”
Tamara explains that she was pleasantly surprised by the app, but did not immediately have to go for coffee with her former bestie again. Ultimately, a third housewife had to be involved to bring the duo back together: “My environment was also so reluctant, because they saw me in ruins for a year after the friendship ended. But then I met Kimmylien. “Just make an appointment with Maria,” she said. ‘You always had such a beautiful friendship and Maria has also grown older.’ So then I texted Maria and accepted her invitation.” Maria: “And that was immediately the same as before. As if we had seen each other the week before…”
“That shows how deep it is, that we were able to pick it up again,” says Tamara. “Sometimes I feel like: it’s a shame I missed that period with her children. That I wasn’t there for her when Maria’s relationship ended. But again, the distance has been good. And it is what it is.”
This article is from the December edition of Glamial. In it, Tamara and Maria talk about their renewed friendship, the group dynamics in Real Housewives, and we look ahead to their coming year. In stores from tomorrow!
Text: Agnes Hofman | Photos: Dario & Misja | Styling: Pascalle Swinkels | Make-up: By Meedo (Maria), Mifa Man (Tamara)
