Blouse by Elzinga, tights and sleeves vintage via The Makeover Factory
Dutch model Anneliek Heuvel was no stranger to the constant jet-setting to new countries that comes with the modeling realm, as Heuvel herself was raised in Bali, Indonesia, and the southwest coast of Australia. While walking for Valentino, Raf Simons, and Celine, the aerial gymnast and book lover balances studying neuroscience and psychology, as she finds that studying something she’s passionate about keeps her grounded within the fast-paced industry. Models.com spoke to Heuvel about her love for aerial gymnastics, nature, and her endless curiosity for the diversity the world has to offer.
Where are you from and how were you scouted?
I’m Dutch and was born in the Netherlands, but was lucky enough to be raised in Bali, Indonesia and on the southwest coast of Australia. I moved back to the Netherlands after finishing high school in Bali. At this time a few different agencies approached me, both online on Instagram and offline in the center of Amsterdam. I decided to do some of my own research into agencies and Paparazzi came up as an agency that aligned with me so I approached them and was invited for a meeting – I’m glad I did!
How have you balanced studying Liberal Arts and Science in Rotterdam and modeling?
For me, balance is always on a sliding scale and hard to maintain consistently. Combining modeling and studying can be full-on and it is definitely challenging sometimes, but I feel it’s a challenge I’m lucky to be able to take on. In studying Liberal Arts and Sciences I’ve chosen to major in neuroscience and complement it with a minor in psychology. I find that studying something I’m passionate about helps keep me grounded, while modeling can often feel like a wild ride. In that way, they energetically balance each other out. On top of that, fashion and university typically have very different schedules; they are often busy at different times of the year. This past year a lot of studying took place online which made combining modeling and studies more flexible. I was able to follow classes abroad and even took some exams in my hotel rooms. It helps a lot that Paparazzi is very supportive in helping me manage both my study and work in the best way possible.
On left, Bodysuit and socks vintage via The Makeover Factory, body belt J.W. Anderson. On right, Top by Acne Studios, tights and socks vintage via The Makeover Factory
How has growing up in Bali and Australia influenced who you are today?
Growing up in Bali and Australia has been central in forming me into who I am today. Traveling and moving around a lot as a young kid was both frustrating and adventurous. It often felt out of my control and I would miss my friends that I’d leave behind each time. On the other hand, it also meant having friends all over the world, being immersed in different cultures, learning new languages and crossing paths with people I never would have met otherwise. It has made me open-minded, flexible to feel at home in many different places (which comes in handy when traveling for work) and endlessly curious for the diversity the world has to offer.
What’s something people would be surprised to know about you?
It’s an unspoken goal of mine to one day publish some of my writing projects.
You started the year off by opening for Viktor & Rolf Haute Couture Spring show and walked for Celine and Raf Simons F/W shows. How did it feel when you found out you had been cast for those shows?
In my experience hearing the type of news that you’ve worked hard towards takes a bit of time to sink in. Only once I got backstage at the shows and standing beside the designers did it feel real. I felt incredibly grateful and lucky, and in those moments I remind myself to stay grounded and be present in the experience. So many people work together to make projects like that happen, it feels very special to be trusted to be part of it.
Bodysuit vintage via The Makeover Factory, top Isa Boulder.
How did you get into aerial gymnastics and what do you love about it?
I got into aerial gymnastics when I was 12 years old, living in a little town in Western Australia. It happened completely by chance, as I joined some friends at a class that was happening in the local town hall. I love countless things about it; the activity itself because it’s a great workout, but even more the fact that I almost always train with my sister who is also my best friend. Beyond that though, I love what it has taught me. It has taught me patience and how to trust my body and mind. For me, it ultimately taps into my childhood dream of being able to fly, which keeps me coming back.
“It has taught me patience and how to trust my body and mind. For me, it ultimately taps into my childhood dream of being able to fly, which keeps me coming back.”
What other passions do you have aside from modeling and aerial gymnastics?
Ask anyone that knows me and they will tell you I never go anywhere without my journal and at least one book (usually more like 3). I love to write and read. I find it helps me clear my mind and it teaches me a lot, both about myself and those around me. I’ve always been passionate about psychology and education and recently this has led me to explore the importance of nature in education. I love to dedicate my projects at university to learning about these topics. I’ve recently joined an organization called Force of Nature, which was founded by an incredible friend of mine called Clover Hogan and is a youth nonprofit that empowers climate action by mobilizing mindsets. I think this field where psychology and climate come together is fast-growing and it feels very important to be involved in.
On left, Dress by O n e l o v e via ABCND store, shorts by Extreme Cashmere, In center, Jacket by Speedyharmonycollectorthings via ABCND store, briefs Isa Boulder, shoes Wandler, socks vintage via The Makeover Factory, On right, Top by Acne Studios, tights and socks vintage via The Makeover Factory.
Are there any other designers or brands you’d like to work with that you haven’t yet?
Absolutely! Fendi has long been near the top of my list of brands I’d love to work for. Another long-term dream is Prada, especially after having been able to work for Miu Miu.
What would you like to achieve in your modeling career?
The goals that I set for my modeling career are constantly evolving. On the top of my list is to do a campaign, especially one which shares my values of inclusivity and sustainability. I think it’d be incredible to be part of such a big project. I’d also love to do a major editorial, where the team has created a concept that really allows me to step into a role and explore a character. Really what I’d like to achieve most of all, is to be someone who people all across the industry enjoy working with and feel that I contribute in a unique way.
Dress by O n e l o v e via ABCND store, shorts by Extreme Cashmere, necklace stylists own.
