INTRODUCTION
Maud Welzen (@maudwelzen) is a Dutch fashion mainstay who epitomizes the “classic blonde” elegance of the European runway. Discovered at just 13 years old, she quickly ascended to the upper echelons of the industry, becoming a favorite for her versatile, high-fashion features and professional poise. In 2026, she is celebrated as a seasoned veteran of the industry, continuing to model for luxury houses while leaning into a life of travel and wellness alongside her close-knit circle of Dutch supermodel peers.
Birth name: Maud Welzen
Career
Fashion Model, Wellness Advocate
Birthday
November 13, 1993
Age: 32
Zodiac Sign:
Scorpio
Birthplace: Beek, Limburg, Netherlands
Nationality: Dutch
HOW BIG IS Maud Welzen ON THE NET?
Maud maintains a polished, authentic digital presence with over 100,000 followers on Instagram. While her numbers reflect a more “quiet luxury” approach to social media, her influence within the fashion industry remains significant. In 2026, she is frequently cited as a “model’s model,” admired for her longevity and her ability to maintain a high-profile career without the need for viral gimmicks. Her net worth is estimated at $1.5 million, earned through a decade of top-tier contracts and global campaigns.
HOW DID Maud Welzen become famous?
Maud’s career took flight almost immediately after she was discovered during a school trip to Paris. She became a global household name through her work with Victoria’s Secret, walking in the brand’s iconic fashion shows in 2012, 2014, and 2015. Beyond the wings, she established herself as a high-fashion powerhouse, walking for the “Big Four” fashion weeks for legends like Chanel, Valentino, Alexander McQueen, and Dolce & Gabbana. Her 2012 Vogue feature, labeling her “Valentino’s Fresh-Faced Muse,” remains a career-defining moment.
BEFORE THE FAME
Before the runways of Milan and Paris, Maud was a typical student in the quiet town of Beek. Unlike many who actively seek out the spotlight, Maud was “scouted in the wild” at age 13, a story that has become legend in the Dutch modeling world. She has often spoken about the “culture shock” of moving from a small Dutch village to the high-stakes world of New York fashion as a teenager, noting that she missed “Dutch krokets” more than anything else during her early years abroad.
CLOSE WITH (ASSOCIATED);
Maud is part of a powerful “Dutch Model Mafia” that includes her best friends Daphne Groeneveld, Sanne Vloet, and Romee Strijd. She is married to Bram Aarts, a Dutch professional she wed in a lavish 2019 ceremony at Château St. Gerlach in Limburg—a wedding that served as an unofficial reunion for the world’s top Dutch models. In 2026, she is often seen traveling with Bram, having recently documented a spectacular anniversary trip to South Africa, where they were present for Daphne Groeneveld’s engagement.