Dutch model Romee Strijd will not appear in this year’s Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show after failing to secure a place in the lineup. Following weeks of intense physical preparation and an official casting in New York City, the 30-year-old model expressed deep frustration on TikTok over how she learned of the decision. She revealed that the experience left her feeling entirely unsupported by her modeling agency.
Strijd traveled to New York for the casting in early September, following a rigorous summer training regimen designed to prepare her for a potential return to the runway. As a mother of two, the opportunity marked a major milestone in her post-pregnancy career progression.
Weeks of Uncertainty and Mental Strain
According to Strijd’s account shared with her followers, she spent weeks waiting for a definitive response while the show date rapidly approached. Throughout the waiting period, she maintained her strict preparation schedule. She also repeatedly reached out to her agency for updates because she had no clarity regarding whether she remained under active consideration.
The prolonged ambiguity took a severe toll on her mental energy. When she finally received confirmation that she was not selected, she requested detailed feedback. Strijd stated she was told she simply did not fit the aesthetic requirements for this year’s production. However, a deeper source of conflict emerged when she discovered her agency had allegedly known about her rejection much earlier. They communicated this late despite repeatedly telling her that no official decision had been finalized.
“I don’t feel supported by them,” Strijd shared in her emotional video. She explained that she wished for complete transparency so she could have processed and closed the chapter much sooner.
A Permanent Break From Future Castings
While Strijd acknowledged that rejection is an inherent part of the high-fashion modeling industry, the mishandling of her communications by representation has prompted her to reconsider her future relationship with the brand entirely.
Expressing disillusionment with how the ordeal was managed, Strijd indicated that she is unlikely to participate in future Victoria’s Secret castings. She emphasized that while she deeply treasures the positive memories from her past runway appearances-having walked the show multiple times since her debut-the current booking process and lack of professional backing have made future participation unappealing.
Looking Ahead in the Fashion Industry
The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show features a mix of veteran supermodels, including Adriana Lima, Candice Swanepoel, Gigi Hadid, and Joan Smalls, alongside high-profile musical performances. Meanwhile, Strijd’s public statement has sparked broader conversations within the fashion community regarding the treatment of models during high-stakes casting cycles and the operational responsibilities of modeling agencies toward returning mothers.
Despite closing the door on future brand auditions, Strijd has wished success to the models walking the upcoming runway, choosing to focus her energy on her family and ongoing digital content creation.
