Cato Van Ee - Josefina Muse #44

Cato Van Ee is a Dutch American model with a successful international career who has worked for the most prestigious brands in the high fashion industry.

Committed to the issues facing today's youth, she is an ambassador for Dance4Life, a youth movement whose purpose is to create social change and empower young people worldwide by providing them with the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to develop healthy relationships.

Settled back with her family in the Netherlands, Cato and her husband have recently welcomed their second child together, a baby girl, who joins their 1,5 year old daughter.

Cato is the proud mom of Eleanor and Mae.

You are a Dutch-American international model who has worked with some of the best brands in the fashion industry. Can you tell us more about your professional background and story?

When I was 15 I was discovered at the hairdresser. I never thought I could be a model, because I am so clumsy. But my agency was very enthousiastic and before I knew it I was working in fashion. It was all very low key as I was more focused on finishing my high school. As soon as I was done I moved to Paris, where my career took a quick turn. I walked the Prada show as one of the new faces and that gave my career a push to the international high fashion world. A couple months later I moved to New York, working with Steven Meisel, David Sims and Mario Testino. The years went by and I loved all the travelling and working with creative minds. End of my 20’s I decided to move back to Amsterdam, focus also more on my personal life and work more in Europe. During and after Covid I have been home more, our family growing every year.

What do you like the most about your job?

I love travelling and getting inspired by different cultures and people. Although it can be tough with all the time changes, it has always given me lots of energy.

You are also an ambassador for Dance4life, an international youth program to bring awareness to sexual health. How did you become part of this project?

My friend Doutzen Kroes was their ambassador and when she decided to make a shift to another organization she asked me to take over a role. I was very honored and excited to be part of such a great program.

You became a mom for the first time in December 2021. What do you like the most about motherhood?

There are no words to describe the love I have for my 2 girls. That feeling is the most special in the world. Even if they keep me up all night, I am so happy seeing their faces. Watching them grow is so magical and I am very proud to be their mom.

You posed with your baby girl Eleanor for the cover of the September issue of Elle Spain magazine. How was the experience?

This was so special!! I was so proud :) Eleanor was such a perfect little model, she was very interested in the camera so she kept looking in the lense and working it haha! She really liked it which also made me happy.

You just had your second baby. How do you take care of yourself during pregnancy (nutrition, workout…)?

During my pregnancy I did a ton of prenatal pilates and yoga. This really kept my body and mind feeling good. I was more tired this second pregnancy so I tried to take a little nap every day to recharge.

How would you define your style? Do you have any fashion tips for women during pregnancy?

Easy, cool and effortless. I love dresses for summer and leggings with chunky sweaters for winter.

Do you have any fashion icons?

Jane Birkin.

Which are your favorite spots in Amsterdam?