Marjan Strijbosch, a prominent figure from the newly launched reality series The Real Housewives van het Zuiden, recently opened up about her life and values in an interview with Beau Monde. Despite her luxurious lifestyle, she emphasizes the importance of appreciating the little things in life.
The first season of The Real Housewives van het Zuiden premiered this past Friday on Videoland, featuring Marjan alongside other notable cast members including Chayenne Muller, Annu Bachu, Petrouschka Dahmen, Ramona Poels, Lizbeth van den Boogaart, Estelle Hanneman, and Brigitte Schepers. The show offers a glimpse into the high-society lives of these women in the Brabant and Limburg regions, showcasing a blend of glamour and drama.
Marjan, who has earned the nickname the "Coco Chanel of the South," has been a fan of Chanel for decades. She recalls purchasing her first Chanel bag at the age of 18 during a trip to Paris, where she spent 1,600 guilders on a brown handbag. "Chanel-fan ben ik al heel lang. Mijn eerste Chanel-tasje scoorde ik toen ik achttien was," she shared. Today, she owns Chanel shoes and boots that are over thirty years old.
However, Marjan has noticed a significant increase in the prices of Chanel bags, stating, "Hun tassen zitten nu meer richting de 10.000 dan de 5.000 euro en dat vind ik te prijzig voor wat je krijgt." This awareness of luxury pricing does not deter her from shopping, as she and her partner Gerhard recently indulged in a shopping spree in Düsseldorf, where she purchased six Chanel items and five pieces from Louis Vuitton, including a cashmere scarf and a stunning jacket.
Despite her penchant for luxury, Marjan has adopted a more modest approach to her lifestyle. She reflects on her past choices, saying, "Ik wil geen horloge meer van 80.000 euro. Ik vind dat out of style." Instead of flaunting high-end accessories, she prefers more understated vehicles like a Range Rover or Porsche Cayenne, leaving her Rolls-Royce parked in the garage.
Marjan’s perspective on life has shifted over the years, as she finds joy in the simplicity of everyday moments. "Geluk zit in kleine dingetjes," she remarked, expressing her happiness in having her grandchild around daily and enjoying the nature surrounding her Belgian estate. "De mooiste roos die ik ooit gezien heb!" she exclaimed, referring to her own rose garden.
In addition to her fashion ventures, Marjan is a successful entrepreneur with a diverse portfolio that includes real estate, boats, and a dating website for millionaires and single women. She travels frequently between her villas in Belgium and Florida, living a life filled with luxury and adventure.
However, life in the spotlight comes with its challenges. Marjan acknowledges the jealousy and rivalry that can occur among the cast members. "Met de onderlinge jaloezie en het gekissebis kan ik prima omgaan. Met afgunst heb ik al mijn hele leven te maken," she explained, noting that her success has often drawn envy from others. Reflecting on her early career, she shared, "Op mijn 21e had ik drie prachtige kledingzaken en mijn eerste miljoen op de bank."
Marjan's confidence shines through as she navigates the ups and downs of reality television. She finds the experience enjoyable, stating, "Realitytelevisie maken is heel erg leuk. Ik ben zelfverzekerd en recht door zee." Her straightforward nature allows her to stand her ground in a group dynamic filled with strong personalities.
Looking ahead, Marjan is optimistic about the reception of The Real Housewives van het Zuiden. She believes their group offers more authenticity and substance compared to other iterations of the franchise. "Ik denk dat we beter bekeken gaan worden dan The Real Housewives of Amsterdam. Onze vrouwengroep is meer real, heeft meer inhoud," she asserted, confident that viewers will connect with their stories.
As the series unfolds, audiences can expect a blend of glamour, drama, and genuine moments from Marjan and her fellow housewives. With her unique blend of style, business acumen, and down-to-earth values, Marjan Strijbosch is poised to become a standout figure in the reality television landscape.
For those interested in the intricacies of high-society life and the personal stories of its inhabitants, The Real Housewives van het Zuiden promises to deliver a captivating viewing experience. The March edition of Beau Monde also features interviews with other notable figures, including Jennifer Hoffman, Simon Keizer, Leco van Zadelhoff, Carolina Dijkhuizen, Hans Klok, and Lone van Roosendaal, providing further insight into the lives of those who navigate the complexities of fame and fortune.
