The Untold Story of the Real-Life Barbie ft Karen Mulder

Karen Mulder was the original real-life Barbie-a supermodel who ruled the fashion world, walking for Dior, Chanel, and Victoria’s Secret. But behind her picture-perfect image was a dark truth the industry didn’t want you to hear. In this video, we uncover the rise and fall of Karen Mulder, her life beyond the runway, and the shocking revelations she dared to speak years before #MeToo.
From her humble beginnings in the Netherlands to gracing Vogue covers, becoming a Victoria’s Secret Angel, and later exposing exploitation in the modeling industry, Karen’s story is both glamorous and haunting. We also touch on her brief music and acting careers, personal life struggles, and her ultimate retreat from fame after relentless backlash.
#KarenMulder #Model #FashionIndustry

[@EleganceEcho.]

Hey everyone! I had to re-upload this video after the previous one got restricted, and unfortunately, I had to cut out a few things (the same stuff she was trying to expose I got restricted for so..). But don’t worry, I’ve kept the core of the story intact, and I even added more footage! You should definitely check those out-there’s a lot more to her story that I want you to see. Making this video wasn’t easy. Reading all the stuff about Karen being labeled as 'crazy' was honestly tough. I can’t even imagine how hard it must’ve been for her to go through all that, especially when she was at the top of her game. This video was my way of giving her her flowers and showing the real side of her story. I could really use your support to help get her story out there. My channel views took a hit because of all the restrictions, and it’s been disheartening. I honestly don’t see the point of putting so much time and effort into making videos and shedding light on stories like this if they just get deleted. But I believe in this story, and I believe in what we’re trying to do here. Thank you SO much for all your support! When I first started this channel, I didn’t think so many of you would actually watch my videos-let alone enjoy them! Your comments seriously make my day. And if there’s any other models or designers you want me to dive into next, drop them in the comments! I’m all ears. 💬

[@Carolina-uc4nj]

I understand that you do a great job and that it should be better recognized especially by this platform and allow you to monetize. It's a shame this app tried to ironically silence you for things they did to the model in the 90s. I really enjoy and appreciate the work you do, but if you go to another application that can value it better, I would also understand. I would also really like the models to be able to watch your videos and notice that you do it with a lot of respect for their careers because we can feel that you really love fashion. Hugs!❤

[@EleganceEcho.]

@@Carolina-uc4nj Aww, thank you so much for your kind words! 💖 Seriously, it means a lot to me. I totally agree-it’s so frustrating when platforms like this seem to punish creators just for sharing real stories. But hey, I’m not backing down. This content is important, and I’ll keep pushing to get it out there, no matter what. And you’re right, I really want the models to see that all of this is done with so much respect for what they’ve achieved. I’ve always loved fashion, and it’s an honor to celebrate these icons and their stories. Hopefully, one day, they’ll get to see just how much we appreciate them! Hugs back at you! Thanks again for your support-you're seriously helping to keep this channel going. ❤

[@Carolina-uc4nj]

@ Thanks to you❤️❤️

[@sobeidalagrange7129]

Excellent video, EleganceEcho, thanks!!! 💝💖💝

[@n0thing7matters777]

It's an important story. I had 2 friends who worked for Elite with similar accounts. This was in the 90s. I didn't know what to think of it then , but I know now that I didn't think enough about it.

[@lunix3259]

Strange how we barely hear her name compared to Naomi, Kate Moss, Cindy, Shalom. Sad that they try to kick her out from the greatness she brought to the modeling industry

[@EleganceEcho.]

Oh, 100%! It’s wild, right? Karen’s name should be right up there with Naomi, Kate, and the others-no question. But yeah, it’s like they tried to bury her story and erase her impact, and I’m not having it. That’s why I’m so glad we’re finally giving her the spotlight she deserves. She may not be in the headlines like the others, but her legacy is undeniable-we’re not forgetting about her anytime soon! 🙌

[@RR-us1lt]

bc naomi was on epstiens flight list. shes creepy as f and probably hires that one elite company that gives you baby blood transfusions

[@heavencherry]

Maybe because she talk too much 😳 She also said she was abused as a child and put on hypnosis to being abused. I think she is way better now far away from all of thoose people, with an simplier life and a lovely family. I wonder what Naomi, Carla Bruni have endure too. Maybe Carla coming from a good family was more protected IDK

[@moongodess639]

naomi is a wel known procurer of young children to the predators within the industry who want them.. tgats why shes still sought after

[@CK-tz8ek]

She was as famous as these others, more famous than shalom. If you did know about her then you didn’t follow fashion or modeling

[@verasambience]

the world owes Karen Mulder a HUGE apology

[@katecast1]

not only her....

[@Cash27000]

Not the world, the elites common public does nothing it’s the ppl in power that are problematic

[@cartr4236]

The beauty industry is so much darker than anyone can ever imagine, so many girls have left my country for "modelling careers" and have never come back...

[@karenlifephoto]

Would you say that they’ve been hurt by the industry?

[@cartr4236]

@@karenlifephoto They were killed by it

[@liteflightify]

Sounds like at least some girls got caught up in potential sex trafficking. Also, many people don’t return to their home countries.

[@leavemealone854]

what country

[@ChristinaDickinson-eg9mm]

Naomi was photo's with Epstein and a teenage girl... nuff said

[@debless9]

Barbie wishes she looked like that.

[@EleganceEcho.]

Haha, for real! Barbie’s got nothing on her-Karen was the original real-life doll! 😎✨

[@klaudinegarcia8932]

In case you guys aren't aware, there are some underground human trafficking organizations posing as modelling agencies, acting agencies and beauty pageant agencies.

[@alfamejeu7237]

Yup! I was around 4 when they told my mom to come at night for a modeling contract for me. Thank goodness my mother got scared and didn’t go at 9pm. I wouldn’t be alive. They were traffickers. They left the state I was in and nothing was heard of them, Neither about the children…. The world is wicked.

[@CC-qt3rl]

I met Karen and her sister on Bleecker St. New York shopping about 28 yrs ago(?). She asked for directions. I couldn’t believe my eyes cuz she was one of my fave models then. Now her bravery proves that she is a Super “model human”.

[@cjgem80]

I was obsessed with the fashion and modeling industry in my teen years during the 90's and Karen was one of my favorites. Stunning!

[@barbarellla1553]

Same!❤

[@ashleycooperpop]

I believe everything she said, I hope she is doing okay 🤍

[@lunix3259]

You can tell she's honest

[@marismm6405]

Completely agree, and I would even say there's more she couldn't talk about

[@geraldinelafayette1838]

The first clip of her where she’s smiling and it’s silent, her makeup is literal PERFECTION!! I’m sure it was done by Kevin Aucoin!! It has his definite style 💖💖💖

[@saludosalsol]

I watched the video on Kevin Aucoin from Erin Parsons and it definitely has his unique style!

[@tfromthetdot]

Karen is a hero. She needs to be remembered for her courage, strength and integrity.

[@amanielwolde]

I saw Karen at Yves Le Fur funeral here in Paris, the love of her life. All my friends, who worked with her in the 80s/90s, told me that she was such a gentle soul even at the Top of her career. She was "the blond with class", but being with LeFur wasn't the best for her. Known as a shady caracter, LeFur was Princess Stephanie of Monaco boyfriend, but her father put all his power to break the couple. LeFur was a close friend of Jeffrey Epstein, he squeezed Karen all the way, she invested in his private jet company (collapsed), supermodels dools, real estates, press and supermodels videos productions( sold all over the world), beauty and fitness VHS. He cheated on her, especially with Helena Noguerra a french actress/singer. Karen was right in all allegations. She was hospitalized, forced by LeFur, Gerald Marie and Madame Marchand (a convict woman) public relations of many celebrities in France, even Brigitte Macron (sic). She was in couple with Santo Domingo Junior, an american-colombian millionnaire, who died in 2009.

[@EleganceEcho.]

Thanks for sharing all this! I'm glad you did, Some of the information couldn't be included in the video due to restrictions.

[@amanielwolde]

@EleganceEcho. I just discover your videos and i love them. You have such a talent to explain with tact the feelings that this girls had while climbing their supermodels careers. Thank you and i wish Karen and You all the best.

[@sabrinarodrigues629]

Lefur passed away

[@MsNatiBug]

@@sabrinarodrigues629that is literally what the entire comment of about lmfao The comment you are responding to starts talking about seeing Karen at leFur’s funeral.

[@sabrinarodrigues629]

@@MsNatiBug I really looked over that 😵‍💫

[@germaineprien7691]

I remember her, and I admire her courage for speaking the truth, she has courage and that says alot!! We love you and will not forget your elegant and exquisite beauty!!!❤❤❤

[@rvr8470]

6:42. Yasmeen Ghauri left the industry. She was stunning.

[@paulettenoel4391]

She an angel lady. Glad she spoke the truth about those creeps.

[@eliserobles1657]

She was my absolute favourite supermodel . So beautiful

[@alleahsasseville]

Being a teenager in the 90s, SHE was my FAVORITE model!! 💖

[@Persefone94]

Mine too.

[@katfanker]

Same​@@Persefone94

[@bluesbulletin]

I think Casablanca was basically running a high-level escort service. Elite had such a reputation.

[@EleganceEcho.]

Definitely, you're not wrong. I’m actually thinking of making a video about it-I don’t even care if my channel gets banned. The little girls coming into this industry need to know the real side before it’s too late. It’s time to spill all the tea!

[@JNB520]

They are all escort services in my eyes

[@leavemealone854]

@@EleganceEcho.make the video!!!!!!

[@edwardomanuel6996]

Not had HAS THEM STRUTWALKERS ARE HIGH END STREET WALKERS

[@carmenl163]

@@EleganceEcho. Dutch filmmaker Nadia Shah recently made a series of three documentaries showing how misleading this industry is. Footage taken with a hidden camera shows that models are invited to dine with old, rich men. There is no mistake about how these men view the girls. It's sickening. I admire your courage to get this message out.

[@SadieIreland-t7l]

I met her multiple times and she was always lovely and gorgeous.

[@EleganceEcho.]

Ooooh, girl, where, when, how?! Spill the tea, I need to know more about your encounters with her! 😍🍵

[@AdrienneMint]

Where did you meet her?

[@barbarellla1553]

Tell us, where!

[@HayleyAMathiason]

She had elegance. Magnificent walk, dazzling and stunningly beautiful. BS the way she was treated. Some really magnificent models have been forgotten and some of them more fascinating and beautiful than the supermodels we remember today.❤

[@victoriaaydelott6187]

Unbelievably beautiful. Such a terribly sad story. Thankfully, these evil male predators are being outed now and this kind of abuse is over!

[@Sabrina-LosAngeles]

She seems to have the same attitude as Gisele. It’s a dark industry underneath all the glamor. Thank you for showcasing her story ❤

[@PrecociousFriand]

She is a hero for what she did. I've never heard anything about it which demonstrates how vehement they were in covering it up and making her 'go away.' The same old story about labeling a woman 'unstable.' Shame on the fashion industry. It again shows how people turn a blind eye to sexual assault and child abuse when it's convenient.

[@mizzLopez]

I remember Karen back from when Victorias Secret still mailed catalogues. Her, Yasmeen, Stephanie, Laeticia, Daniela, Naoemi, Heidi and Rebecca was perfection. Oh and Tyra.

[@gleander4405]

Miss Karen Mulder was a brave angel to speak her truth. Thank you for shining a light on her.

[@jeng8401]

Just a reminder all of the Supermodels of the 90’s are still working today. So it wasn’t that she aged out of the industry. She spoke out and they ended her career for it. I hope she is safe and happy today with her daughter.

[@makdle66]

Actually, her nickname was the Blonde with class

[@yeahright3145]

I wonder who the blonde ‘without’ class was to the media then? 🤔

[@LandoHendrix444]

She was truly one of the biggest models of the 90s, especially in Europe.

[@examichelle]

God bless her. She seems like such a nice person to be around.

[@imonka100]

She used to be my favorite. Such a perfection.

[@lassooftruth5964]

I despise how the female plastic surgeon tried to play the victim after leaving Karen Mulder to deal with the mistakes that she inflicted upon Karen. I have multiple acquaintances who had botched plastic surgery, and none of the plastic surgeons will honor their work. Sure, they’ll redo you, but you must pay full price. They “conveniently” don’t tell you that part when these women went in for their consultations.

[@Forgottenworlds777]

Ughhh

[@danielllleX]

The KZbin algorithm, gods gifted me this video today 🎉. Great video, Love your editing, and your narration! New subscriber

[@AvecPoesie]

Karen Mulder brought her exceptional beauty, elegance, and hyper-feminine characteristics to the Modeling world, and she cultivated an unforgettable mark that modern models can only hope to come close to. I relate to her chronic Depression, the periods of no longer wanting to live, and the cruelty of multiple entities gaslighting and smear-campaigning until my quality of Life is completely and utterly damaged. Shame on all of those who targeted her because she was strong and brave about speaking the unvarnished truth. God bless Karen, always!! 🖤🥹

[@kimibear]

Gosh, I love her! So glad she’s chosen to be a survivor and forever ICON!

[@ginasousabranco5637]

In the 1990's, Karen Mulder was my fav supermodel. I also liked Linda Evangelista and Helena Christensen

[@l.g.6098]

🙏🏽🌟🩵 I wish her and her baby girl, all the love and beauty and the world contains! Thank you Karen for forging the way in the darkness that needs light. 🎉

[@strawberryswirrl716]

i know a lot of people will compare a woman to barbie in order compliment them but karen truly is what i imagine barbie to look like irl.

[@zappa-happy]

“The threats were described as extremely threatening” Lmao! The narration script! 😆

[@rulaj1]

It takes someone brave and true to begin the process of breaking down the wicked people and corrupt industry. Honestly, I feel that in these industries, fashion, acting, etc. you should get out while you can, don't linger too long, resign at your height of success, go and take your money and live a pure life away from the cities... of course, this is hard to do..

[@EvaK28]

Class Act. Hope she is healthy and happy, living her best life ❤

[@rastasurf413]

wow ending on that funeral note absolutely destroyed me

[@EleganceEcho.]

That part really hits. Had to include it, though-it's all part of the story. 😔

[@riarealness]

What an icon. I can’t believe I never heard of her. With all these celebrities being exposed for their disturbing behavior and Sexual Crimes against women and children she’s owed an apology 😢

[@Persefone94]

I think she is more beautiful than most models.

[@breaking_real]

She is so beautiful it physically hurts 😭😭😭😭😭

[@S-mi5yi]

Please do Yasmin Le Bon next! I love her and Yasmeen Ghauri so much!

[@EleganceEcho.]

Oh, absolutely! Yasmin Le Bon is a must. I’ve already covered Yasmeen Ghauri, but I’ll definitely dive deeper into Yasmin next. Stay tuned, it's going to be fire! 🔥🙌🏾💖

[@S-mi5yi]

@@EleganceEcho. Thank you so much. Can't wait.

[@ericacaa]

Wow I had never heard of her before. She was the most beautiful of all the supermodels!!!

[@liljay216]

I can't stand Naomi. Her inside is starting to match her outside

[@Inconnuexx]

What do you mean that is starting to match her outside ?

[@triplehearts914]

i mean no because shes still beautiful and thats a fact lol. I will give her those flowers, but I agree about not liking her. If ONLY her inside matched her outside 🙁

[@Camille_Anderson]

I agree. Naomi has also had plenty of procedures done now. He face has drastically changed in the past few years. As an injector, I see the changes become more apparent, subtle at first, but more dramatic over the years.

[@Dan-c1w8n]

Fr she's so unbearable

[@MiniM69]

This is about Karen. Let’s give Karen her flowers.

[@saneZ45]

She is so beautiful omg

[@haikaikokoni369_]

Funny how every time a woman exposes the powerful she's deemed hysteric & institutionalized. This sort of crap needs to STOP.

[@kimpaceVArealestate]

I am amazed at her story. In my 20's, she was a huge deal, and I wondered what happened to her. She deserves an apology for certain. So much grace. I am a huge fan of her best friend, Carla Bruni.

[@GoodOlAllisonHarvard]

Thank you for your insightful efforts and engaging productions _@Elegance Echo!_ Let’s get this trending: *_#JUSTICEFORKARENMULDER_**_!_* 🗣️🔊🙌🏾✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾🔥🔥🔥✨

[@EleganceEcho.]

I hope fashion pages catch onto this and get #JUSTICEFORKARENMULDER trending! 🔥 Let’s make sure her story gets the attention it deserves! 🗣✨ keep spreading the word, y’all!

[@allure767]

I didn’t know her name before watching this, but now I know that she was very special for her exquisite beauty and character!!!

[@feliznavidad6958]

Like Megan Fox, exceptional women are silenced. Deemed "not likeable", "complaining about nothing", "should just shut up and look good". And no one comes to her defense despite "female solidarity bullshit".

[@nikaa4237]

Wow I remember hearing about this interview years ago and they did this smear campaign about her being unstable.

[@sutats]

I had completely forgotten that she existed until this video suggestion.

[@Wes-Tyler]

Never heard of her, but I have massive respect for anyone brave enough to risk their career to tell the truth about an abusive system that they personally benefit from

[@tajr.2650]

George Michael’s video “Too Funky” was the absolute BEST.

[@Thegirlwiththegoldeney3]

Great Video 💫🩷✨Love the editing too 😊

[@EleganceEcho.]

Aww, thank you so much! 🥰 I’m so glad you liked it! The editing was a fun challenge, but it’s all worth it for stories like these. Appreciate the love! 💖✨

[@Thegirlwiththegoldeney3]

@@EleganceEcho.I love all your Vids I like them before I even watch them now! They are all so well done! 💞

[@monikathomas4985]

6:38 OMG those 2 girls with those updos is such an iconic look!!

[@realmccoy18]

exposed but not punished

[@EleganceEcho.]

Totally-exposed but never actually punished. It’s crazy how some get away with everything, while others face the consequences. The whole thing’s so messed up. 😤

[@RoseBornagain]

@@EleganceEcho. she mention people who are freemason and elite...we know who they are.

[@Daemonette_]

She was the best model to ever live. Those who put her in a hospital will get their karma.

[@thornyback]

Something tells me parts are missing from that story with Angie Everheart, she's not known for telling the truth always.

[@stephaniestanley8041]

Your video essays are well researched and narrated. I love your humor too. ❤ Bravo.

[@sandiecalvert]

KAren is an ANGEL unlike some of the others and this is why she was silenced but its over now in the now ALL WILL BE DISCLOSED ALL OF IT.

[@afiyagasoline7108]

Fun fact the ‘I am what I am’ was originally sung by Gloria Gaynor but a lot of people through time have remastered it in their own way

[@dcpitcher71]

Sorry this happened to such a beautiful, kind woman. Awful. Hope that those who abused her pay a high price.

[@123may-o5p]

GREAT VIDEO! It seems that the nice ones do not survive the fashion industry..

[@svetlanaklets6302]

Brave, beautiful and meaningful woman!!! When I was a teenager I admired her!

[@Gweynn5]

Wow.....I didn't know she sang such an ICONIC 🏳️‍🌈 SONG!! She has always been one of my fav supermodels !❤❤❤❤

[@manuelperu-espino2320]

One of my favorite models, she is so beautiful she looks like an actual Barbie.

[@MissOrchid12]

I've heard this somewhere else before, it was an anonymous post on reddit, models (including Naomi Campbell) & actresses prosituted by agenices. Naomi Campbell being paid a very large sum of money to fly out & have a 'date' with Royalty in S.Arabia.

[@paulatavares5220]

Stop spreading hearsay or rumours!

[@Flowergirl0777]

On quora with the other Falsehoods rumours

[@MissOrchid12]

@@paulatavares5220 I'm QUOTING, not stating as fact. Educate yourself as to the difference.

[@paulatavares5220]

@ You are spreading rumours still . If you are not sure , you should shut it

[@Flowergirl0777]

@@MissOrchid12 I have 2 Degrees + a PhD dear. I'm an Author & Writer I have Friends in the Fashion Industry in the UK in Paris in Passy & in New York. My Cousin is much older than me & she Manages a Broadway Theatre in NY. All of that is utter codswallop (- u "Educate Yourself" dear bc in my experience the U S High School version is extremely lacking.) Bye. Peace.

[@LucyMorningstar999]

She was one of my favorite models when I was a teen. I adored her! ❤

[@katecast1]

thank you for sharing the truth....one does feel less alone...............................

[@annemurphy9339]

Perhaps the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen: definitely in the top 10.

[@Diana-yk7sp]

Karen was my absolute favorite super model! If you all haven't heard her sing look it up on KZbin. She has a beautiful voice. I really wish her the very best. The modeling business in general can be brutal and seedy. Hope she has found some peace. I absolutely believe her allegations and hope she will be vindicated one day.

[@erikacomstock9995]

The editing superbs,the subject , fascinating.Dutch

[@markdwighttadina7655]

She was like what is Candice Swanepoel today-Blonde, Beautiful, Sweet and Down to Earth Personality, Sexy, Real life Barbie doll, and also Victoria's Secret Angel,. Karen, along with Marpessa Hennink, Frederique van der Wal, and Wilhelmina Cooper paved the way for today's Dutch supers-Doutzen Kroes, Lara Stone, Romee Strijd, Rianne van Rompaey, Yasmin Wijnaldum and others. Karen will be forever be admired not only for her beauty and gracing runways but also for her integrity. Despite the impending dangers, she decided to take the risk and tell it all, paving the way for the rise of the Me Too and Time's Up movements almost 20 years later.

[@Miss_PANDAS]

What a beauty. And you're very funny, I laughed out loud! 😊

[@OptimisticSatellite-zn1yn]

I BELIEVE HER ❤

[@AlexGrendle]

Shameful how none of the others stuck up for her. They all remained silent.

[@comealongcomealong4480]

@AlexGrendle Seems it was too early in the modelling industry. Maybe other girls would have liked to add their voices - but they'd have known their careers would be dust. The instincts for self-preservation are strong.

[@gwynplaine661]

Jealously is the reason 🤢🤮

[@laylaali5977]

I remember her when I lived in Nederland she was big model

[@Keeper_of_the_Hearth]

0:28 Holland also named a tulip after her.

[@brigittebeaufort3270]

La beauté de karen est rayonnante et a la fois introvertie, un merveilleux mélange.

[@ellamaeloftus3493]

Thank you! Great video

[@Satsu-f4o]

thank you people , now you are teaching people how to protect their future kids . damn that's f up . What a stunning woman she is

[@desireerrudnik1106]

#BringBackKarenMulder !!!

[@EleganceEcho.]

YES!!

[@sunflowermyeyes9758]

Wow what an absolute beauty ❤

[@kimmckenzie5276]

Well done 👏 👏 👏

[@iww6994]

I have always remembered her. Beautiful Karen😉💚

[@ronnieroo227]

Imagine her life if her friends had not submitted those pictures, she may be happily married and an accountant. 😊

[@CC-kl4nh]

She was right!!!

[@aluap26]

Yeahhh...Industries !! Such a corageous statement to go against such powerful people ALONE!!! Of course she had to be canceled and threatened ! Hope she is ok and at peace.

[@mosswerbowy3303]

Maybe that's why Gisele ended her contract woth elite and join img

[@marteumar8429]

I don’t agree with the premise you trust into what it means to be a real life Barbie has to be something negative. “Altruist despite being a real life Barbie”. No, the fact that she was good and righteous just complements and justified her physical beauty. Her beauty and her good souls are not at odds, matter fact they are a perfect match, like a reflection of the same thing.

[@SB-l8m]

Naomi campbell had bad behaviour issue , how come people liked to work with her

[@feliznavidad6958]

Same reason the diddy types stay in power. Fear of power

[@MiniM69]

Because she’s stunning and an icon. Beautiful people are statistically treated better (make more money, etc.)

[@nickj12]

Because she was damn good at her job. She’s a very successful model for a reason and yes, she was a fashion icon!

[@sobeidalagrange7129]

01:13 04:00 06:15 Adriana looks so cute and sweet!!! 💝💖 07:52 I agree; Karen's no doormat!!! 10:32 The infamous interview!!!

[@modgirl7242]

Very BEAUTIFUL ❤

[@AnastasiaSrbljanin]

I love yugoslav inserts in the episodes ❤❤❤❤

[@charlene9638]

Dutch girls are the most beautiful of all the white girls. Their faces are the most symmetrical and Barb looking.

[@wendygilhula2144]

Wow!! Unbelievable!! Poor woman!!