Louise and Martine Fokkens, now both 83, have lived a life few people could imagine. The identical twins are widely known for spending more than five decades working in Amsterdam’s famous Red Light District — making them some of the oldest figures ever associated with the city’s legal adult entertainment industry.
Their extraordinary life journey has fascinated people around the world. Over the course of their careers, the sisters estimate they met more than 355,000 clients, becoming a unique part of Dutch cultural history and one of the most talked-about real-life stories to come out of Amsterdam.
Their experiences were documented in the critically acclaimed film Meet the Fokkens, which offered a rare look at aging, work, and survival in one of the world’s most well-known tourist districts.
How It All Began
Louise was only 17 when she first entered the industry, a decision she later said was not entirely her own. In interviews, she revealed that her former husband pushed her into the work and lived off her earnings.
Martine joined later, initially working as a cleaner in the same building. She explained that her decision was driven by anger at how society treated her sister.
“I couldn’t stand how people looked down on Louise,” Martine once said. “So I joined out of defiance.”
Over the years, the sisters became well known in the neighborhood. They eventually ran their own business ventures, including a small restaurant called De Twee Stiertjes, which became popular with locals.
Life Lessons From an Unusual Career
Louise retired in 2010 due to arthritis, while Martine stepped away around the same time as business slowed. Aging brought physical challenges, but both women say the experience taught them important life lessons.
“The work taught us how to deal with all kinds of people,” Louise said. “And I really mean all kinds.”
Despite the hardships, the twins recall moments of humor, resilience, and unexpected human connection.
The Most Unforgettable Client Encounters
With hundreds of thousands of encounters over the decades, some moments stood out more than others.
One longtime visitor continued coming even as Louise’s health declined, treating his visits as a weekly ritual. “It became part of his routine,” Martine explained. “Like going to church every Sunday.”
Another moment still makes the sisters laugh. While standing in their windows one day, they noticed a visibly excited man — until his wife suddenly appeared beside him.
“He looked like he was about to explode from embarrassment,” Louise joked.
Looking Back With Honesty
In hindsight, both women admit they would not choose the same path again.
“We didn’t need the stigma or the trouble,” Martine reflected. “But life doesn’t always give you easy options.”
At the same time, they acknowledge that the experience brought unexpected friendships and shaped who they became.
Life After Retirement
Today, Louise and Martine spend their time with children and grandchildren, enjoying a quieter life. They’ve also embraced creative pursuits, selling paintings inspired by scenes from Amsterdam’s historic streets.
Their story remains a powerful human interest feature, offering a rare glimpse into resilience, aging, and one of Europe’s most talked-about neighborhoods.
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