More than four years after Luv's definitive break-up, Dutch media personality Chimène van Oosterhout, who was briefly part of the group (2019-2020), is still busy. Here is her latest news between May and late August:
Discussing holiday trips in VROUW / In Luv' with Spain (May 2024)
The summer edition of VROUW magazine featured an article about the multi-talented celebrity discussing holidays. Click here to read the online version.
Chimène travelled extensively for her television work, and her sense of adventure was sparked early. At eighteen, she crossed Europe on a motorcycle. Another favourite activity, as her vacation photos show, is kitesurfing.
"I find it difficult to choose one destination as my favourite. As long as it's an active vacation, I'm thrilled. I regularly go on vacation to kitesurf. For example, I go to Bonaire, Spain, or Kos. That last island is still relatively unspoiled if you avoid the tourist spots. The people there are super nice, and the nature is beautiful. I prefer to kitesurf with others, but my friends don’t do it, and planning this activity with my 21-year-old son is tricky. Maybe I should book a group trip,” Chimène explained.
"Many of my friends live in other countries, so I'm in a luxurious position when it comes to choosing a vacation destination. I often visit someone, but I still make my own plans when I'm there. I have always enjoyed visiting my son in Spain. He lives in Barcelona, just like I did at that age. It's fun to create memories with him there. He knows different places than I do. Barcelona is a city you can always keep going back to because it has so much to offer. The best part is the combination of the city and beach, so you can choose to enjoy the fresh air or take a walk. And if I have my gear with me, we’ll go kitesurfing." Chimène said.
"The trip that has stuck with me the most is the one through Europe. When I was eighteen, I jumped on a motorcycle with a friend, and we rode for three months. We visited the most beautiful places: France, Italy, Greece... She rode on the back, and we lived out of one bag together—at that age, it's a trip you'll never forget," the ex-Luv' singer asserted.
"Where I would really love to go again is India. I once went there for a travel show on TV, but it was a competition. We had to get by on one euro every day, and our belongings were confiscated. Because of this, we rushed through the country, but I found it beautiful and interesting. My grandmother is from there, and I saw her everywhere—the people there all look a lot alike. If I get the chance, I will definitely go back to see India at a more leisurely pace," she added.
Moreover, Chimène posted beautiful pictures and videos of her latest stay in Spain in May on her social media.
Chimène's Instagram account - May 14th, 2024
Chimène's Instagram account - May 17th, 2024
Interview on "Toute Fabienne" (May 30th)
Fabienne de Vries interviewed Chimène van Oosterhout on her show "Toute Fabienne", aired on GoodLIFE Radio on May 30th, centered around the theme of "Back to the 90s". Click here to listen to the program.
Chimène was very active in the decade of Eurodance, contemporary R&B, Britpop and grunge. In 1996, she played the role of Ilona in the highly popular Dutch soap opera "Goede Tijden, Slechte Tijden". She was one of the last continuity announcers on Dutch TV and hosted several shows on Veronica channel, including "Veronica goes back to the US of A" and "Motor TV".
When asked what she thought about the 1990s, Chimène answered: "I love the music of this era, which is way better than today's trends. It was a decade of discovery in every sense of the word. The world was more positive back then".
The ex-Veronica babe discussed her short period as a Luv' singer: "When the COVID occurred, it was terrible. One year before, I started performing with Luv'. Marga and José said: "It looks like we are back to the time we were with Patty". They travelled the world by Concorde. They flew to Paris, Dubai, and Tokyo. I didn't experience the same things. Instead, I performed in fun fairs and other venues in the Netherlands. When the group was active, I was supposed to take Patty's place. I knew these songs from my youth. But this time, I had to learn the lyrics to go on stage".
When asked if, before Luv', she released solo singles, Chimène answered: "No, never. I don't want to denigrate the group's material, but Luv' songs are not at the same level as Lady Gaga's. I'm a mezzo-soprano, so I could sing these tracks. Long before I joined Luv', I took singing lessons. My voice sounds a bit rock, although I don't smoke or drink".
Chimène recounted her tough experience as part of the PR department at Club Med. Her first breast cancer at age 27 made her change the course of life. She was tired of corporate life, so she studied psychology and transitioned from a continuity announcer on TROS and Veronica to a TV host.
Chimène recalled her good time on Veronica TV: "It was fantastic. It was a party every day. I even had to write my own texts. When I was on TROS, I learned how to host without Autocue. Sometimes, it went wrong. To host without a teleprompter was very stressful. There was a real editorial staff on Veronica, which turned off Autocue when I hosted, but I carried on anyways".
The former Veronica star named "God is a DJ" by Faithless, "Freedom" by George Michael and the Chimes' cover of "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" and "You" by Ten Sharp, her favourite tracks from the 1990s.
Het Amsterdam Diner 2024 (June 8th)
Chimène attended "Het Amsterdam Diner 2024", a charity gala at AFAS Live in Amsterdam, which raised 1.2 million euros for the fight against HIV and AIDS on June 8th. Many Dutch celebrities were present, including Linda de Mol, Angela Groothuizen (formerly of Dolly Dots), Gordon and Princess Mabel of Orange-Nassau.
Chimène van Oosterhout and Ellen Jansen
Interview in Story (June 5th)
In an interview with Story magazine published on June 5th, Chimène reflected on her challenging past, which included battling cancer three times, suffering two heart attacks, losing her parents, and watching her son move abroad. Despite these difficulties, she focused on re-establishing her psychology practice and writing a book about her experiences. Although she spent much time in Spain due to her son’s studies, she considered moving there permanently. Chimène has been single for seven years and has tried dating, including using apps, but hasn’t found a lasting relationship. She remains hopeful about finding a partner while enjoying her current life and hobbies.
The charismatic lady also discussed her short experience as a Luv' singer. "It was wonderful. It's a pity it didn't last long. José was often ill. As a teenager, I listened a lot to Luv' when Patty Brard was part of it. My friends and I impersonated them at school and parties. I always played Patty's part. And then, I performed with the real Luv' on stage," she said.
When asked if she had watched the Videoland series based on Patty Brard's life, she answered: "I want to watch it, but I need to activate my Videoland account. I'm very curious about this story".
Click here to read an excerpt from the interview.
[Z]aan Tafel 2024 (June 11th)
Chimène hosted the [Z]aan Tafel gala to aid breast cancer research at Grand Café Atlantic in Krommenie, the Netherlands, on June 11th. This event generated proceeds of €101.153.
Umberto Giannini event (June 20th)
On June 20th, Chimène and Dutch influencers attended an event organized by Umberto Giannini, a brand specializing in curly haircare, in association with "Friends of the Brands" in Amsterdam.
Nationale Haringpartij 2024 (June 26th)
Chimène attended the Nationale Haringpartij (national herring party) at De Haar Castle outside Utrecht, the Netherlands, on June 26th. Soused herring is a staple of Dutch cuisine.
Dutch premiere of Twisters (July 16th)
On July 16th, Chimène walked the red carpet at the Dutch premiere of "Twisters" in Hilversum.
"Twisters " is a 2024 American disaster film directed by Lee Isaac Chung from a screenplay by Mark L. Smith, based on a story by Joseph Kosinski. Serving as a standalone sequel to "Twister" (1996), it stars Daisy Edgar-Jones, Glen Powell, Anthony Ramos, Brandon Perea, Maura Tierney, and Sasha Lane. The movie follows clashing groups of storm chasers who investigate a tornado outbreak in Oklahoma.
Kitty van Engelen and Chimène van Oosterhout
Interview in Party magazine (July 17th)
Chimène shared in an interview published in the July 17th issue of Party magazine that she overcame a difficult period in her life and was gradually recovering. She reflected on her challenges and mentioned that the last six months were calmer. Currently, she’s focused on writing a book, contributing columns to Wendy Online, giving presentations, vlogging, and working in PR. Additionally, she’s expanding her coaching work, particularly in areas like diversity and inclusion, alongside a business partner. Chimène remains busy and engaged, feeling "alive & kicking" despite her past struggles.
Click here to read an excerpt online.
Nederland Ontdekt (July 22nd)
On July 22nd, Chimène took part in filming an episode of RTL 4's lifestyle program "Nederland Ontdekt". The result will be broadcast after the summer.
Chimène & friends @ Paris Olympic Games (late July - Early August 2024)
Chimène & friends (Marquiette Schaap, Kay Formanek and Kitty van Engelen) attended equestrian events during the Paris Olympic Games at the Palace of Versailles in late July and early August.
Columns for Wendy
Chimène writes monthly columns for WendyOnline.nl (Wendy van Dijk's online platform specializing in women's issues) and Wendy magazine.
Missing Daddy (column posted on July 3rd): click here to read it.
Chimène discussed the deep pain of losing her father and the enduring grief she felt, challenging the notion that time heals all wounds. She recounted the special moments they shared, especially during the final months of his life when they both underwent cancer treatment. Chimène longed to talk with him again, feeling the void his absence left, particularly on occasions like Father's Day. She also pondered the legacy her father left behind, both in her and her son, while acknowledging the profound impact his loss had on her life. Despite the pain, she cherished the memories and missed him deeply.
Losing Mommy (column posted on July 30th): click here to read it.
Chimène expressed her feelings about losing her mother in July 2022. She described how July, once a carefree summer month, had become a time of sorrow and reflection. Chimène discussed the deep void left by her parents' absence, particularly her inability to talk with them and her many unanswered questions. She reminisced about her mother's influence, especially in education and etiquette, and wondered how her mother might have viewed life from "a beautiful cloud" above. The column emphasized the irreplaceable bond between a mother and child and urged readers to cherish their mothers while they still could.
Source: Chimène van Oosterhout on social media, Marco Rens, De Telegraaf, Story, Party, Wendy...
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