Identical twins Martine and Louise Fokkens, recognized as the world’s oldest sex workers, retired at age 70 after decades in Amsterdam’s Red Light District. With over 50 years of experience, they shared insights into their careers, including unusual client encounters and the personal challenges that shaped their paths.
A Shared Career in the Red Light District
The twins, known as the oldest window workers in the Netherlands, built a notable presence in the industry. They owned a brothel and operated a traditional Dutch restaurant. Famous for their thigh-high leather boots, they charged extra for clients who requested them removed. Together, they estimate having served around 355,000 men, approaching their profession without shame.
Louise began at 17, introduced to the work by her husband who encouraged her to try it. She soon stood in one of the district’s display windows, advertising services. Despite family discovery and pleas for her twin Martine to intervene, Louise persisted. She later reflected, “As if you can tell your twin what to do, we never listened to anyone.”
Martine entered the field years later, after marrying and having children. Initially a cleaner in a brothel, she faced frequent offers from clients but declined. Financial hardship struck when her husband’s job ended during a builders’ strike, leaving them broke. With Louise already established, Martine found the transition less daunting. “Without her I would never have done it. But with her it felt less frightening,” she explained. Guidance from other workers quickly positioned her in a window.
Memorable and Bizarre Client Stories
The twins recounted vivid experiences from their time in the district, which they viewed as a normal part of life in their poor Amsterdam upbringing, not the shadowy underworld often imagined.
One standout encounter involved a client who called himself a ‘filthy little gnome,’ trembling with excitement at the idea of his ‘dirty little gnome’ fantasy. Another incident saw a client attempt to flee without paying, only to abandon his prosthetic leg. The twins stored it in a cupboard until he returned to settle the bill.
Louise’s arthritis eventually made certain positions too painful, while Martine noted a decline in business. These factors prompted their retirement several years ago.
A Lasting Connection
Even after retiring, Martine maintained one loyal client—an elderly man hooked on weekly S&M sessions. She described it as, “He’s been coming to me for so long, it’s like going to church on a Sunday.” This bond highlighted the unique relationships formed over their long careers.
