Ayse Top, crowned Mrs. Netherlands Universe, is a writer, model, actress, and activist redefining beauty with purpose. From Milan’s runways to global film sets, she blends art with advocacy, proving true success lies in uplifting others while rising herself.
A Crown That Sparked Wings
For Ayse Top, the journey began not with a single moment, but with a series of courageous choices. An awarded writer with more than 70 international accolades, Ayse has built her career at the intersection of passion and purpose. From the pageant stage to the runway, she has consistently chosen courage over comfort.
“When I first put on a crown, it didn’t make me a queen—it reminded me that I already had wings,” she recalls. Those wings carried her from national competitions to representing the Netherlands on the Ms. Universe stage, where she stood proudly among 88 nations.
From Pen to Runway
Writing was Ayse’s first love. Her debut book was born out of an empowerment platform, written not just to tell stories but to give strength. Soon, her words found companionship in another form of expression: modeling. When she walked for Michael Lombard in Milan, embodying the new face of Gucci, it was more than fashion—it was liberation. “The runway became a place where I could fully step into who I am,” she says.
Bridging Beauty and Advocacy
For Ayse, fashion and art are more than aesthetics—they are tools for advocacy. As an actress and international film festival judge, she has seen firsthand how stories can spark conversations, challenge systems, and heal wounds. Her mission is clear: to bridge the gap between visibility and voice.
“Too often, women are allowed to be seen, but not heard,” she explains. “I want to change that.” Through her work in cinema and global speaking, she empowers underrepresented voices and ensures that beauty carries depth, and visibility carries purpose.
Defining Success by Impact
Titles, trophies, and applause do not define success for Ayse—impact does. She measures achievement in the confidence sparked in a young girl after a runway show, in a film she champions that amplifies unheard voices, and in the readers who find strength in her words. “Success,” she says, “is about lifting others as I rise.”
Milestones Beyond Borders
One of Ayse’s proudest milestones came when her name and mission echoed far beyond her home country. Recognized in Brazil with an international award for arts and women’s empowerment, she felt the true reach of her work. This October, she takes another leap—traveling to Africa as the lead actress in 3 Days in Africa, a Mandisoul Filmproductions feature supported by the Government of Zimbabwe. The Netflix-bound film will premiere in New York, cementing her role as a global storyteller.
Fuelled by Faith and Fire
Behind her achievements lies a steady source of motivation—her faith, her dreams, and her mission to empower. Each step she takes is a pathway for others still finding their voice. “What motivates me,” she reflects, “is turning my platform into a pathway for others.”
Looking Ahead: A Global Vision
Ayse’s journey is only just unfolding. Beyond her upcoming film, she envisions a future dedicated to empowering women, children, and the elderly, while continuing to expand her footprint in fashion, writing, and potentially film acting. For her, the legacy she builds is one of resilience, representation, and empowerment across borders.
