Two sisters, Louise and Martine Fokkens, are now 83 years old — and they possess one of the most extraordinary life stories you’ll ever hear. For over 50 years, the Fokkens twins were employed in the renowned Red Light District in Amsterdam, where sex is legally sold and purchased. Now, they recount some wild tales from that era, including their most eccentric clients.
Together, Louise and Martine Fokkens claim to have encountered approximately 355,000 men throughout their extensive careers in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
The sisters gained such notoriety that a documentary titled Meet the Fokkens was created about their lives. It depicted what it was like to age while still working in one of the globe’s most famous adult entertainment districts.
They began their journey decades ago. Louise, the elder sister, was merely 17 when she started working there, unfortunately due to pressure from her ex-husband.
“He essentially forced me into that booth, becoming my pimp and living off my earnings,” Louise shared with the Israel Times.
Louise and Martine Fokkens – the world’s oldest sex-working twins.
Martine joined the profession shortly thereafter. Initially, she served as a cleaner in the same establishment, but it wasn’t long before she also engaged in the work herself, stating, “I was upset by how everyone around us rejected Louise. I did it out of spite, honestly.
They remained active in the Red Light District for the majority of their adult lives. Over the years, the sisters even operated their own brothel and a small eatery named De Twee Stiertjes, which gained local fame.
“The business taught us to get along with everyone, and I truly mean everyone,” said Louise Fokkens, who retired in 2010 due to arthritis.
As they aged, their bodies started to feel the effects. Louise mentioned that her arthritis made certain activities painful, while Martine noted that there were fewer customers compared to previous years. Nevertheless, they cherish the many fascinating moments spent in the neighborhood over the years.
Share their most unusual client encounters.
The Fokkens sisters retired around the age of 70, yet their narrative continues to be an enduring part of Amsterdam’s history — one that reveals a very different perspective of life in the Red Light District.
“Our life in the business turned into a source of pride, almost like a sport,” Louise shared.
Looking back, both women express regret about their choice to become prostitutes.
“We didn’t need all the complications it brought us, the social stigma, the negative individuals we encountered,” Martine reflected. “But that’s just how life unfolded. On the bright side, we also met some amazing people through the business.”
With a reported 355,000 male clients, there must have been some unforgettable encounters.
Despite arthritis pushing Louise into retirement, one loyal customer continued to visit. An elderly gentleman, who remained a regular, came for his S&M sessions.
“I just couldn’t let him go. He’s been coming to me for so long that it feels like attending church on a Sunday,” Martine shared, according to MetroUK.
“Burst into confetti”
On another occasion, they remembered standing by their windows, unable to contain their laughter. They reminisced about a ‘filthy little gnome,’ a man who was clearly thrilled at the thought. However, his wife then stepped in front of him.
“He looked like he was about to burst into confetti,” Louise remarked.
Since their retirement, the Fokkens have dedicated much of their time to their children and grandchildren. Additionally, they have ventured into a different kind of work, creating and selling paintings that depict scenes from the Red Light District.
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