Introduction
Annika Backes, born on September 7, 1996, is a 28-year-old American model and media personality best known for her graceful runway presence and marriage to world-renowned DJ Tiësto. Standing tall at 5 feet 11 inches, Annika has made a name for herself in the fashion industry through collaborations with elite modeling agencies and lifestyle brands.
While much of the public spotlight has been on her high-profile relationship, interest in Annika Backes’s age and personal journey has steadily grown. From her early modeling days to becoming a style icon and devoted mother, Annika’s story is about ambition, elegance, and evolution.
In this article, we look closer at her age, background, academic life, career achievements, family, physical appearance, and more—offering a complete profile of the woman who balances fame with authenticity.
Category | Details |
Full Name | Annika Backes |
Date of Birth | September 7, 1996 |
Age (as of 2025) | 28 years old |
Place of Birth | Denver, Colorado, USA |
Height | 5 feet 11 inches (178 cm) |
Weight | Approx. 125 lbs (57 kg) |
Hair Color | Blonde |
Eye Color | Hazel |
Skin Tone | Fair |
Body Type | Slim / Modelesque |
Distinctive Features | High cheekbones, radiant smile |
Education | Local Denver schools; strong interest in literature and the arts |
Career | Fashion model (Elite Model Management), brand collaborator, digital persona |
Notable Works | Editorials, boutique campaigns, fashion/lifestyle endorsements |
Husband | Tiësto (Tijs Michiel Verwest), Dutch DJ and record producer |
Marriage Date | September 21, 2019 |
Children | One daughter, Viola Margreet Verwest (born November 2020) |
Parents | Names undisclosed; has a sister named Berit Backes |
Residence | Los Angeles, USA & the Netherlands |
Social Media | Active on Instagram; known for curated, minimalist lifestyle posts |
Other Interests | Interior design, wellness, art, travel, charitable causes |
Annika Backes’s Age
As of 2025, Annika Backes is 28 years old. She was born on September 7, 1996, in Denver, Colorado, USA. Her youthful yet refined appearance often leads people to believe she is younger than her age. However, her maturity, poise, and elegance reflect someone who has steadily grown in life and career.
Her age places her in the same generational bracket as many digital natives and millennial creatives who have redefined modern fashion and media. Unlike some who shoot to fame quickly, Annika’s rise has been gradual and intentional, aligning with her passion for fashion and the arts.
Her youthful energy and grounded personality have made her relatable and aspirational. Despite being in the limelight because of her high-profile marriage, she has handled public attention with remarkable maturity.

Early Life and Academic Background
Born and raised in Colorado, Annika grew up in a middle-class family. While she hasn’t been outspoken about her private educational journey, sources indicate she attended local schools in Denver. She was known to have a strong interest in literature and the arts during her teenage years, which later translated into her love for fashion and visual aesthetics.
Her academic background appears to be traditional, with a focus on achieving a balance between academics and extracurricular activities. Though she didn’t attend a renowned fashion school like Parsons or FIT, her hands-on experience in the modeling world gave her an edge many classroom learners take years to develop.
Career: From Runway Dreams to Real-Life Style Icon
Annika began modeling in her late teens and eventually signed with Elite Model Management, one of the industry’s most prestigious agencies. She debuted in print and editorial campaigns, featuring in fashion magazines and branded photoshoots.
Over the years, Annika Backes became known for her:
- Natural, minimalist beauty
- Elegant runway walk
- Work with boutique fashion designers and lifestyle brands
Her personal Instagram account became a growing hub for fans and fashion enthusiasts alike, thanks to her curated content and authentic engagement. She may not have walked the biggest runways in Paris or Milan, but her clean, modern aesthetic caught the eye of stylists and digital marketers.
She has also collaborated with lifestyle and wellness brands, endorsing products in line with her image—natural, high-quality, and design-forward.
Husband: Tiësto
Annika Backes is married to Tijs Michiel Verwest, professionally known as Tiësto, a legendary Dutch DJ and record producer. Tiësto is often hailed as the “Godfather of EDM” and has won multiple awards, including a Grammy.

Relationship Timeline
- The couple met in 2015 at a restaurant in New York City.
- They began dating shortly after and got engaged during Thanksgiving in 2018.
- They married on September 21, 2019, in a lavish desert ceremony at the Amangiri resort in Utah, chosen for its serene and secluded atmosphere.
- Their wedding had a James Bond-themed aesthetic, reflecting their shared interests.
Parents and Family Background
Annika Backes was born to an American family and has a sibling—a sister named Berit Backes. While not much is publicly known about her parents’ professions or personal lives, Annika has expressed gratitude for their support.
The Backes family has maintained a low profile despite Annika’s rising fame. This grounded family upbringing is likely one of the reasons she has remained relatively private and composed in public appearances.
Do Annika and Tiësto Have Kids?
Yes, the couple welcomed their first child—a daughter named Viola Margreet Verwest—in November 2020. The name Viola is inspired by classical elegance and a modern twist, while Margreet pays tribute to Tiësto’s Dutch heritage.

Annika has occasionally shared photos of their daughter on social media, offering a glimpse into their family life while maintaining boundaries around privacy. The young family now lives a bi-continental lifestyle between Los Angeles and Europe.
Their parenting style appears to blend modern values with traditional routines, creating a nurturing environment for their child.
Annika Backes Physical Appearance
Annika’s graceful figure and natural beauty are often highlighted in her modeling work. She embodies a classic runway look: tall, slim, and stylish. Her fashion sense leans toward minimalism with a love for muted tones, flowy silhouettes, and timeless pieces.
Feature | Details |
Height | 5 feet 11 inches (178 cm) |
Weight | Approx. 125 lbs (57 kg) |
Hair Color | Blonde |
Eye Color | Hazel |
Skin Tone | Fair |
Body Type | Slim/Modelesque |
Shoe Size | US 9 (EU 40) |
Distinctive Features | High cheekbones, radiant smile |
Her photogenic features and poise are part of what made her a successful model. Annika has maintained her fitness and style even post-motherhood, often inspiring fans with her wellness and skincare routines.
Social Media Presence
Annika Backes is active on platforms like Instagram, sharing curated snapshots of her lifestyle, family, fashion, and travel. Her posts reflect authenticity rather than glamor overload, offering followers a real, elegant window into her daily life.
Though not an influencer in the traditional sense, Annika’s social media serves as a portfolio and lifestyle diary, gaining her collaborations with high-end and wellness brands.
Personality and Interests
Behind the model persona lies a woman who values simplicity, art, travel, and motherhood. Annika is deeply interested in interior design, wellness, and cultural exploration. Her taste is refined and subtle, echoing everything from home decor to fashion choices.
She also supports charitable causes and is often seen attending fundraising events and socially conscious galas with Tiësto.
Where Does Annika Live?
Annika and her family reside in a luxurious Los Angeles property known for its expansive outdoor spaces and modern architecture. They also maintain a residence in the Netherlands, offering their daughter a multicultural upbringing.
Their homes are often featured in lifestyle magazines due to their balance of luxury and minimalism.
Final Thoughts
Annika Backes is not just “Tiësto’s wife.” She’s a modern woman balancing fame and family and has a quietly influential modeling career. Her age—28 years as of 2025—marks the beginning of a powerful new chapter as she evolves from model to mother, partner, and cultural icon in her own right.
Her elegance, grounded upbringing, and subtle impact on fashion and lifestyle inspire many, proving that with authenticity and intention, even those in the spotlight can maintain grace and individuality.
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FAQs
Annika is primarily known for her work as a fashion model and lifestyle personality. She gained public recognition through her relationship with Tiësto and minimalistic fashion aesthetic.
Annika Backes signed with Elite Model Management, a prestigious global modeling agency.
She splits her time between Los Angeles, California, and the Netherlands, enjoying a bi-continental lifestyle with her family.
Outside her modeling career, Annika enjoys interior design, wellness, travel, and philanthropic causes, often attending fundraising events and cultural galas.