[1] Esther de Jong's career was kickstarted through her early modeling experiences: being featured on the cover of Vogue Italia in January 1996 (working with fashion photographer Steven Meisel) and doing an exclusive for a Jil Sander runway show in Milan.
In addition, De Jong has walked for some of the most important international fashion houses such as Alberta Ferretti, Anna Sui, Calvin Klein, Cerruti, Chanel, Chloé, Christian Dior SA, Christian Lacroix, DKNY, Dolce & Gabbana, Fendi, Iceberg, John Galliano, Karl Lagerfeld, Marc Jacobs, Max Mara, Missoni, Miu Miu, Prada, Sonia Rykiel, Sportmax and Vivienne Westwood, Versace, Alexander McQueen, Givenchy, and Ann Demeulemeester.
De Jong also starred in advertising campaigns for Dior, Chanel Cruise, Adrienne Vittadini, Alberta Ferretti, Bazar de Christian Lacroix, Bloomingdale's, Celine, Cerruti 1881, Chanel, Christian Dior lunettes, Clinique Happy, DKNY, Gianfranco Ferre, Guerlain, Hermes, Nicole Farhi, Prada, Cavalli, Rochas, Saks Fifth Avenue and Sonia Rykiel.
De Jong has had the opportunity to work with photographers such as Steven Meisel and Nick Knight among many other names in fashion.
In 2004, De Jong founded the Home & Life Orphanage Foundation after the passing of her model agent and friend, Sam and her baby in the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.