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Born in the town of Decin, Czech
Republic on February 28, 1984, Karolina Kurkova had a slight taste of what
celebrity would be like, as her father Josef Kurka was a star basketball
player. As a child, her height made her relatively awkward and gangly, but
that would all change with age. A close friend recognized her beauty and
sent photos of Kurkova to an agency in Prague. Kurkova immediately landed
a runway appearance, not to mention a commercial and print ad. Still,
being a model in the Czech Republic she didn't feel she was getting the
full modeling experience, so she took a chance and traveled to Milan.
In Milan, Miuccia Prada signed her to a contract that proved to be the
beginning of her stellar career. On September 7, 1999, Kurkova's hard work
as a 15-year-old model culminated in a meeting with some Vogue editors in
New York. She impressed them immediately and the execs began to slowly
groom her for success. A move to the Big Apple and hectic work schedule
ensued. It all paid off when Kurkova finally made her presence known in
the February 2001 issue of Vogue. One of the youngest models ever to grace
its cover, the magazine helped propel her to stardom.
Victoria's Secret was next to swept her up and chose Kurkova to be part of
2001's television special. Even fashion houses like Yves Saint Laurent
took note of the stunning beauty and proceeded to sign Kurkova to deals.
Print campaigns for Tommy, Valentino and others helped expose Kurkova even
more, while she headlined the second Victoria's Secret show the following
year. The constant flow of work (she is said to have worked 23 weeks
straight) was recognized by Vogue as they honored her with the "Model of
the Year" title at the 2002 VH1/Vogue Fashion Awards.
The usual contracts with big designers such as Ralph Lauren, Oscar de la
Renta and Balenciaga continued, and a recent tally put Kurkova's magazine
cover appearances at 60 and counting. She is revered as much in the
fashion world for her personality, which is described as intense and
energetic, as for her looks. This attractive attitude leaves little doubt
that Kurkova will emerge as a legendary supermodel; even Vogue editor Anna
Wintour called her the "next supermodel."
Kurkova now lives in New York's TriBeCa district with her longtime
boyfriend, and in her spare time enjoys courtside basketball games at
Madison Square Garden. |
