KAROLINA KOURKOVA

Biography

Born in Decin, Czechoslovakia which is now the Czech Republic, Karolina Kurkova had a small taste of what celebrity would be like since her father, Josef Kurka, was a star basketball player. When Karolina was growing up, her height made her awkward and gangly, but that would all change.

A close friend, who recognized her beauty, sent photos of Kurkova to a modeling agency in Prague. Right away Kurkova landed a runway appearance, as well as a commercial and print ad. But since being a model in the Czech Republic did not expose her to the full fashion world, Karolina took a chance and traveled to Milan to take her modeling to the next level.

In Milan, Miuccia Prada signed her to a contract that set her on the path to supermodel stardom. On September 7th, 1999, Kurkova's hard work as a fifteen year old model culminated in a meeting with Vogue editors in New York City. She immediately impressed them and the execs began to slowly groom her for modeling success.

With Karolina's move to New York City, her hectic modeling schedule began. It all paid off when Kurkova finally made her presence known with the cover of the February 2001 issue of Vogue. One of the youngest models ever to grace Vogue's cover, the magazine helped propel her to stardom. Karolina Kurkova was now a recognized name at haute couture fashion shows and Victoria's Secret swept her up and chose her to be part of the 2001 television special, in November. Even Fashion houses like Yves Saint Laurent took note of the stunning beauty and proceeded to sign Karolina to important deals.

print campaigns for Tommy, Valentino and others helped expose Karolina even more, while She headlined the second Victoria's Secret show in 2002. Karolina's consistant work schedule (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 (end 2005) 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."