Karolina Kurkova Biography 

Czech beauty Karolina Kurkova made her name early in the modeling game, becoming one of the youngest models to appear on the cover of Vogue magazine. Shortly after, she earned her wings as a Victoria’s Secret Angel; and her popularity has been on the rise every since. She has even begun reaching audiences through films, recently appearing in My Sexiest Year.

Karolina Isela Kurkova was born February 28, 1984 in Děčín, Czechoslovakia. Her father is Czech basketball player Josef Kurka. Her mother is Slovak.

Pushed into the modeling industry, Kurkova’s friend sent photos of her to a modeling agency located in Prague. Not expecting much to come of the query, the then-fifteen year old Kurkova was surprised to learn she was immediately picked up for everything from print ads to runways shows.

Realizing there was real potential in this career, Kurkova made her way to Milan in order to gain much needed experience. It was here that Miuccia Prada (of the Prada label) signed Kurkova to a modeling contract.

By 2001, Kurkova’s rising star necessitated relocation to New York City. In February of that year, she landed the highly coveted slot on the cover of Vogue magazine. She remains one of the youngest models to ever win that honor.

After the exposure and career boost garnered from the Vogue shoot, Kurkova caught the attention of noted lingerie dealer Victoria’s Secret. Not long after, she was appointed their newest “Angel,” joining the ranks of Adriana Lima, Heidi Klum, Tyra Banks, Gisele Bundchen, Daniela Pestova, and others.

Other notable fashion contracts for Kurkova include deals with Yves Saint Laurent and Tommy Hilfiger.

By 2002, she secured the supreme modeling honor of “Model of the Year” at the Vogue Fashion Awards. Noted designer Marc Jacobs sung her praises, and even the typically reserved Anna Wintour hailed her as the “next supermodel.”

This brought even more lucrative contracts with Oscar de la Renta, Balenciaga, Coco Chanel, and Ralph Lauren.

Kurkova has also begun dabbling in acting. Her onscreen debut came in the 2007 comedy My Sexiest Year starring Frankie Muniz, Harvey Keitel, and Amber Valletta.

Television gigs include numerous appearances on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.

Outside of the glitzy entertainment world, Kurkova has also done extensive charity work, receiving an award in 2006 from Women Together.

In her personal life, there have been rumors of a romantic connection with Pharrell Williams and Jeremy Piven. Kurkova, however, denies both of these rumors.

She currently resides in New York where she pays homage to her father’s former career by frequently attending Madison Square Garden basketball games (courtside, of course).