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KAROLINA KURKOVA BIOGRAPHY |
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Kurková was born in Decín, Czech Republic, and
had an early insight into what celebrity life 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 Kurková to an agency in Prague. Kurková
immediately landed a runway appearance, as well as a commercial
and print ad. Still, being a model in the Czech Republic did not
expose her to what fashion was really about, so Kurková took a
chance and traveled to Milan to gain some more experience.
There, Miuccia Prada (the designer behind the famous brand name,
Prada) signed her to a contract that proved to be the beginning
of her stellar career. In September of 1999, Kurková's hard work
as a 15-year-old model culminated in a meeting with some Vogue
editors in New York City. She impressed them immediately and the
execs began to slowly groom her for success. A move to NYC and a
hectic work schedule ensued. It all paid off when Kurková
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. She was now recognized at
haute couture fashion shows and Victoria's Secret swept her up
and chose her to be a part of that year's television special, in
November. Even fashion houses like Yves Saint-Laurent took note
of the her and signed Kurková to deals. Print campaigns for
Tommy Hilfiger, Valentino, and others helped expose Kurková 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 top designers such as Ralph Lauren,
Óscar de la Renta, Chanel and Balenciaga continued, and a recent
tally put Kurková's magazine cover appearances at 80 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
Kurková will emerge as a legendary supermodel; even legendary
Vogue editor, Anna Wintour, called her the "next supermodel."
When asked to explain Kurková's allure, David Bonnouvrier, the
owner of Kurková's agency, DNA, says simply, "she's it." In this
case, "it" means Kurková's "incredible dynamics." She combines "the
ultimate body with incredibly fresh features and an extremely
punchy attitude and energy – which comes through in all of her
pictures," Bonnouvrier says. Trudi Tapscott, Vogue's bookings
editor, was impressed with Kurková from the moment the magazine
began working with her in the Summer of 2000. "Very feminine,"
are the words Tapscott uses to describe Kurková's appeal, adding
that it is Kurková's "extra-special energy and enthusiasm" that
sets her apart from the pack.
Kurková has been featured in fashion spreads in most major
fashion magazines including U.K., U.S., and French Vogue (as
well as other international versions of Vogue), Vanity Fair, The
Face, and W. Most recently, Kurková has grabbed the cover of
Korea's W, as well as the Greek Vogue. She has worked with well-known
photographers in the fashion industry today, such as Steven
Klein, Mario Sorrenti, and Mario Testino, who said of Kurková, "The
proportions of her body and her face, as well as her energy
level, make her a model who could fit almost into any moment."
Designer Marc Jacobs said of Kurková, "She has an angelic look
with a dark side, she's sweet and fun but looks like she could
be an evil bewitching child."
Living in New York's TriBeCa district, Kurková is able to
separate herself from modeling enough to enjoy courtside
basketball games at Madison Square Garden. |
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