Jump to content

Karolína Kurková: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Content deleted Content added
m Reverted edits by 170.200.144.19 (talk) addition of unsourced content (HG)
Line 22: Line 22:
==Early life and career==
==Early life and career==


Often called one of the last true supermodels, the Czech-born Kurkova has established herself as a fashion and entertainment icon over the past decade, most notably gracing best-selling covers of fashion magazines worldwide, starring in numerous high-fashion campaigns, co-starring in a hit film franchise, and parlaying her talent into the world of fashion TV. Most recently, Kurkova joined fellow supermodels Naomi Campbell and Coco Rocha as coaches on Oxygen’s reality series, The Face, which premiered February 2013.
Karolína Kurková was born in [[Děčín]], [[Czechoslovakia]], to Josef Kurka, a Czech basketball player, and a [[Slovakia|Slovak]] mother.<ref name="tv.com">{{Cite web|url=http://www.tv.com/karolina-kurkova/person/201748/biography.html |title=Karolina Kurkova on |publisher=Tv.com |accessdate=April 14, 2011}}</ref> While Kurková was young, she was made fun of for her height.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bellasugar.com/Karolina-Kurkova-interview-Victorias-Secret-Fashion-Show-888380|title=Karolina Kurkova interview at Victoria's Secret Fashion Show|publisher=Bellasugar|date=December 19, 2007|accessdate=March 15, 2010}}</ref> But after a friend sent photos of Kurková to an agency in [[Prague]], at age 15, she landed a [[runway (fashion)|runway]] appearance, as well as a commercial and print advertising.<ref name=VS2007/> She later traveled to [[Milan]] to gain more experience<ref name="tv.com"/> and signed a modeling contract with [[Miuccia Prada]].<ref name="askmen">"[http://www.askmen.com/women/models_150/174_karolina_kurkova.html Karolina Kurkova]".AskMen. Retrieved 2007-06-04.</ref>
After being spotted by a model scout in 1999, Kurkova was signed to an exclusive Prada/Miu Miu contract. Soon after, she became the youngest model to grace the cover of American Vogue at age 16, and was lauded as the “next supermodel” by its famed editor Anna Wintour. Wintour isn’t the only one applauding Kurkova. Photographer Mario Testino has said, “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,” and designer Marc Jacobs has been quoted saying, “She has an angelic look with a dark side. She’s sweet and fun, but looks like she could be an evil bewitching child.”

In September 1999, Kurková appeared in the American edition of fashion and lifestyle magazine ''[[Vogue (magazine)|Vogue]]'', and, after moving to [[New York City]] at the age of 17, graced the cover of the February 2001 edition.<ref name="tv.com"/>


==Modeling career==
==Modeling career==

Revision as of 17:46, 3 May 2013

Karolína Kurková
Kurková attending the premiere of The Bang Bang Club at the 2011 Tribeca Film Festival
Born
Karolína Kurková[2]

(1984-02-28) February 28, 1984 (age 40)
Spouse(s)Archie Drury (2009-present); 1 child
Modeling information
Height5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)[1]
Hair colorBlonde
Eye colorGreen
AgencyOne Management

Karolína Kurková, also Karolina Kurkova (born February 28, 1984)[3] is a Czech model, best known as a former Victoria's Secret Angel, and actress. Mario Testino 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."[4] Vogue editor Anna Wintour called her the "next supermodel".[4]

Kurková is among the world's top-earning models, having earned an estimated $5 million in the year 2007. She was placed 6th in the Forbes annual list of the highest earning models.[5][6]

Early life and career

Often called one of the last true supermodels, the Czech-born Kurkova has established herself as a fashion and entertainment icon over the past decade, most notably gracing best-selling covers of fashion magazines worldwide, starring in numerous high-fashion campaigns, co-starring in a hit film franchise, and parlaying her talent into the world of fashion TV. Most recently, Kurkova joined fellow supermodels Naomi Campbell and Coco Rocha as coaches on Oxygen’s reality series, The Face, which premiered February 2013. After being spotted by a model scout in 1999, Kurkova was signed to an exclusive Prada/Miu Miu contract. Soon after, she became the youngest model to grace the cover of American Vogue at age 16, and was lauded as the “next supermodel” by its famed editor Anna Wintour. Wintour isn’t the only one applauding Kurkova. Photographer Mario Testino has said, “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,” and designer Marc Jacobs has been quoted saying, “She has an angelic look with a dark side. She’s sweet and fun, but looks like she could be an evil bewitching child.”

Modeling career

Following her Vogue cover, Kurková became recognized at haute couture fashion shows. Additionally, the lingerie brand Victoria's Secret chose her to be a part of 2000's fashion show webcast, though she was only 16 at the time.[7] Prominent fashion houses such as Yves Saint Laurent signed Kurková to contracts, while print campaigns for Tommy Hilfiger, Valentino, Louis Vuitton, John Galliano, Chanel, Christian Dior, Hugo Boss, Versace, H&M, and others helped expose her even more. In the 2002 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, she wore the "Star of Victoria" Fantasy Bra, worth almost $10 million. Other runway credits of hers include Alberta Ferretti, Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, Calvin Klein, Carolina Herrera, Chanel, Christian Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Givenchy, Gucci, Karl Lagerfeld, Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, Prada, Ralph Lauren, Stella McCartney, Versace, and Vera Wang.[7]

Kurková at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival.

Kurková was named "Model of the Year" at the 2002 VH1/Vogue Fashion Awards, in part for her work ethic, having worked twenty-three weeks straight.[2] Photographed by Steven Meisel, she was presented on the September 2004 cover of American Vogue as one of the "Models of the Moment".

Kurková has appeared on over 25 Vogue magazine covers internationally, including the French, Italian, UK, German, Russian, Greek, and Korean editions, and has also appeared in international editions of Elle, Vanity Fair, and The Face. She has worked with noted fashion photographers like Steven Klein, Mario Sorrenti, and Mario Testino.

After being contracted as a Victoria's Secret Angel in 2005, she was featured in the 2006 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, showcasing the $6.5 million "Hearts On Fire" Fantasy Bra decked with almost 2000 diamonds weighing 800 carats (160 g) with a centerpiece diamond brooch weighing 10 carats (2.0 g).[8] As an Angel, she received a star on the Hollywood "Walk of Fame" prior to the 2007 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show,[9] appeared on the February 2008 cover of Esquire, re-creating the classic 1966 Angie Dickinson cover for the magazine's 75th anniversary,[10] and was chosen as part of People magazine's 100 most beautiful people in the world.

In December 2007, she could be seen in print ads for Dell.

In the last Cía Marítima fashion show, Kurková's unexpectedly heavier physique brought criticism from the Brazilian press as having "too much back fat, love handles and cellulite".[11]

Kurková has a smooth indentation in place of a navel due to surgical operation she had as an infant,[12] and photographs are often altered by the addition of an image of a navel to hide this.[13]

In November 2008, E! Entertainment Television voted her the world's sexiest woman, beating Angelina Jolie, Scarlett Johansson, Gisele Bündchen, and her fellow Angels Heidi Klum and Adriana Lima.[14]

Kurková modeled for Bottega Veneta spring 2011 campaign in a classic Hitchcock-esque style.[15]

Television/movie career

Kurková made her film debut alongside Frankie Muniz, Harvey Keitel, and Amber Valletta in Howard Himelstein's coming-of-age dramedy, My Sexiest Year.[16] She played Courtney A. Kreiger / Cover Girl in the live action 2009 G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra film.[17] She was a guest judge on the fifteenth season of America's Next Top Model and fourth season of Germany's Next Top Model.

She appeared on the 2008 Academy of Country Music Awards along with Dwight Yoakam in presenting the "Top Female Vocalist" award to Carrie Underwood.

In September 2010, Karolína guest-starred on NBC's Chuck season 4 episode, "Chuck Versus the Suitcase". She played Sofia Stepanova, an enemy spy posing as a supermodel.[18]

Kurková appeared alongside German model Eva Padberg on the reality television show Das perfekte Model, a model casting-show similar to Germany's Next Top Model. The show aired in spring 2012 on German television broadcast VOX.[19][20] The show was canceled due to low rating in summer 2012.

Kurková made a guest appearance on television series 30 Rock in Season 6, Episode 9 titled "Leap Day" in February 2012.[21]

Kurková appeared as herself in an episode of Person of Interest, in a subplot where the character of Detective Fusco (Kevin Chapman) protects Kurková from Armenian gangsters. The subplot, which is interspersed throughout the episode, takes up less than two minutes of screen time and is played for comic relief.[22] Karolina is also a supermodel coach on OXYGEN'S "The Face", alongside Naomi Campbell and Coco Rocha.

Personal life

Kurková announced in July 2009 that she was pregnant.

She lives in New York City's TriBeCa district and enjoys courtside basketball games at Madison Square Garden.[23]

In January 08, 2009, FoxNews.com reported that Kurková suffered from hypothyroidism, which led to her unusual heavier physique and caused Kurková being panned by fashion critics, when she walked the runway for Cia Maritima and Victoria's Secret in June 2008 and November 2008, respectively.[24][25] In February 2012, Kurková said at the Council of Fashion Designers of America at their "A Well Balanced Life"-forum about her experiences with thyroid problems:

I thought I was going crazy. I was having panic attacks every minute and I didn't know what was happening, because I've been a healthy person. I've exercised all my life. I've always eaten well and taken care of myself.[26][27]

Kurková also said she developed symptoms of premature menopause and gained 30 pounds (14 kg). Dr. Robert McConnell, a thyroid specialist, pointed out that Kurková's case includes a spate of symptoms which "totality doesn't fit into one, neat little package".[26]

In July 2009, she announced she was expecting her first child with her fiancé, Archie Drury.[28] The couple welcomed son Tobin Jack Drury, on October 29, weighing in at 6 lbs. 3 oz.[29] Kurková revealed that Drury proposed to her whilst on holiday in Cape Town, South Africa[30] and they were married in 2009 before the birth of their son.[31]

Charity

In March 2006, Kurková received an award from the non-profit organization "Women Together" for her humanitarian work. Kurková was honored for working for the welfare of children through organizations such as "the Beautiful Life Fund", "Free Arts" and "Global Youth Action Network".[32] Karolína Kurková received the Atmosphere Magazine Award at the Madrid Planet Hollywood restaurant on December 18, 2003.

References

  1. ^ "Portfolio". IMG Models. Retrieved April 14, 2011.
  2. ^ a b "Karolina Kurkova profile at nymag.com". New York. Retrieved June 27, 2009.
  3. ^ "2007 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show". December 4, 2007. CBS. {{cite episode}}: Missing or empty |series= (help); Unknown parameter |episodelink= ignored (|episode-link= suggested) (help)
  4. ^ a b "Sensational: Karolina!". MODELS.com. Retrieved April 14, 2011.
  5. ^ Forbes Top Fifteen Models. Retrieved 2007-06-16.
  6. ^ Forbes Top Fifteen Models Forbes. Retrieved 2007-06-16.
  7. ^ a b "deldirectory.com/models/Karolina_Kurkova Profile of Karolina Kurkova'.Fashion Model Directory. Retrieved 2005-11-13.
  8. ^ Woollard, Deidre (October 14, 2006). "Victoria's Secret Fantasy Bra for 2006". Luxist.com. Retrieved April 14, 2011.
  9. ^ "Angels Get Star on Walk of Fame". Hollyscoop.com. November 15, 2007. Retrieved June 11, 2012.
  10. ^ "75 Years in 4 Covers". Esquire. January 10, 2008. Retrieved June 11, 2012.
  11. ^ "Karolina Kurkova jugee trop grosse pour les podiums!". Peoplestar.tv. July 16, 2008. Retrieved April 14, 2011. [dead link]
  12. ^ Carter, Nicole (November 22, 2008). "Karolina Kurkova's bellybutton mystery solved – New York Daily News". Daily News. New York. Retrieved April 14, 2011.
  13. ^ "Who doesn't have a belly button?". BBC News. November 20, 2008.
  14. ^ Johnston, Lauren (November 21, 2008). "E! votes supermodel Karolina Kurkova world's sexiest woman". Daily News. New York.
  15. ^ Lim, James (January 4, 2011). "See the New Spring Campaigns for Dior, Prada, Versace, Gucci, and More". New York. Retrieved February 18, 2011.
  16. ^ "My Sexiest Year". IMDb. Retrieved 2007-06-04.
  17. ^ Edward Douglas (February 19, 2008). "In the Future: The Cast of Vantage Point". ComingSoon.net. Archived from the original on February 26, 2008. Retrieved February 23, 2008.
  18. ^ "First Look Photo:Chuck vs. the Femme Fatale". E!. September 23, 2010. Retrieved June 11, 2012.
  19. ^ Template:De icon "Das perfekte Model": Padberg und Kurkova machen auf Klum Stern. Retrieved 2012-03-12.
  20. ^ Template:De icon Das perfekte Model Home vox.de. Retrieved 2012-03-12.
  21. ^ Breia Brissey (February 24, 2012). "'30 Rock': Treat every day like it's Leap Day". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved June 11, 2012.
  22. ^ Antoinette Bueno (January 10, 2013). "Exclusive: A Supermodel On 'Person of Interest'". ET Online. Retrieved January 12, 2012.
  23. ^ Cite error: The named reference askmen was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  24. ^ "Supermodel Karolina Kurkova's 'Weight Problem' Revealed". FoxNews.com. January 08, 2009. Retrieved April 23, 2013. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  25. ^ "Karolina Kurkova Labeled Too Fat". Huffington Post. June 25, 2008. Retrieved April 23, 2013.
  26. ^ a b Jane E. Allen (February 10, 2012). "Supermodel Karolina Kurkova: Thyroid Caused Early Menopause". ABCNEWS. Retrieved April 23, 2013.
  27. ^ Daisy Dumas (February 10, 2012). "'I was 24 and going through menopause': Supermodel Karolina Kurkova reveals how thyroid problem caused 30lb weight gain and panic attacks". Mail Online. Retrieved April 23, 2013.
  28. ^ Karolina Kurkova Is Pregnant! People Magazine website. July 14, 2009
  29. ^ Charlotte Triggs (November 2, 2009). "Model Karolina Kurkova Has a Boy!". People. Retrieved June 10, 2012.
  30. ^ "Karolina Kurkova gets a sock full of a wedding proposal". Daily News. New York. July 17, 2009.
  31. ^ Colette Fahy (June 9, 2012). "Model Karolina Kurkova wows in stunning floor length gown for charity event with husband". Daily Mail. Retrieved June 10, 2012.

Template:Persondata