Portrait of Karolina Kurkova at a gala

Welcome to My World: Karolina Kurkova

Prominent frequent flyers and Lufthansa customers talk about their relationship with travel and show us their world

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5 min read
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Karolina, I'd imagine that during the busiest periods of your career you’ve spent more time up in the air than on the ground.

Karolina Kurkova: Yes, that’s true. I was constantly on the plane between New York and Paris. I was 18, 19 and certainly the youngest permanent passenger among all the business people. I often had to work in Paris and New York on the same day.

Do you still fly as often as you used to?

Not as much as in the first ten years of my career. But I still go only for one or two days to get the work done and fly back. Europe in one or two days is still my habit.

Portrait of Karolina Kurkova at the Vanity Fair Gala
Model, mum, entrepreneur: Karolina Kurkova is one of the most successful models in fashion history and pursues numerous business ideas (© Getty Images; header image © Getty Images)

You started your career in the golden age of supermodels. How do you remember those times?

Most of the supermodels were already big in the ’90s. I started in the early 2000s. But it was really a different time than today. We didn’t have digital technology to see everything immediately. We shot on film and could only imagine what the picture would look like based on a Polaroid. You just had to hope that the shoot turned out well. It was a bit more magical back then.

Can you make friends in a highly competitive world like modeling?

I think competition is good. I would never say I cannot be friends with someone because she is my competitor. That’s not my mentality. But it wasn’t easy to be close. I was traveling and working so much that there was hardly time for anything else. And even during fashion week when we all were at the same place, it was such a strict schedule that it was mostly impossible to meet and chat. I had my first son at 25 and suddenly family becomes your priority.

"When you are so busy and have three kids, the only quality time for myself is when I am on a plane."
Karolina Kurkova

But still you managed to get one foot in the acting world.

I love performing arts and to explore new things. I took several acting classes and got the opportunity to do a few movies and TV shows. But it was in the midst of my fashion career. And back then you couldn’t do both. Acting is not something I am focused on right now. But I am always open.

On your Insta account you refer to yourself as “Model. Mom. Entrepreneur.” 

Yes, I co-founded a beauty/health line of products mainly for kids but it eventually became popular with adults as well. We focus on a strong immune system through herbal supplements and probiotics for skin and gut. I have done a whole fashion line with my brand Karolina Kurkova Originals in collaboration with the online retailer About You. I made my own Karolina Kurkova Originals line with Cybex for baby buggies, car seats and changing bags all made from recycled plastic bottles. And then there are the interiors of a few properties in Miami I’ve worked on. Interior design is like dressing up according to your moods. I’ve seen so many things that I’ve learned from so many talented people, whether it’s business, design, photography, art, makeup, beauty. I spent 24 years learning from and working with the best of the best.

What are some of your travel secrets. Do you work or relax on the plane?

When you are so busy and have three kids, the only quality time for myself is when I am on a plane. Here I can really relax, watch a movie, have glass of red wine. People think of traveling as a stressful thing. For me it is a vacation.

What things do you always carry in your hand luggage?

Sheet face masks because often I am going straight to work and I can’t look puffy. Extra chargers, a book and of course my favorite treats: chocolate-covered nuts. And I always bring a second set of clothes in case my luggage doesn’t arrive in time. 

About:

Czech supermodel Karolina Kurkova is one of the most successful models in fashion history. At 18, she was named "Model of the Year" and has appeared on the cover of Vogue over 50 times. These days, she is involved in numerous business ventures and still enjoys flying to Europe for just one day. She lives in Miami with her family.

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