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Veronika Vařeková (born 19 June
1977) is a Czech model. Her name in the English language press is often
given as Veronica Varekova.
A native of Olomouc, Czech Republic, Veronica moved to New York City at
the age of 19 to attend The Parsons School of Design. Upon arriving in
Manhattan, Veronica met with Next Models at the urging of a close friend,
and was signed immediately.
With Next Models, Veronica’s career took off, landing her the covers of
Vogue, Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, and, the most coveted of all, the
Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. Her images, taken by some of the
world’s most prestigious photographers, including Patrick Demarchelier,
Gilles Bensimon, Ellen Von Unsworth, Greg Kadel and Peter Lindbergh, led
to starring in campaigns for Gap, Chanel, Guess, Nivea, Escada, Chopard,
Pantene, Ungaro, Patek Philip and Victoria's Secret. Veronica also
appeared on a number of TV programs, including guest spots on Jay Leno,
Jimmy Kimmel, CNN, Charlie Rose, Fox and Friends and more.
A successful and talented model, Veronica’s passions reach beyond the
fashion industry as she is an avid painter and involved in the arts. She
is also an active person, who can often be found on the golf courses, ski
slopes, and tennis courts around the world.
Veronica successfully climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in 2008. It was on this
trip that she first met with the African Wildlife Foundation team in
Tanzania and discovered her passion for wildlife. Turning her focus to
philanthropic endeavors, Veronica was recently named one of the first
Goodwill Ambassadors to the African Wildlife Foundation in October 2009;
in this role, she will aid in efforts to raise awareness and funds to
support initiatives focused on conserving large landscapes, protecting
endangered species, and empowering local communities working in AWF’s
African Heartlands. Additionally, Veronica is a patron volunteer at the
SZPD Orphanage in her home town of Olomouc, a role she has held for over
five years.
Veronica’s resides in New York City, however, spends time in Prague to be
close to family and friends.
Vařeková has appeared in the swimsuit edition of Sports Illustrated a
total of eight times: 1999-2002 and 2004-2007. She appeared on the cover
in 2004. In addition to SI, Vařeková has modeled for Victoria's Secret and
became the face of NIVEA. Other contracts include Guess?, Chanel, Pantene,
and Newport News. She has been a cover girl for Marie Claire, Harpers &
Queen and Cosmopolitan. |
