Karolína Kurková was born in Děčín, Czech Republic, to Josef Kurka, a Czech basketball player, and a Slovak mother. While Kurková was young, she was made fun of for her height. But after a friend sent photos of Kurková to an agency in Prague, she – at 15 – landed a runway appearance, as well as a commercial and print advertising. She later traveled to Milan to gain more experience and signed a modeling contract with Miuccia Prada.
In September 1999, Kurková appeared in the American edition of fashion and lifestyle magazine Vogue, and after moving to New York City at the age of 17, graced the cover of the February 2001 edition.
Kurková is also known for her unusual navel. She actually doesn't have one because of an operation she had as an infant.