Veronica Varekova

Veronika Vařeková (born 1 June 1977) is a Czech supermodel. Her name in the English-language press is often given as Veronica Varekova.

Biography

Originally from Olomouc, at age 19 she moved to New York City, United States. Initially, she wanted to attend the Parsons School of Design, though she chose modeling instead and was signed by Next Model Management. She moved to Europe after it became clear that she would be more successful there. She is fluent in three languages and has degrees in Psychology and Education. She married Philadelphia Flyers center Petr Nedved in July 2004, but they separated in the summer of 2006.

Modeling work

Vařeková has appeared in the swimsuit edition of Sports Illustrated a total of six times: 1999-2002, 2004, and 2005. She appeared on the cover in 2004. In addition to SI, she is regularly featured in Victoria's Secret and became the face of NIVEA. Other contracts include Guess?, Chanel and Pantene. She was a cover girl for Marie Claire, Harpers & Queen and Cosmopolitan.

In the news

In May, 2006 Vařeková claimed that Maxim magazine unlawfully used a photograph of her scantily clad -- in stockings, high heels and naked from the waist up -- on the cover of its June issue. The photo was taken for a British GQ magazine feature on Victoria's Secret last year. Afterward, the photo agency Corbis sold the photos to Maxim. Vařeková says she was never told of the sale, nor was she asked for her permission to do so.
"They put me on the cover without my permission," the model told reporters. "They have no right to do it."
Vařeková says the photos were fitting for a feature on Victoria's Secret, but "for Maxim, it looks -- to my eyes -- super, super vulgar."
Regardless, Maxim placed Varekova at #32 on its 2006 Hot 100 List.