daniela pestova

Daniela Pestova
Born: October 14, 1970 in Teplice, Czechoslovakia
Height: 5'11"
Hair: Blonde
Eyes: Blue
Resides: The Hamptons and Miami
Trivia: Called the Chameleon for her changing look

Born on October 14, 1970 in the Czech Republic, Daniela Pestova has made her mark in the modeling world. Appearing in GUESS? ads in 1990 with Claudia Schiffer, Daniela was transformed into a super star practically over night - just one year after leaving her communist homeland. Shot by Ellen Von Unwerth in Morocco, Daniela and Claudia were pictured in some of the most memorable images of GUESS? advertising history. At 5’11” with blonde hair and blue eyes, she looks like the all-American girl. Her looks were admired by Paul Marciano, president and creative director of GUESS?, Inc. who has a reputation for picking out the yet undiscovered faces that will become the supermodels of today.

Born and raised behind the Iron Curtain during a time of political chaos, dreams were not expected to come true for Daniela. However, she was in the right place at the right time when she was discovered in Prague by Dominique Caffin of the Madison modeling agency at the age of 19. She had planned to attend college for a degree in Education when she was spotted going into a theatre. He asked her to enter a modelling contest, which she won, and flew her to Paris to sign with his agency.

In 1992, without speaking a word of English (but fluent in Italian, Russian, French and Czech), she moved to New York. Her career skyrocketed as she appeared on the covers of major fashion magazines - including Cosmopolitan, Elle, Marie Claire and Glamour. In 1994, she landed a huge contract with L'Oreal to become a spokesperson and print model and also began a long-running relationship with Victoria's Secret.

Daniela is married to Tomasso Buti, the former CEO of the Fashion Cafe. Buti resigned in September 1998 from his management role at the model-fronted eatery, amid allegations that he squandered funds. Daniela and Tomasso are currently separated. Daniela gave birth to their son in 1996. His name is Yannick Fausto.
Professionally, she is most proud of nabbing the cover of Sports Illustrated's 1995 swimsuit issue. She admits she needs to watch her weight by not eating sweets like cookies or chocolate and by staying away from bread - her weakness. When her modelling career is over, she says she would like to become a translator or perhaps just spend her days having more children and running on the beach with her dogs. For now, however, she’s happy with modelling, especially for her own swimsuit calendar.

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