Daniela Peštová’s story starts far from flashing cameras and fashion capitals. Born on October 14, 1970, in the peaceful town of Teplice, Czechoslovakia, she had zero plans of walking runways. In fact, she was on track to become a teacher. But life, as it often does, had a different plan.

A chance modeling contest changed everything. One submission, one win—and suddenly, she was on a plane to Paris. Then came New York. Within months, this small-town girl was walking among fashion’s elite. And she didn’t just show up. She took over.

Video: Sports Illustrated’s 50 Greatest Swimsuit Models: 34 Daniela Pestova

Nicknamed “The Chameleon” by those in the industry, Daniela had a rare gift—she could transform. Not just her look, but her entire presence. One shoot she’s classic elegance, the next she’s edgy high fashion. That kind of adaptability? That’s what made her magnetic to designers and photographers alike.

In the 1990s, she was everywhere—Vogue, Elle, Marie Claire. If it had a cover, she was on it. If there was a runway, she walked it. And each time, she brought something new. Something unmistakably hers.

It wasn’t long before the big names came calling. Daniela landed a massive contract with L’Oréal, cementing her place as one of the most in-demand faces of the decade. But her real breakout moment? The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.

Her appearances in SI weren’t just popular—they were iconic. She graced the cover multiple times, showing the world that a European model could dominate the American scene. And it wasn’t just about swimsuits. It was about presence, energy, and elegance that leaped off the page.

During the peak of the ‘90s and early 2000s, Daniela stepped onto the most coveted runway in fashion: Victoria’s Secret. And she didn’t just walk it—she owned it. From the wings to the walks, she was pure confidence, turning heads and raising the bar for every model around her.

She didn’t stop there. She worked with powerhouses like Guess, Ralph Lauren, Escada, and more. No matter the brand, she fit in like a glove—then made it her own. That’s Daniela’s secret: she adapts without losing an ounce of authenticity.

Despite her global fame, Daniela Peštová always kept one part of her life grounded—her family. She married entrepreneur Tommaso Buti in the ‘90s and had a son, but after the relationship ended, she found lasting love with Slovak singer Pavol Habera. Together, they’ve raised two more children in a life filled with art, privacy, and intention.

Unlike many celebrities, Daniela chose to shield her family from the limelight. She focused on balance—career and kids, glamour and groundedness. She didn’t need headlines to validate her path. Her quiet power did all the talking.

Video

Daniela Pestova bikini pictures

Fast-forward to 2025, and Daniela Peštová is still dazzling—just on her own terms. At 54, she’s the picture of grace, strength, and vitality. While she’s not walking runways every week, she still pops up in fashion campaigns and magazine shoots, reminding everyone why she’s a legend.

These days, she’s more into wellness, travel, and sharing the wisdom she’s gained. She speaks candidly about aging, beauty, and self-care—not as someone chasing youth, but as someone embracing evolution.

Daniela Peštová didn’t just model clothes—she modeled how to evolve with elegance. From a small-town dreamer to a global fashion icon, her journey is all about reinvention, authenticity, and staying timeless in a world that never stops changing.

She didn’t burn out. She didn’t fade away. She simply shifted gears—reminding us all that true beauty never screams. It just shines.