“I’m presuming you want to see my legs,” teases French supermodel Adriana Karembeu, as she poses exclusively for DNA in her hotel suite.
A statement that needs no answering if you see the accompanying photograph, Adriana’s endless pins have not only made her a hot favourite on international catwalks but also got her a coveted spot in the Guinness Book of World Records
. “I was very lucky that I inherited this physique, I didn’t plan on it at all,” laughs Adriana, whose legs reportedly measure 49.5 inches. “When they inquired with the modelling agency and later came and measured my legs, it was then between me and another model — Nadja Auermann — and, well, I won. But what’s really funny is that my husband (French football player Christian Karembeu) is in the Guinness Book too — so we’re like two freaks. Because people who’re in this book are…kind of different,” she says, laughing.
Born in the small town of Brezno, Slovakia, this blonde-haired blue-eyed knockout studied medicine at Charles IV University of Prague before being “discovered on the street” and whisked away into the big, bad world of modelling. “My mother is a doctor and my grandmother was a nurse. So, growing up, I wanted to be like my mom, who is a beautiful woman and looked like Marilyn Monroe in a white robe,” recalls Adriana, who has worked with fashion biggies like Givenchy, Lanvin, Thierry Mugler and Karl Lagerfeld. Of course, what made her a superstar overnight was the Victoria’s Secret and Wonderbra campaigns. “Yes, it does feel like a bit of an accomplishment because with Victoria’s Secret, you’re with the most beautiful women in the world.”
In Mumbai to launch her signature line of beauty cosmetics, Adriana says, “Oh, I love India. I came here last year and travelled all over…I love your street fashion and your colours.” Has she met any Bollywood stars? “I met Aishwarya Rai a while back, in Milan I think it was…she’s stunning — very distinguished, intelligent, and she has this femininity about her which is beautiful.”
Also an ambassador for feminine football in France and the Red Cross, lastly ask Adriana where does she think her sex appeal lies? “I don’t preoccupy myself with that because it’s, you know, my job…I don’t know — you tell me,” she smiles cheekily.
