Born in the Czech Republic, Simona Procházková always wanted to break free from the narrow boundaries of her hometown and conquer the world of fashion—and she has already stood out as one of the most promising newcomers. I meet her at Celia Kritharioti’s atelier in the center of Athens, during one of her many visits to Greece.

“I come to Greece often because it’s a country I love. I mainly visit the islands for holidays, but I’m also in talks for some collaborations you’ll see soon. You can already see me wearing Celia’s clothes, which I find wonderful—dresses full of creativity and inspiration.”

Tall, harmoniously proportioned, and with that porcelain skin admired in many girls from the former Eastern Bloc, Miss Czech Republic 2025 embodies all the characteristics that defined the golden era of modeling in the ’90s, when top models rose to fame long before the world was filled with women who resembled Kim Kardashian.

From a small town to magazine covers

I ask her how she went from Znojmo, a small town surrounded by nature, to the covers of iconic magazines like Elle and Vogue in her home country.

“I truly grew up in a small town, surrounded by nature, where I spent most of my time outdoors—running and climbing trees. My parents always encouraged creativity and independence. I was a curious and active child. I loved drawing, taking photos, and playing volleyball—I was pretty good at it. That mix of sports, imagination, and freedom shaped my personality and led me to everything I do today.

During my teenage years, many thought I would pursue volleyball professionally. But the fashion world had already won me over. I would flip through magazines, stare at the editorials, and think, ‘That’s my dream!’”

At 15, she was offered a modeling contract by one of the biggest agencies in Tokyo.
“But my family and I decided it would be safer to start my career in Europe. That decision sparked an even stronger desire to see the world and do something meaningful through the job I chose.

I remember sitting in my room, flipping through Vogue and thinking, ‘When will I ever make a cover like this?’ A few months later, I was signed by an agency in Prague, walking shows at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in the Czech Republic, which opened the doors to Milan’s runways. I participated in Milan Fashion Week and shot campaigns for Italian brand Twinset and others. It was a whole new world for me—traveling alone, adapting to new situations, and learning to behave like a professional at such a young age. My life had changed completely. It was exhausting and demanding, but I had found what I truly wanted.”

Her “karmic” relationship with Japan

“How did Asia eventually come into the picture?” I ask, knowing she has done many fashion editorials and commercials for Japanese brands.
“I have something karmic with Japan,” she says laughing. “Even though I turned down that first contract, later I said ‘yes’ to many offers. It’s a huge market with lots of work and good pay. A big part of my career success comes from Japan. I became popular quickly—one job brought the next.”

Now, her life is a constant race against time and travel miles, as she moves from country to country with a suitcase always ready, taking on new professional projects.
“Even though I still have a long way to go, I feel proud when I’m in Italy and one of the biggest yoga centers associates its brand with me, or when I’m booked for a fashion editorial in Madrid,” she says. Her résumé now includes runway shows at Rome and Lisbon Fashion Weeks, as well as a Louis Vuitton event in Barcelona.

A model and an activist

While building a strong modeling career, Simona is also laying the foundation for her future.
“I studied Marketing Management and Innovation in Entrepreneurship in Denmark. It was important to combine the creativity of fashion with strategy—to understand how to build a brand and gain a broader perspective. This education gave me a new understanding of the fashion world too. I started seeing myself not just as a model, but as a brand, through an entrepreneurial lens.”

Determined from the beginning not to be “just another model,” Simona is also a conscious activist through her organization Move for Purpose.
“Move for Purpose started as another life dream. I wanted to inspire children and adults through education programs to gain confidence, teamwork, and awareness of their abilities through sports. To reconnect not only with their bodies but also with their hearts and minds. Physical activity builds character and creates the mindset we need at every stage of life—no matter how tough the circumstances. The challenges of life require strong bodies and resilient minds,” she says firmly.

Her future plans include taking Move for Purpose international and developing wellness retreats that combine movement with mindfulness.

“I also want to help fund related school programs. I want to create something truly meaningful with everything I’ve learned. I feel it’s my mission to inspire people not just to be healthy and beautiful, but to live beautifully.”