All The Babes
Biography
About Paula Klimak
Paula Klimak, known professionally as Pola, was a supermodel whose career was tragically brief. Born on October 25, 1955, in the United States, she was American and of Caucasian ethnicity. Pola worked in the early 1970s, and her life was cut short when she died on November 1, 1974, at just 19 years old.
During her short career, Pola was photographed by renowned lensmen Richard Avedon, Irving Penn, and Francesco Scavullo. In 1972, designer Halston selected her to appear in a Vogue spread alongside himself and other favorite models like Pat Cleveland and Anjelica Huston. A year later, fashion illustrator Antonio Lopez picked her among his "favorite girls" for a photo session with Patti Hansen, Jessica Lange, and Grace Jones. Just as she was poised for her biggest exposure, with covers for Cosmopolitan and Vogue slated, Pola took her own life. Both magazines went ahead and published her posthumously.
- DiedFriday 1st of November 1974 (age 19)
- BirthplaceUnited States
- EthnicityCaucasian
Frequently asked
Why did Paula Klimak go by the name Pola?
Her original bio notes she was known professionally as Pola, a nickname that reflects her personal branding in the early 1970s fashion scene.
Which photographers captured Pola's image?
Pola was photographed by Richard Avedon, Irving Penn, and Francesco Scavullo, three of the most celebrated fashion photographers of the era.
How did fashion insiders recognize Pola's talent?
Designer Halston chose her for a 1972 Vogue spread, and illustrator Antonio Lopez included her among his favorite girls in 1973, showing she was highly regarded among top creatives.
What happened with her magazine covers after her death?
Even though Pola died before the issues went to print, Cosmopolitan and Vogue decided to publish her covers posthumously, making her the cover girl posthumously.
Did you know
- Pola was one of Halston's favorite models, alongside Pat Cleveland and Anjelica Huston, for a 1972 Vogue spread.
- Antonio Lopez included Pola in his "favorite girls" photo session with Patti Hansen, Jessica Lange, and Grace Jones.
- She was just 19 years old when she died, and her two planned magazine covers were published after her death.
- Pola's real name was Paula Klimak, but she used the professional name Pola in the fashion world.
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