Karen Velez - Playmate of the Year 1985

When we photographed Karen Velez in Tahiti for her 1985 Playmate of the Year pictorial we found out that she says what she means and, surprisingly, doesn't care a lot about her physical appearance. "When I was picked for Playmate of the Year, I was flabbergasted. 'You guys want me?'" Even then, it took a long time to sink in - though that may have been our fault. "I was told, 'Karen, you're shooting for Playmate of the Year.' They don't tell you you're actually Playmate of the Year until…" She thought for a second, then realized, "They've never told me!" You have our apology, Karen.