Palvin was born in Budapest. At an early age, Palvin took up football and singing, considering them her favorite hobbies. She was discovered on the streets of Budapest in 2006, at the age of 13. She shot her first editorial in the same year for Spur Magazine. Since, she's graced the covers of L'Officiel, Vogue Russia, and Glamour Hungary. Barbara made her runway debut as an exclusive for Prada during Milan Fashion Week in February 2010.She's modeled for Armani Exchange, H&M, Victoria's Secret, and in February 2012, she became an ambassador for L'Oreal Paris.