Queen of androgynous cool, Czech model Jana Knauerova has built up an incredible portfolio, regularly working with the world’s top photographers and stylists for an enviable list of editorials including American Vogue, Vogue Russia, Vogue Taiwan, Vogue Japan, Vogue Turkey, W Magazine, PF magazine and Muse, to name but a few. She has also starred in campaigns for the likes of Sportmax, Versace and Topshop. We caught up with her…

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Models 1: What do you miss most about your hometown?

Jana Knauerova: Well I actually left my hometown pretty much the day I finished high school, so I don’t really go there anymore. If I go back to the Czech Republic I always go to Prague, because my mum and sisters go there a lot.

What changes have you noticed most since starting out in the industry?

Well, now I have my book on iPad, which is so convenient, I really appreciate not having to run around with a huge book anymore!

When I started 5 or 6 years ago, the industry had already changed a lot, and it’s got even faster. There are always so many new faces coming in, you have to be really interesting all the time to stay at a certain level. Also, because the technology is changing, it is easier to find great new faces now.

When travelling, what do you always have with you?

I always have my iPod, and lots of books. I always read and it’s the best way to use up time in an airport.

Tell me a random fact about you?

I’m scared of spiders, my older sister was always freaking out about spiders so I think I developed my fear from her. I don’t think I would have been that scared if it wasn’t for her!

What’s your favourite city?

Right now it’s New York, because my life is there now and it’s really exciting. But I also love London, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Amsterdam and Prague. I don’t think I can choose just one!

What’s been your most memorable modelling moment?

I always love to go to exotic places, shooting in the water and going to beautiful beaches. I remember a shoot I did for L’Offficiel magazine. It was two stories, and one was shot in the day and one at night. It was the most beautiful place, we had a break in the middle of the day and I remember taking a walk and picking up coral off the ground and thinking, wow!

What’s your idea of fun?

It varies, depending on my mood, sometimes if I’m tired it can be reading, but also I love hanging out with good people and friends.

Who is your favourite artist? (any kind)

I really love Woody Allen, I could watch his films over and over. Actually, my idea of fun would be watching Woody Allen films with friends.

If you weren’t modelling what would you be doing right now?

If I had never started modelling I probably would have gone to school and studied Economics. However, when I started out modelling my ideas changed about what I wanted to study. I was really against the economy and business, but now I’ve gone back towards that, and I would love to do something with numbers, maybe finance or business.

What advice would you give to a model starting out?

Don’t pay too much attention just to modelling, do stuff on the side and try to find out what other passions you have in life, so you can move into other jobs afterwards.

Where is top of your list to visit?

My dream place is to go to Hawaii, I would love to do a job there…I think it would be a great place to do a shoot! I travel so much but often I don’t have time to explore a city, if I like it I add it to my list of places to visit properly.

Top item on your bucket list?

Go to Hawaii and sky dive.

Who would be your ultimate dinner date?

My boyfriend, but I would love to meet Woody Allen.

Contact gemma@models1.co.uk