Czech model Jana Knauerova’s career began when she signed with New York Models. Having booked the covers of French L’Officiel and Italian D in the years following, this year it’s become clear that the industry’s best, including Anna Wintour and Mario Testino, are championing the 21-year-old. A dedicated violin player, Knauerova walked exclusively for Balenciaga’s spring 2011 show in Paris, where she received her now-trademark short peroxide do. Donatella Versace then requested Knauerova to model in the label’s spring campaign, shot by Testino and styled by Joe McKenna. And soon after that, she shot two spreads for Vogue’s February issue, one lensed by Testino again, and the other by Raymond Meier. With Fashion Week starting next week, we predict Knauerova will walk for only the city’s most-watched runways. Click ahead to read a Q&A with Knauerova, and then visit her new model profile to see loads of on- and off-the-runway pics.
Explore other rising stars (plus all the big names) in our extensive Model Manual, featuring runway pics, glamorous editorials, model bios, career timelines, and more.
