IN CONVERSATION WITH JOÃO KNORR

interview by Jana Letonja

Born in Brazil, of German and Dutch origin, João Knorr arrived in the fashion industry like a bombshell, modelling for Versace at the presentation of the Fall/Winter 2018-2019 collection. His career started due to Instagram and has since 2017 until now made him a big name in the fashion industry.

jean LOUIS VUITTON

João, tell us more about the beginning of your career. How did it all start?

My fashion career started because of sports. I’ve been playing tennis with my dad since I was a kid. I traveled around to different towns for tennis, which led to more opportunities. I was offered the chance to study and play at the school Colegio Siondal, which is in Leopoldo. I was at a volleyball game and got scouted by an agent. 

What are the biggest perks of being a fashion model?

The biggest perks of being a fashion model, in my opinion, is discovering more about yourself, your personality, your environment, social opportunities and the places I get to travel to. Traveling is important to me because I didn’t grow up with the chance to really leave my country. Another perk is that working in the fashion industry connects you to art, acting and singing. 

tank top ALEXANDER MCQUEEN
shorts PRADA
necklace CHROME HEARTS

Modeling takes you all around the world. Which place has enchanted you the most so far?

New York.

Fashion world can also be very challenging. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in your career so far?

One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is the pressure and competition between models. It’s just like tennis, it feels like a one-person job in the way that you make your success and opportunities. It also gets lonely when you must travel by yourself and create these experiences by yourself. I see my family twice a year, which is hard for me.  

suit MOSCHINO
denim jacket TECHIN
necklace ERICKSON BEAMON

You’ve got to work with many fashion brands over the years. Partnership with which brand stands out the most to you and why?

I think my favorite and dream brand is Versace. I have a lot of love for Donatella Versace. Ever since the first day I arrived at the shoot, she opened her arms to me. She made me feel very comfortable. Tom Ford and Guess also treated me amazingly. I got to model with the Hadid sisters for Guess and did many campaigns with them, which was incredible. 

How important is social media in fashion world and in your life personally?

Social media these days gives a mix of good and bad aspects. It’s already embedded in everyone’s minds to use it and constantly be obsessed with it. For my job, social media is a great outlet to show my personality, talents, work and art. I like how it gives people an insight into who I am, kind of like the cover of my book. 

Who would you describe as your biggest inspiration?

My biggest inspiration for life is my dad. He taught me everything in life and I look up to him completely.  

belt ALEXANDER MCQUEEN
wrap EVERLAST

What is your favorite piece of clothing or accessories?

I have many different styles that depend on my mood and environment. My favorite style is in Brazil, where I can wear my shorts, flip flops, shirts and anything else I want. I feel like I am not as judged when I’m home. One thing I love is thrifting. I love to wear inexpensive clothes that look good.

jacket & shorts MOSCHINO
necklace AYENEGUI
necklace LAG ORLD
belt MOSCHINO

Which city is in your opinion the biggest fashion capital in the world and why?

I feel like New York City and London are the most inspiring cities because they’re so universal. Everyone from everywhere is there and it’s cool to see how different people from different cultures dress and behave.  

When you are not at a photo shoot or at a fashion show, how do you like spending your free time? What are some of your other passions beside modeling?

My favorite passion is sports because it’s a great way to stay fit and healthy. It is also a good way to protect my mental health and let things go while I play. I played tennis and did martial arts. Another passion is art and music. I am always listening to music.

sweater & jeans LOEWE
coat LOUIS VUITTON
shoes GUCCI

necklace ERICKSON BEAMON

sunglasses BARTON PERREIRA
full look SAINT LAURENT
belt NAMARA
rings AYANEGUI & CHROME HEARTS

model JOÃO KNORR @joaoknorr
photographer FERNANDO SIPPEL @fernandosippel
stylist WOJCIECH CHRISTOPHER NOWAK@wojciechchristophernowak
art director PATRICK JAMES REILLY @patrickjamesreilly
hair TAKUYA YAMAGUCHI @tak8133 using @oribe
make-up CHICHI SAITO @chichisaito using Tarte
photography assistant VASILLIOS SMARAGDAS @vasillios
styling assistants ALICIA LIU & ANNET GITAN @aliciajianliu @annetworth
location @braza_studio
editor TIMOTEJ LETONJA @timiletonja