How do you pronounce 'Jana'?
It's Czech - so the 'J' is pronounced as a soft 'Y' meaning that it sounds like 'Yana' (to rhyme with Anna).
What is your heritage?
Half British, quarter Czech and quarter American. There's a bit of German somewhere in there too.
Who/ what are your style inspirations?
They are many and varied. I'm easily swayed by the classic icons such as Audrey Hepburn, Twiggy, Grace Kelly and Moira Shearer in 'The Red Shoes'. However, I'm equally inspired by the very stylish members of my family, such as my paternal grandma who was an actor in the 60s and 70s. My outfit choices are also informed by classic movies, old photos, my scrapbooks/ moodboards, the book I'm currently reading and the weather or season outside. I see my wardrobe as a large extension of a dressing up box. At the moment I'm referring to my outfit choices as 'Kate Bush meets Katharine Hepburn'.
When and why did you start your blog?
I started in June 2009 after being introduced to the notion of style blogging by a good friend. It struck me that there were people out there world wide who might have similar interests to me who I would never otherwise meet. I live in the very rural West Midlands, where the only shearling I can see is on the sheep in a nearby field and the only pony skin is where it belongs: on the ponies.
I've made some wonderful friends and met a variety of inspiring people through blogging.
Is this your only blog?
No - I also run 'Renard et Rose' with my good friend and photography co-conspirator Florence Fox. Renard et Rose is a platform for showcasing our collaborative shoots and projects. Take a look for fabulous feather eyelashes and images of us leaping through the early morning waves.
Who takes your photos?
They are generally taken by either my mum or dad. All the photos are taken using my Canon 5D, and are not edited (bar the occasional crop and lightening) or photoshopped, unless otherwise stated.
I also have some very talented photographer friends who I have the good fortune to work with occasionally. When I use their photos on my blog, it's with permission, credits and links.
Do you like where you live?
I know next to nothing about farming. I dress completely inappropriately (lace skirts and silk shirts) for family walks across the hills. Public transport is almost non-existent. I absolutely love it. I'm very fortunate to have grown up in a rural area – it afforded me a childhood full of climbing trees, den building, fire-making and wading in streams - and I'm able to appreciate the complete beauty of the landscape. Plus, there’s always a handy backdrop for a blog shoot.
Which other blogs do you read?
Take a look at the blog roll down the side of my blog.
What are your interests other than blogging?
Writing and reading are the two biggest loves - it's a constant balancing act between the two. However, I'm also very partial to theatre (both performing and watching), drawing & painting, vociferous debating and conversation, feminism, scrap-booking, walking, visiting museums and galleries, browsing charity shops and spending too much time drinking coffee in cafes.
Most inspirational authors and poets?
This changes according to my mood and what I’ve read most recently. Constant favourites are: Angela Carter, Virginia Woolf, Laurie Lee, Roger Deakin, Owen Sheers, Patrick Leigh Fermor, Barbara Kingsolver, Louise Erdrich, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Daphne Du Maurier, Thomas Hardy, Hilary Mantel, Carol Ann Duffy, Sylvia Plath, Alice Oswald, Dylan Thomas, Elizabeth Jennings, Gerard Manley Hopkins, Ted Hughes, Keats, Pat Barker, Charlotte and Emily Bronte, Tolstoy, JD Salinger, Alice Munro, Jeanette Winterson, Margaret Mahy and Italo Calvino.
Most inspirational photographers?
Tim Walker, Richard Avedon, Irving Penn, Norman Parkinson, Ida Kar, Hoppe, Horste, Nick Knight, Clive Boursnell, Jane Bown, Sally Mann, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Lee Miller, Cecil Beaton, Man Ray, Esther Sapetbour, Rico Puhlman.
Who are your favourite current designers/ brands?
Corrie Nielsen, Mulberry, Mary Katrantzou, Fyodor Golan, Vivienne Westwood, Orla Kiely, Erdem, Bora Aksu, Daks, Margaret Howell, Holly Fulton, Paul Smith, Burberry, Aquascutum, Pringle, Alexander McQueen, Stella McCartney, Alberta Ferreti, Prada, Bottega Veneta, Eley Kishimoto, Felicity Brown, Charlotte Taylor, Hussein Chayalan, Goodone and Henrietta Ludgate.
Who are your iconic favourite designers?
Chanel, YSL, Dior, Mary Quant, Lanvin, Balenciaga, Madame Gres, Givenchy
Where do you get your clothes?
They are usually second hand and often vintage; sourced from charity shops, markets, jumble sales, online and vintage fairs/shops. I enjoy nothing more than the thrill of hunting out a bargain. Many of my favourite items of clothing were also passed down from previous generations of family members.
In addition, when I buy 'new' I'm likely to save up for something from a sustainable source/brand/designer, and the item will be something I hope to wear for years to come.
How tall are you?
5’10.5”
Do you model professionally?
I was signed up by a top London Agency at the age of thirteen after being scouted at the Clothes Show. Being a part time model led to some amazing experiences including a trip to Paris. Plus, my bookers were lovely. However, I decided to leave my agency following my spinal fusion surgery in autumn 2010 – at that point I had no idea what my future would hold and my aspirations were in disarray. I now model occasionally and informally for various photographers and stylists.
What are your views on feminism?
I'm a liberal feminist - strongly believing in the right to equality. I have written posts about it on my own blog several times: about general feminism, male feminism and body image. I have also had a piece about teenage feminism published on Vagenda.
What is your education background?
I was home-schooled until I was six and a half, before attending the tiny rural primary school at the bottom of our road. I then moved on to the nearby comprehensive secondary school where I completed my GCSE's. I'm currently at a state sixth form that I commute to every day by train.
What are your aspirations?
My aim is to continue to spend time improving and working on the craft of writing. My ultimate aspiration is to be an author of fiction and memoir, as well as working as a freelance journalist and portrait photographer. I also have a seedling desire to start my own creative, intellectual magazine. Education wise, I will be reading English Literature at University come October.
What is the Vogue Talent Contest?
It is an annual competition held in the UK by Vogue Magazine for writers under the age of 25. I won it in 2011 at the age of sixteen, had my winning piece published in Vogue and completed a month's paid work experience at Vogue's offices in July 2012. For more information see here.
Do you have any advice for entering the Vogue Talent Contest?
This is something I've been asked quite a few times, and all I can say is that there isn't a particular golden nugget of information I'm able to offer. I can only speak from my own experience, and what has worked for me. Practise writing - a lot - if not every day, then at least every week. Polish your pieces until they shine. Remove all extra adjectives; edit, redraft and edit some more. You can read my thoughts on the process of writing. Other than that, don't concentrate only on what you think Vogue want to hear. My guess is that they're also looking for individual, engaging voices. Read your entries to a willing family member or friend before sending them off. Another perspective is always useful, and sometimes just speaking an article out loud allows you to notice errors or areas that still need work. Don't be satisfied until it feels like every word deserves to be there.
I’ve seen your scoliodress inspired by the late Alexander McQueen? What is scoliosis?
It is a curvature of the spine. It is often idiopathic – which is the medical term for "We have no idea why this has happened". No reason. Just is. The most common group to be affected are adolescent girls, although it can happen to anyone. I was diagnosed with scoliosis at the start of 2010 with a 56 degree curvature, and eventually had spinal fusion surgery as my spine bent further to 80 degrees within only 7 months. The operation involved my spine being manually straightened and kept in place with titanium metal rods, screws and hooks, while two thirds of my spinal vertebrae were fused into a single, solid bone mass with the aid of bone graft. I spent a week in hospital and was off school for two months. I have made a full recovery, but I still have a twenty-two degree curvature and my torso - ribs and shoulder blade - is still slightly twisted. Please feel free to email me if you want to know more.
Where is the 'Backbone' Brooch in your header from?
It was custom made for me by one of my best friends who does silversmithing. I commissioned it in the aftermath of my scoliosis surgery and was beyond thrilled with the result! You can see some more of her work on Esme Eva Silver. I'm afraid she never makes the same piece twice, but email her for more information if you would like your own piece of jewellery.
Do you set off metal detectors in airports?
Yes. My consultant said I wouldn’t, but my last holiday abroad proved him wrong!
