This Week’s Model: Anna J.

From left: Givenchy fall 2010; Stella McCartney fall 2010

How did you get discovered? At the age of 14 I sent some of the pictures my mom took of me to a Polish agency.

What’s been your most memorable experience (good or bad) in modeling so far? I’d rather focus on the good ones instead of the bad ones! My most memorable good experience was definitely shooting the Chloe campaign in Cape Town. I was lucky enough to stay after the shoot to explore the city—it’s breathtaking.

From left: Chloe ad campaign 2009; ItalianVogue May 2009

Tell us a little about your childhood. I come from a small town in Poland called Sierpc. I lived there with my parents—they still live there—and my brother. There is no cinema, so after school me and my friends used to hang out at the swimming pool. That’s how I got into swimming competitions. I also did my lifeguard certification.

That’s me with my older brother, his name is Lukasz. I’m about 5 years old and it was taken on our lake house property 20 minutes outside my hometown.

Where do you live in New York City? I’m currently living in the Financial District but I have only one month on my lease. I like it, but it’s not my favorite neighborhood. I’ve lived in many neighborhoods in my six years here—the Upper West Side has been my favorite.

From left: Etro fall 2009; Proenza Schouler fall 2009

Which other models have you become friends with? I’ve become good friends with Edita Vilkeviciute, we work quite often together and we always have great time.

What’s your fashion weakness? A nice piece of jewelry. And I do have a soft heart for handbags.

What scares you? Lack of health.

Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us. I like to do Polish crosswords, and once a year I try to go on either a yoga, hiking or horseback riding trip all by myself.

Check back next week for the latest installment of The Skinny. And see all our previous model Q&As here!