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Name:
Benjamin Knapp

Agency:
VNY Model Management (New York)
Also with: 2morrow model (Milan) / Models Direct Management (mother agency)

Height:
6’2″

Place of Origin:
Indianapolis, Indiana

Ethnic Origin:
3/4 German, 1/4 Irish

Birthsign:
Taurus

How discovered:
A friend in LA introduced me to an agent, Mark Mendez, who was interested in working with me and signing me to his agency, Models Direct Management. I was soon connected with VNY, offered a contract, and ended up moving on out to New York.

Favorite things:
That “golden hour” of the day just before sunset when the sun hangs low on the horizon, its rays swathing the landscape in a soft golden blanket. That and Oreos.

Favorite music, band:
I mostly listen to Hip Hop – two of my favorite artists being Mos Def and Immortal Technique. But when I’m in the mood for something more mellow I’ll listen to someone like Lily & Madeleine or Jose Gonzalez.

Favorite movie, tv show:
Favorite movie: The Talented Mr. Ripley. Favorite TV show: Bob’s Burgers

Favorite designer, fragrance or beauty product:
I recently came across a Portland based streetwear company, Black Manufacturing, that I’m all about. I really dig their aesthetic, and the entire ‘About Us’ page on their site reads as follows: “We do what we want to, we make sh*t if we feel like it, It’s done very well when we do.” I love that.

What would you be doing if you weren’t modeling?
Shoving pizza into my face.

What’s something uncool that you love anyway?
My friend Tavo.

Favorite modeling experience so far?
Getting a call in LA from a number I didn’t recognize asking which airport I was closest to because Calvin Klein was flying me to New York to meet with them – and then subsequently walking exclusive for CK during Milan Fashion Week. That was a major highlight. It was also crazy to reconnect with my high school friend Clark Bockelman in Milan for the show.

What’s the best thing about your hometown/country?
In Indiana (and most of the Midwest) strangers are often happy to engage in a friendly, spontaneous conversation. They don’t see it as suspicious or wonder what you’re really up to. But in NY strangers are quick to think you’re a creep when you, for example, ask them for directions and their social security number.

Which brand would you really love to model for?
I’ve been fortunate enough to work with one of my favorites, Calvin Klein, but I would love to model for Prada or Gucci one day.

Place you would love to visit:
Columbia. The pictures of Columbia in my Spanish text books always made it look like a neat place.

Currently you’re obsessed with/about:
The TV Series The Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey. It makes my brain hurt, but I like it.