Janín is Venezuelan but based in Madrid, known for her charisma as an actress, presenter, and content creator. She shares tips on etiquette, cooking, and lifestyle with her thousands of followers. In 2024, she released her first book, Practical Foundations of Etiquette and Protocol.
You grew up in Venezuela and live in Spain... How have both cultures influenced your vision of style and elegance?
“Both cultures have deeply enriched me. Venezuela gave me a love for color, human warmth, and a spontaneous, unpretentious elegance. Spain, on the other hand, taught me restraint, the value of detail, and the harmony between tradition and modernity. In 2008, I moved to London, which became my new home. From there, I spent seasons in Warsaw and Budapest, cities that further expanded and enriched my perspective. That combination of experiences has shaped a vision of style that is authentic, sensitive to context, and always guided by respect: for oneself and for others.”
How do you think traditions, like craftsmanship or etiquette, can be adapted to the modern world without losing their essence?
“The key is to reinterpret without distorting. Craftsmanship can coexist with innovation if the know-how is respected. Etiquette isn’t rigidity, it’s a tool for living together more harmoniously. To modernize doesn’t mean to dilute, but rather to translate timeless values into contemporary codes.”
What does elegance mean to you today?
“Elegance is, above all, a way of being in the world. It doesn’t depend on a garment, but on one’s attitude: courtesy, consistency, discretion, and empathy. In a world of excess, true elegance is about making thoughtful choices, speaking with respect, and acting with integrity.”
What etiquette advice from the past would you bring back into fashion?
“Handwritten letters. Perhaps a thank-you note. There’s no gesture more elegant than taking the time to write with intention, handwriting, and affection. In today’s instant world, reviving that ritual would be a way of bringing humanity back into our relationships.”
If readers could take away just one lesson from your book Practical Foundations of Etiquette and Protocol, what would you want it to be?
“That etiquette is for everyone it’s not about rigidity, but a guide to living more mindfully of others. It’s not about blindly following rules, but understanding that kindness and mutual respect will always be in style.”
Did writing the book change the way you see your own habits or rituals?
“Absolutely. It was an introspective journey. It forced me to question what I did out of habit and to rediscover the ‘why’ behind every gesture. Writing made me more mindful, more intentional also more compassionate with myself and others.”
How important are shoes in your daily life?
“Shoes are the anchor point between oneself and the world. They say a lot without speaking. A good pair of shoes, well-kept and chosen with intention, is a silent calling card.”
What place in the world would you like to explore wearing your friulanes?
“Venice. Walking through its quiet streets in friulanes is almost a declaration of cultural affinity. They are the perfect footwear for a city that symbolizes craftsmanship and beauty.”
What are your perfect Cayumas?
“I love them all, but mine would be velvet, versatile, timeless, and with that touch of distinction that needs no explanation. For me, perfect Cayumas should be like a good idiom: elegant, personal, and full of history.”
