Janis Ancens

Janis Ancens is a Latvian model whose high cheekbones and lean frame became closely associated with European menswear in the early 2010s. His portfolio moves between the controlled formality of Dior Homme and a more relaxed American wardrobe, with a career built across runway, advertising, and magazine work.

Originally from Ogre, Janis grew up playing ice hockey before a knee injury at 16 interrupted the sport. He later moved to Cyprus to work as a bartender, where a customer’s suggestion prompted him to think seriously about modeling. By 19, he had joined Elite Milan and established a base in Italy.

Speaking to Interview in 2013, Janis described a profession shaped by relationships. Working repeatedly with the same photographers and stylists helped him understand their expectations and feel more comfortable on set. His enthusiasm extended across film, editorial photography, and shows, while guitar and sports remained part of life away from work.

Dior Homme became an early recurring client. Janis appeared in the house’s Les Essentiels imagery and joined Ben Allen in Willy Vanderperre’s spring-summer 2013 film Underpass. Gucci also booked him for collection imagery and advertising, while Valentino cast him in its spring-summer 2014 campaign. These assignments established his affinity with tailoring during a period when a lean silhouette dominated the men’s runway.

His magazine work offered room for a different character, from a 10 Men cover photographed by Lachlan Bailey to rock-inspired portraits for Essential Homme. Later bookings broadened that image beyond the European fashion circuit. Work for Todd Snyder and rag & bone brought him into American menswear, while MOSCOT’s fall-winter 2022 campaign placed him alongside Stella Trapsh. A decade after his first international seasons, he remained a recognizable face across very different types of men’s fashion.