IN CONVERSATION WITH LUNA PASSOS
interview by JANA LETONJA
In just a few years, Luna Passos has gone from being discovered on Instagram to becoming one of fashion’s most exciting new faces. Born in Brazil and of Brazilian-Dutch heritage, she made an immediate impact on the industry after debuting as a Saint Laurent exclusive in 2023, quickly establishing herself as a standout runway and editorial presence. Since then, she has worked with leading fashion houses and publications, while earning recognition from Models.com as both a “Hot List” model and “Model of the Week.” Beyond fashion, Luna’s passions extend to music, dance, horses, nature, and sustainability, with an emerging career as a DJ adding another creative dimension to her growing profile. As she continues to build an international career, Luna represents a new generation of multifaceted talent reshaping what it means to be a modern model.
You were discovered through Instagram and quickly found yourself walking for Saint Laurent. What do you remember most about that period of your life?
For sure, being around Anthony and his team every day while doing fittings for them. Their precision and patience was definitely something I took away from working with them. I remember putting on a dress we worked months on and seeing Anthony and Paul Sinclair adding the jewellery and styling made the whole outfit come together perfectly. Every day I felt like a Saint Laurent princess.
Did you always imagine a career in fashion, or did modelling come as a surprise?
With my sister modelling while I was growing up, a career in fashion was always something I could picture myself doing. I explored other career ideas as I got older, but when the opportunity to model actually arrived, I couldn't say no. It was exactly what I needed at the time.
full look ROBERTO CAVALLI
Making your debut as a Saint Laurent exclusive is something many models dream about. What did that opportunity mean to you?
It meant everything to me. In that time of my life, I definitely needed a sign that I deserved everything I worked for, and Saint Laurent was my silver lining.
Looking back, what has been the biggest adjustment from your life before modelling to the reality of working in the international fashion industry?
I started at 18, so it was more of a transition from a teenager to an adult. I was completely thrown out of my comfort zone, I went from having my mom to lean on for everything to suddenly having to figure it all out on my own. Learning how to manage my own money and coping with daily rejection was definitely the biggest adjustment.
full look TOM FORD
top PRADA
Models.com named you one of its “Hot List” models. How do you process that kind of recognition so early in your career?
Everything felt like it was flowing, I knew what I was doing was working, and all my manifestations were coming true.
You’re often described as having an effortless mix of edge and natural beauty. How would you describe your own personal style away from photo shoots and runways?
I love that description. I can definitely relate. I love a bare face with some highlighter and blush, and for outfits, a long dress or skirt with flowy sleeves that makes me feel like a walking fairy. Always a good heel and tons of silver jewellery. Saint Laurent has influenced my personal style so much, I'm so grateful to use them as inspiration.
full look VALENTINO
Fashion often requires constant travel and adaptation. What have you learned about yourself through living and working in different countries?
For sure, having patience and knowing that it’s okay that not everything is in our control and that not everything is personal.
Your background is uniquely international, with Brazilian and Dutch roots, being born in Brazil and growing up in Brazil and Saint Martin. How has that shaped your identity?
I feel very lucky to call so many places home. Having this blend of cultures definitely made me a more open-minded person with less prejudice.
dress BLUMARINE
You’ve also started DJing internationally. How did that creative outlet first develop?
I started dancing at clubs around the world and just fell in love with the music. I had this urge to get behind the decks and make people feel the exact same way I felt while dancing.
What attracts you to music and performing in a completely different way from modelling?
I love the feeling of connecting with people through music and learning what the crowd wants from each song I choose. It’s an exchange of energy, and I love that about performing.
full look ISABEL MARANT
Do you see DJing as a side passion, or is it something you’d like to develop more seriously in the future?
I’m really passionate about it, and I love to search and discover new music. It became part of me, I hope it will keep growing and I’ll get the chance to show more of this side of me.
Sustainability and environmental awareness are topics you’ve expressed interest in. Why are those issues important to you?
Our world is all we have, so we have to cherish it and treat it as our home. It should be important to everyone since we would be nothing without it.
full look DOLCE & GABBANA
left
dress ANN DEMEULEMEESTER
shoes GIANVITO ROSSI
right
dress SPORTMAX
watch AUDEMARS PIGUET
You’re part of a new generation of models who are also creators, entrepreneurs, and personalities in their own right. How do you see your career evolving beyond traditional modelling?
I think every model should explore other sides of their creative self. We have a lot of downtime since modelling isn’t linear, so it's the perfect chance to evolve beyond traditional modelling. I personally hope I continue to have the privilege to try new things, find new passions, and grow into them. I want to be known for who I am as a whole, not just a model. I have a lot to offer, and I want to be recognised for all of me.
What inspires you creatively outside of fashion?
So many things. From my friends and family to dancing, flower arrangements, music, and old pictures. Everyday life just inspires me so much. I could spend the whole day listing things.
full look FERRAGAMO
TEAM CREDITS:
talent LUNA PASSOS
photography MIRKO MORELLI
styling SARA PAOLUCCI
makeup DANIELE PELUSO
hair UMBERTO VENDITTI
styling assistant ISABEL ACHILLE and LUDOVICA DE GIORGI
makeup assistant ALESSANDRA RIGHI
editor TIMI LETONJA
interview JANA LETONJA
cover design ARTHUR ROELOFFZEN
