Diego wears RAJO MAN. Nina wears CHRIS NICK. Photographed by Renzo Navarro.
With an eye for talent and a hands-on approach to shaping careers, the duo of Luminary Model Management are trying to reinvent the wheel of modeling in the Philippines
Diego Harmuch is always game. Peeking from outside the Vogue Studio, he checks on the light setup prepared by photographer Renzo Navarro. After a quick round of introductions and art direction, the Brazilian model positions himself at the center of strobe lights in his navy-black Rajo Laurel ensemble. After a few more adjustments, he exclaims, “Let’s do this!”
Meanwhile, Nina moves with precision, reviewing each photo set and refining the composition of her pleated Rajo Laurel dress. She carefully lifts the fabric, testing how it flows in motion or holds its sculptural form. As the co-founder and creative director of the talent and scouting agency Luminary Model Management, she understands the power of a well-crafted image, an insight she instills in their growing roster of Filipino talents.
More than a decade ago, Diego found himself in the Philippines, embracing a life shaped by constant movement as a model. For the Brazilian native, travel was more than just a necessity; it was a recurring theme of his life, taking him to Asian cities such as Shanghai, Jakarta, and Bangkok and fashion capitals such as London and Milan.
Over time, Diego observed a disconnect in traditional model management, one that left many aspiring talents without the guidance they needed for long-term success. In creating Luminary Model Management, what he wanted to impart wasn’t just about securing jobs, it was about mentorship, adaptability, and understanding how to build a sustainable modeling career.
“Luminary was born from my desire to create an agency that not only provides work opportunities for models but also nurtures their development from the ground up,” shares Diego.
His vision was clear, but to bring it to life, Nina also came into the picture with her expertise as both a creative and a fellow model. A fashion and commercial photographer by trade, Nina honed her craft both locally and internationally, working for print and digital magazines after studying at Instituto Marangoni in Milan.
At Luminary, her role extends beyond photography; she guides models in developing a personal brand, shaping how they present themselves in a competitive industry. “I believe in working closely with our models to help them develop a unique brand identity,” explains Nina. “[It’s] to help them develop a unique brand identity that resonates with who they are and what they represent in the industry.” The co-founder adds that this includes: discovering their personal style, crafting the right look for their portfolio, and understanding how to position themselves authentically.
Halfway through its first decade, Luminary Model Management shares that it has successfully placed Filipino models in international markets. More recently, they launched their first workshop for aspiring models. “This was a meaningful way to share our expertise and connect with the community,” adds Nina.
Looking ahead, the duo has already laid the groundwork for expanding its talent pool. “[It’s] to strengthen our international reach,” says Diego. “This approach not only fosters impactful, sustainable careers but also broadens Luminary’s presence both locally and globally.”
According to Diego and Nina, success as a model isn’t just about securing jobs, it’s about creating a new generation of models who are equipped to thrive, not just survive, in the industry.
For more information, visit Luminary Model Management’s official website. Follow them on Instagram and Facebook.
Photography by Renzo Navarro. Art direction by Christina Zabat and Lara Castañeda. Styling by Gab Yap and Myc Priestley. Hair and Makeup by Nix Institute of Beauty. Project Implemented by Esab Raymundo.
