Model, actress, comedian, director, and cultural observer, Eugenia Kuzmina has never confined herself to a single role. From iconic fashion campaigns to raw, unscripted creative moments deep in the jungle, her career is defined by curiosity, courage, and an uncompromising sense of self.
Eugenia, your career has included many iconic photo shoots. Could you tell us about a photographer with whom you developed a special mutual understanding, and share some memorable moments from that collaboration?
Every photographer I’ve worked with has been about relationship. For me, it’s always a collaboration rather than being treated as an object. I’m deeply curious about a photographer’s process — their vision and the way they communicate ideas. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to work with some of the greatest: Peter Beard, Vladimir Sichov, Antoine Verglas, Patrick Demarchelier, David Drebin, Olivier Zahm, David Yarrow, Sarah Moon, and Inez and Vinoodh — so many extraordinary minds.
One particularly special experience was a shoot in Guatemala, where I had the privilege of working with Arun Nevader, a leading runway and celebrity photographer for Getty. What fascinated me most about Arun was his story. He came from journalism — living, writing, and photographing some of the most dangerous war zones in the world. He had witnessed the tragedy of the Guatemalan earthquake and countless other unthinkable events through the lens of a storyteller. That depth and authenticity spoke to me profoundly.
Fashion can sometimes appear glamorous or even vain, but there we were — in the middle of the jungle, among ancient ruins, sharing stories. We photographed between moments of watching local Day of the Dead ceremonies. No makeup, no stylist, just us, creating from sunrise to sunset, watching the Fuego volcano erupt, chasing light through ruins. True collaboration feels like magic every time, and that experience remains unforgettable.
You took part in Guatemala Fashion Week. What impressions stayed with you most vividly?
It was the very first Guatemala Fashion Week, and it felt incredibly meaningful to celebrate local artists. I learned so much about traditional fabrics, sewing techniques, colour language, and the way heritage meets modern rebellion. Coming from my first professional experience, working with Yves Saint Laurent in Paris as a teenager during his final retrospective show — to witnessing such raw talent, hope, and artistic courage was deeply moving.
Each designer carried immense passion and respect for craftsmanship. The commitment was visible, and the energy was contagious. It was beautiful to support that community and to feel part of something so genuine and culturally rooted.
You began your international modelling career at just 13, working with Yves Saint Laurent, Dior, and Hermès. How did that shape your personal style?
I developed my style by being out of style. From the moment I entered society, I wanted to exist outside of fashion while somehow still being in it. Growing up in the Soviet system, we all wore school uniforms. On the second day, I rebelled by cutting my orange uniform tie into a bikini top. I had to apologise publicly in front of my entire school to the country. That didn’t stop me.
Our exposure to films was limited, but Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman became my first style inspiration: her street, unapologetic femininity. When I was signed by Ford Models in New York, instead of wearing the standard model uniform of black jeans and a tank top, I cut stockings into a dress, sewed them together, and painted bats onto gloves. I proudly showed up — until my agent, Luiz Mattos, screamed in horror and rushed me to change before a Dolce & Gabbana presentation. They hired me anyway, gave me a skirt for their event, which I also cut and painted. I was a teenager.
Today, as an actress, I understand clothing more deeply: as part of character, psychology and storytelling. But that instinct to question and transform has never left me.
In addition to runway work, you act in films and TV series and perform in comedy shows. Have there been moments when you felt like you were “too much” — a model, actress, comedian, director, and mother all at once? How do you cope with that feeling, and how do these roles enrich one another?
My first manager once told me: if you want to be a stand-up comedian, look like you haven’t showered for days. If you want to be a serious actress, don’t post lingerie photos. If you want to be respected as a mother — don’t speak. And if you want to direct or write, don’t do anything else either.
I was stunned.
So I showed up at The Comedy Store wearing a gown with a long train and said, “Watch this.” I never looked back. I believe creativity is often restricted by other people’s fears and definitions of what’s possible. I choose to see the world through a childlike lens — where everything is play, exploration, and curiosity. For me, authenticity matters far more than conventional success.
In Models of Comedy, you unite fashion and humour. What do you find most interesting about this project?
Barry Katz is brilliant. When I was navigating the comedy world, I never quite fit in. I was encouraged to tour with established male comedians, which terrified me, especially as a married mother. The power dynamics, the limitations, the pressure to please — it all felt constricting.
One night, I watched Barry’s Blueprint for Comedy, where he was advising other comedians. At 1 a.m., I texted him asking for five minutes to pitch an idea. That conversation became Models of Comedy. We’re currently editing it as a Christmas Special in July.
Model: Eugenia Kuzmina –@eugeniakuzmina
Photographer:
Arun Nevader — @arunnevader
Makeup:
Fred Mecene Beauty — @fredmecenebeauty
Clothing & Accessories:
- NR Active (blue workout set) — @nr.active
- Joe’s Jeans (white shorts) — @joesjeans
- Chloé (tank top) — @chloe
- Comme des Garçons (sneakers) — @commedesgarcons
- Coach (white bag) — @coach
- Velvet Eyewear (sunglasses) — @velvet_eyewear
- K Live Monaco (jewelry) — @klivemonaco
- L’AGENCE (leopard dress) — @lagencefashion
- White “I Love Cowboys” shirt — personal vintage
- Jeans — personal vintage
- Dior (vintage shoes) — @dior
- Jeannette and Slade Collections (purple earrings) — @_jeannetteandsladecollections
- Wolford (black dress) — @wolford