Today, we are glad to speak with a seasoned creative whose journey through Hollywood and the world of fashion has been nothing short of remarkable. Starting in the industry at just 13, they have collaborated with some of the most renowned designers, making a significant impact on both fashion and entertainment. With an insider’s perspective on the evolution of Hollywood, they bring a unique blend of insight, experience, and artistic vision.
In today’s conversation, we’ll delve into their experiences working with top-tier designers, explore how Hollywood and fashion are transforming, and discuss an exciting new project that brings together a brilliant mix of artists. Let’s dive in and discover more about the journey, challenges, and vision that continue to shape their career and creative pursuits.
Hollywood and Entertainment Industry
Hollywood and entertainment are evolving quickly; how do you see your role changing within this landscape?
I grew up worshiping both Hollywood studio films and independent auteurs like Tarantino, and entering that world in the middle of the booming times before Netflix and Amazon felt like an exclusive gift, belonging to a secluded club. The subscription platforms changed the whole game as more original content started pouring in and the mass attention shifted, around 2011. It was interesting to see that the studios decided to focus on remakes and Marvel from then on. After the pandemic and strikes, only 1 percent of artists could really afford to survive. Currently, it’s an interesting time as a lot of productions have moved out of LA for tax reasons, and in a way, many artists have moved back to Europe, where it’s booming. I see a big renaissance coming there with original, unexpected indies, and I’m excited and planning to spend some time in Europe in 2025.
Eugenia, what are the biggest shifts you’ve observed in the entertainment industry since you started?
It’s all about being a multifaceted creator rather than just an actor or just a director. It’s about making your own content, which has become so much more accessible with current technology, and selling it to platforms rather than asking studios to fully finance it. I think it’s great because it allows lesser-seen voices to be heard and for more unique storytelling. I’m also very excited that a lot of women actors are not only creating their own production companies and taking their careers into their own hands but also collaborating with other female artists to create more inclusive and diverse stories. It is truly an incredible time!
How do you think Hollywood’s portrayal of fashion has changed over time?
I feel CGI, including AI, has changed a lot of visual content in film and fashion. I know that in the future, you’ll be able to pause a movie and buy the costume or brand right off the screen with a link when you click on the image. There are still incredible costumes—I worked on many movies, especially ones with Guy Ritchie, where the attention to detail in costumes is to the tee, or some series where costumes accurately reflect a certain period of time. I’m excited about the costumes in our upcoming vampire film. It’s thrilling to play dress-up in a fantasy world.
How has your perspective on the industry shifted from when you began at 13 to now?
When I started at 13, the industry was centered on supermodels, and the standards were very limited. I was lucky to fit the mold, but it’s incredible to see models of so many more shapes and ethnicities these days! In movies, when I started, it was almost impossible for an actor with an accent—especially Russian—to break the stereotypes of a villain, spy, or girl of a certain profession. But in recent years, I feel people are more interested in diverse representation of humanity on screen, and studios are more open-minded and have to change and be inclusive if they want to capture the viewer’s attention. We live in a super interconnected world, and it’s amazing to see so many facets of humanity authentically represented on screen and in advertisements.
Fashion and Collaborations
Eugenia, you’ve worked with top designers since a young age. How did that early exposure shape your career and fashion sense?
To be honest, only looking back now can I see how lucky I was from such a young age. I didn’t even understand the scale of luck I had, working with Yves Saint Laurent, who basically took me from nowhere and opened so many doors, or Alexander McQueen. I had a chance not only to walk for incredible designers but also to watch their creative process and do more than just wear clothes. I grew so close to Vivienne Westwood and almost moved to work for her in London. As a street kid from food lines, I really found my way around eccentric, unusual people who are in the arts. It was amazing to chat with Rei Kawakubo from Comme Des Garçons at 4 am in her car on the way to the show (I showed up at her office instead of the show location, and we spent an hour talking about the history of fashion). In the photography world, I was so, so lucky as well! Working with every major photographer, except I made one major mistake in my career… Steven Meisel discovered me backstage when I was visiting a girlfriend in New York and got me a meeting with Anna Wintour for US Vogue, which I overslept by accident. Of course, I was banned from US Vogue for many years because no one oversleeps a meeting with Anna Wintour… but I got plenty of other opportunities, doing major billboards in Times Square and campaigns for L’Oréal, Hermes, Dior, etc. Then I had my kids and had to transition into more commercial work to make more money. As an immigrant, I really didn’t have a plan B and had to figure out the future in the long run. These days, supermodels are back and age is celebrated, but at the time, you were pretty much over after 21.
Who are some of the designers you felt the strongest creative synergy with, and why?
I felt truly seen by Yves Saint Laurent. His vision is of mystery, sensuality, femininity, gentleness, rock and roll, and power… some of the combinations I felt deeply connected to but had never celebrated. I was lucky enough to meet him, and it was magic! My dad was similar… it was a dark room with enough natural light and smoke. I was dressed to the tee at an audition by his house, with makeup, hair, and given shoes as a present… no matter the outcome… only to walk into the mysterious room and find someone so down-to-earth, sensitive, authentic. I used to hide in corners at castings before I met him, but he gave me a belief in the magic of a superhero.
How would you describe your personal fashion philosophy, and has it evolved over the years?
I do love fashion so much as a way of expression and art! Celebrating beauty in any shape or form! Currently, to be honest, I’m struggling with the American understanding of beauty standards. I became a mom in my early 20s, and I was shamed for being a model and wearing lingerie ever since. I started feeling like my body was a commodity to be negotiated for money or as an image of representation of the nation’s morals. I either had to dress down for photo shoots and presentations because I was a mom, or I felt I’d be burned at the stake. Unless I would sell it for Playboy, which I did. And being judged. Currently, I’ve come to a more spiritual approach—to not care what people frame me as and follow my inner rock star.
What impact do you hope to make within the fashion industry?
I hope fashion will allow anyone, especially minorities, to utilize it as a tool for self-empowerment and creation.
Specific Shoot and Artistic Process
Could you share the inspiration behind this particular shoot?
Tennis is an interesting game; it’s moment to moment. You can’t plan it—you have to be present at every beat. The celebrity photographer Kelly Gullett approached me to do it, and we styled it with the one and only Aaron Gomez and makeup and hair extraordinaire Gosha Matskevych! My 16-year-old son is a pro tennis player, and being a pro child player myself, I thought it was a creative way to tell a story.
Eugenia, tell us about the artists involved—how did each contribute to the creative vision?
The artists are amazing. I’m so grateful to collaborate with Kelly Gullett, Aaron Gomez, and Gosha Matskevych! It is all about teamwork, commitment, vision, love, passion, and making it for the greater good! It’s magic if it’s the right potion.
What were some of the challenges or highlights during this shoot?
Well, we had to get a tennis court! Kelly secured it thanks to his generous, kind friends @jrennels11 and @benindila for the location. We were lucky! Nothing short of that, and grateful it all came together smoothly.
How do you approach working collaboratively on such projects while maintaining your artistic voice?
It’s always about collaboration. I love to reference Rick Rubin and his book The Creative Act. It’s not about the ego or your square vision—it’s about creating from a place of pure heart and higher power.
Credit teams:
Model: Eugenia Kuzmina @eugeniakuzmina
Photographer: Kelly Gullett @kellygullett
Hair and make-up artist: Gosha Matskevych @go.matskevych
Special thanks for the location to @jrennels11 and @benindila
