Introducing Eugenia Kuzmina, supermodel married to ex-CEO Bill Block of Miramax. My dad, a nuclear scientist and Chernobyl responder, made childhood tough.
Eugenia Kuzmina’s journey from Chernobyl disaster to the catwalks is a testament to her resilience. Since the age of 13, she’s been immersed in the fashion industry, witnessing its evolution firsthand. From working with luminaries like Yves Saint Laurent to navigating the shifting landscape shaped by LVMH, Eugenia’s career trajectory reflects the industry’s transformation from an auteur-driven craft to a brand-centric business model. Despite the unexpected turn her life took after her father’s tragic passing at Chernobyl, Eugenia embraced modelling as a means to provide for her family. Signing her first contract with Nathalie Models marked the beginning of a remarkable journey that saw her transcending boundaries and defying odds.
You’ve worked with renowned brands like Hermès and Dior. What are the biggest misconceptions people have about the fashion industry?
I’ve been in the fashion industry since I was 13, witnessing its evolution over the years. I started working with Yves Saint Laurent himself during a retrospective, along with Guy Aroch and Alexander McQueen, before LVMH changed the game by acquiring designers, shifting it more towards brands. It used to be more of an auteur business, but now designers are hired with contracts to fulfill a certain vision, making it more about the label.
Brands like Hermès still maintain control and conservatism, while others like Balenciaga align with current events, social media, and trends for instant gratification. Some brands, like Louis Vuitton, hire independent artists or showbiz personalities for art direction and representation. For me, fashion is about quality over quantity. I’ve noticed designers creating more affordable lines, sometimes sacrificing quality for mass production. It’s become more about the name than the craftsmanship.
There are many documentaries now exploring the origins of designer brands, shedding light on masters like Valentino and Chanel and how their visions and brands changed over time. My heart lies with the artistic process and design quality. Sometimes I disagree with fashion’s emphasis on pushing sales, but it reflects society and the economy. With no strict copyright laws, original designs are often reproduced by lower brands like Zara or H&M.
However, I’m glad to see consumers becoming more aware and conscious of fair labor practices in production. It’s great to see actors and artists opting for recyclable, vintage pieces and supporting ecological fashion over fast fashion.
Eugenia Kuzmina, after losing her dad at Chernobyl disaster.
What inspired your transition from modeling to acting, and how did you navigate that shift in your career?
I’ve always been a storyteller at heart. My dad, a nuclear scientist and first responder to Chernobyl, instilled in me curiosity, empathy, and a sense of responsibility for the world. Modelling wasn’t a dream for me; it was a path I found myself on after my father’s passing when I was 15. I was fortunate to sign my first contract with Nathalie Models, escaping the post-Soviet Union and becoming the provider for my family.
Learning from the best in the fashion industry—designers like Lagerfeld, Nicholas Ghesquière, and Vivienne Westwood—I observed their process of creating mood boards and character sketches for their collections. Each show had a mantra, a persona for whom the clothes were designed. I approached every show or editorial as an opportunity to step into that character’s life and embody their essence.
From the beginning, I gained a reputation as a chameleon, able to embody any designer’s vision. Ironically, despite my versatility, I often struggled to find shoes that fit during fashion shows.
Transitioning into acting required me to delve deeper. Currently studying at RADA (Royal Academy of Dramatic Art) in London—an achievement I’m proud of after many auditions—I’m honing my craft further. While I was fortunate to transition seamlessly into acting by working with talented directors and writers, it was also a result of coincidence and wishful thinking.
Meeting my husband at 21, immersed in the Los Angeles entertainment industry, led me to acting auditions. One pivotal audition, for Rodrigo Prieto’s directorial debut “Likeness” starring Elle Fanning, cast models to portray the darker sides of the image industry. Despite the challenges of early motherhood, I embraced the opportunity, showcasing raw emotions that resonated with the role.
Eugenia Kuzmina and Bill Block
This experience illuminated the desperation for connection beyond appearances, sparking my curiosity about acting. Attending RADA, I initially adorned myself in designer clothes, only to realize, as our teacher Ian Henderson astutely pointed out, that “clothes are a mask.” It made me confront how much I hid behind my identity as a model and unearthed deeper connections through storytelling.
I’ve been incredibly fortunate to collaborate with amazing people across the film industry—actors, directors, producers, writers, casting, and crew. It truly takes a miracle to bring a story to life, whether on screen or stage.
Could you share a memorable experience from your early days as a model, perhaps a funny or unexpected moment behind the scenes?
I was a shy teen and a bit of a nerd. When I first moved to Paris and was hired by Ford Models, I had no money to buy clothes for castings. Trying to be creative, I recalled the movie “Pretty Woman,” and remembered Julia Roberts’ dress from a scene on the street. So, I bought two pairs of colourful stockings and fashioned them into a short dress. Proudly, I showed up at the agency before a Vogue audition. While my agent, Luiz Mattos, appreciated my creativity, he kindly suggested I get something more appropriate with an advance from the agency.
I used to decorate and paint on my portfolio. Sometimes, I pushed boundaries with too much expression. I was also once obsessed with Batman, and for a Dolce and Gabbana presentation where they gave me a denim shirt to wear, I couldn’t resist—I cut it up and coloured bats on it with a marker. I had to learn to respect designers’ visions more, but it’s all part of the creative process.
Eugenia Kuzmina, supermodel married to ex-CEO Bill Block of Miramax. My dad, a nuclear scientist and Chernobyl disaster responder, made childhood tough.
Eugenia Kuzmina Modelling
What’s the hardest thing in life you have had to go through?
The hardest experience was probably losing my dad and having to fend for myself at 15. I had to take on responsibility for my family, all while not speaking French, navigating life as an immigrant, paying rent, and doing taxes with no safety net. When I found out I was pregnant at the peak of my modeling career, Katie Ford asked if it was the right decision, but I knew that no matter what, I would be able to handle it. I worked throughout my entire pregnancy, unmarried, but knowing that as long as I was healthy, I could accomplish anything. The health consequences of my father’s work at Chernobyl were a constant reminder of the fragility of life.
Radiation exposure from the Chernobyl accident had a profound impact on my father’s health and ultimately on our family.
Chernobyl Disaster:
Chernobyl, a name etched into history as one of the most catastrophic nuclear disasters, occurred on April 26, 1986, in the now-abandoned city of Pripyat, Ukraine. It began with a safety test gone awry at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant’s Reactor 4, leading to a massive explosion and the release of radioactive materials into the atmosphere.
In the aftermath, nuclear scientists played a crucial role in understanding the extent of the disaster and mitigating its consequences. One notable figure is Valery Legasov, a prominent Soviet inorganic chemist and one of the key figures tasked with managing the Chernobyl crisis.
Legasov’s actions during the disaster were pivotal. He worked tirelessly to analyze the situation, assess the risks, and devise strategies to contain the radioactive contamination. Despite the immense challenges and the lack of resources, Legasov and his team worked under extreme conditions, risking their lives to prevent further catastrophe.
Legasov also played a crucial role in informing the Soviet government and the international community about the severity of the disaster, advocating for transparency and urgent action to minimize its long-term effects. His insights and recommendations helped shape the response efforts and influenced policies regarding nuclear safety worldwide.
Tragically, the stress and burden of dealing with the Chernobyl crisis took a toll on Legasov’s mental and emotional well-being. He struggled with the weight of the disaster and the limitations of the Soviet system in addressing it effectively. Ultimately, Valery Legasov took his own life on April 27, 1988, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to scientific truth and the importance of nuclear safety.
Being married to a prolific figure like Bill Block, former CEO of Miramax, do you find it adds pressure, or does it open up unique opportunities in your career? How do you navigate this dynamic?
I met my husband and was mesmerized by his world—art, life, characters—beyond just fashion. I didn’t realize that being thrust into the middle of Hollywood meant not only dealing with high-stakes, high-pressure situations but also discovering what it would take for me to become my own person. Bill receives scripts and opportunities constantly, which can bring pressure to say yes or no, and suddenly, I found myself in a position to open these doors. However, it’s not about me—it never has been.
People might assume I’m offered roles because of my connection, but it’s quite the opposite. I’ve faced judgment and misjudgment. I had to return to basics to learn my own value and skills, striving for independence in what I bring to the table. While I’ve had the chance to work on films he’s involved with, I still had to audition, and if I didn’t deliver on set, I’d be cut. I found my own agents, studied, auditioned, and established myself as a female artist pushing boundaries and opening doors for others.
Recently, I created a stand-up show, “Models of Comedy,” where we perform for anti-human trafficking, foster care, and environmental causes. I’m proud to give voices to fellow models and shed light on current humanitarian issues. Ultimately, it’s about what you bring to the table—your contributions to others and projects—rather than who you know.
What’s your focus now in your career? Are you still actively pursuing modeling, acting, or perhaps both?
Currently, I’m at RADA and juggling numerous film, book, and stand-up projects, tackling each one step by step. I believe it’s not about the label of who you are in the box but rather about the projects and artists I’m inspired by to collaborate with. Recently, I met an amazing photographer and poet, and we’re planning to do a shoot inspired by abandoned places. Additionally, I’m working on a poetry book and have a book titled “Model Mom” available on Amazon. Moreover, I’m involved in a book collaboration with other models and am in discussions about the next steps for “Models of Comedy” with Barry Katz, potentially leading to a Comedy Special.
Eugenia Kuzmina
Can you describe what married life is like for you? Is it fulfilling and joyful?
Anyone who has seen the scenes from the HBO show “Scenes from a Marriage” and who has been married would know what it is like to commit to one person. Marriage is where everything is brought to you in a mirror. It’s not just the wedding or the ring (I chose tattoos over rings, throwing them away… of course, my husband picked them back up…), but it’s not for the weak. There’s a reason we get attracted to people, and there’s a reason we decide to be in an intimate relationship with that person.
It’s easy to chicken out. But it’s not my choice…. I want to go to the gutter with the person I’m with, no matter what’s on the table. Marriage is not safety; it’s quite the opposite; it’s the most vulnerable place, and it’s literally moment to moment. I’ve been married to Bill Block since the age of 21, and it’s nothing but raw intimacy.
Eugenia Kuzmina Modelling:
And now, for the quick-fire round questions with Eugenia Kuzmina:
If you could only eat one cuisine for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Cuisine: French. I have nostalgia for my teen years, leaving food lines behind, first love in Paris, so it would always be associated with that.
What’s your go-to karaoke song?
Karaoke song: “Sweet Dreams.” I believe we can manifest anything; dreams are reality.
What’s your guilty pleasure TV show or movie?
TV show: “Scenes from The Marriage.” It’s brilliant and offers raw insight into human connection and how we can push buttons of those closest to us. It’s all about whether you can hold your mirror to your face with the person closest to you.
I don’t believe in regrets; the past is behind us, and we only have the present moment.
In the midst of her whirlwind journey, Eugenia Kuzmina remains grounded in her primary values instilled by her father’s legacy from Chernobyl. As she continues to grace the acting world and captivate audiences worldwide, her resilience and strength serve as a testament to the human spirit. With the unwavering support of her husband, Bill Block of Miramax, Eugenia’s story embodies courage, perseverance, and the triumph of the human spirit over adversity.
With special thanks to Antoine Verglas, Photographer and Eugenia Kuzmina for sharing your life story.
