Wings, Wildfires & a Wicked Sense of Humour — Eugenia Kuzmina Redefines What It Means to Be a Model Today.

Katerina Shapiro: Not Starting Late — Just Starting Right
14 Травня, 2025
Eugenia Kuzmina isn’t just a model—she’s a storyteller, an activist, and a force of nature. From haute couture runways to stand-up comedy stages, she turns every platform into a voice for change, compassion, and unfiltered creativity.

Eugenia, the angel-themed photoshoot turned out truly special. How was it working with photographer Kelly Gullett, who created these images? What makes this photographer stand out compared to others you’ve worked with in the past? Is there a hidden meaning or personal experience behind this “angelic” shoot that you wanted to express?

Thank you so much for this question. As you know, 7 January 2025 changed the Los Angeles landscape forever. It marked the beginning of the devastating fire that swept through the Palisades, Malibu, and Pasadena, destroying historical landmarks, generational homes, and invaluable cultural heritage.

What’s even more troubling is the impact on wildlife and domestic animals—those without a voice to speak for themselves. The air and water pollution in the affected areas remain at emergency levels months later, and animals are dying at an alarming rate. Many dolphins and baby seals are washing ashore, unable to survive. I realised that while I can contribute hands-on, I also have a platform to raise global awareness through my work in modelling.

Kelly Gullett is a Los Angeles–based photographer who captures emotion—because true connection doesn’t come from content alone.

His images don’t merely document moments; they translate feeling. With roots in sport and culture, and an unrelenting eye for narrative, Kelly creates visuals that move people—and the brands that want to reach them.

Every frame is a feeling.

kellygullett.com
@kellygullett

I approached Kelly shortly after the fires with the idea of creating a shoot that would raise awareness about the urgent need to heal our environment, protect wildlife, and speak for abandoned animals. There’s so much we can do together. Post-fire pollution is killing marine life, with ash residue poisoning fish, and many marine mammals suffering as a result. Fortunately, numerous outstanding organisations are working tirelessly to help restore balance to our ecosystem:

 

Marine and Coastal Wildlife Support

  • California Wildlife Center (CWC)
    Based in Malibu, CWC specialises in the rescue and rehabilitation of native wildlife, including marine mammals and seabirds affected by coastal hazards.
  • Marine Mammal Care Center Los Angeles
    This facility provides medical treatment and rehabilitation for injured or stranded marine mammals along the LA coastline.

Additional organisations include:

  • International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW)

IFAW collaborates with local agencies in Los Angeles to conduct animal search and rescue operations during wildfires. They also provide emergency grants to organizations like Pasadena Humane to support wildlife rehabilitation efforts.  

  • Pasadena Humane

This organization offers emergency shelter and medical care to animals displaced by wildfires, including pets and wildlife. They have taken in over 100 animals during recent fire events.

  • Best Friends Animal Society

Best Friends assists in evacuating and relocating animals from shelters in fire-affected areas. They also provide resources to help reunite lost pets with their families.  

  • ASPCA
  • Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation
  • Wildlife Disaster Network (WDN)
  • Ventana Wildlife Society
  • MuttNation Foundation
  • North Valley Animal Disaster Group
  • American Humane Society – Red Star Rescue

More info: @cacoastalalliance

You have a rich background in the modelling industry, having worked with brands like Dior, Hermès, and Armani, and featured in Vogue, Elle, and Harper’s Bazaar. How has your vision of fashion evolved over the years?

I began my modelling career thanks to incredible mentors such as Nathalie Cros-Coitton and Luiz Mattos, and the legendary Yves Saint Laurent, who introduced me to the mystery, uniqueness, and passion behind beauty and design. I’ve always admired meticulously tailored pieces—those that reflect true craftsmanship and attention to detail.

While fast fashion dominates much of today’s market, I still deeply appreciate encountering designers committed to their art. We recently shot two stories in Paris for Glamour Bulgaria, and I was reminded of the magic I had been missing in haute couture:

What are your thoughts on the trend of sustainable fashion? Do you support the idea of an “eco-conscious wardrobe”? Perhaps you have your own tips on how to combine style with responsibility for the planet?

I believe we must be mindful of the magic in what we create—clothing is a form of self-expression, creativity, and joy, but also a vehicle for responsibility. Personally, I no longer support the use of real fur or leather. With so many beautiful and ethical alternatives available, there’s no need to compromise animal welfare.

I favour quality over quantity—pieces that are made to last, rather than fleeting trends. Clothing carries an energy. When it’s made with love, care, and compassion, rather than for profit alone, it resonates with the person wearing it. That energy makes all the difference.

In one of your interviews, you mentioned striving for authenticity. You also perform stand-up comedy on stages in Los Angeles. How does humour help you stay true to yourself in the world of glamour and cinema?

I’m often asked what I enjoy most—acting, modelling, stand-up, writing, or being a mum. For me, a truly fulfilling life comes from breaking free of others’ expectations and embracing your full creative potential, without being confined to a single definition.

I do stand-up because I genuinely believe that laughter is love. I adore music and comedy. As my father, a nuclear scientist, used to say: “Music is the number one language of the universe—it transcends all barriers and goes straight to the heart. And comedy is next—because you can’t laugh unless you’re completely present in the moment. It’s pure authenticity.”

After the Cannes Film Festival, where we’re presenting our short film, I’m thrilled to debut Models of Comedy—a show I created with Barry Katz in support of an anti-human trafficking foundation, featuring a line-up of phenomenal comedians.

I’ve appeared in Guy Ritchie’s Operation Fortune, The Gentlemen, Bad Moms, Spy City, and more. I’m currently developing several new projects, including adaptations of literary works in collaboration with director Jack Cook—who was mentored by the great Mike Nichols. I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to work alongside such visionary artists for meaningful causes.