Biography
Dasha Zhukova, born Darya Alexandrovna Zhukova on June 8, 1981 in Moscow, is a notable figure in the art and fashion industry. She is recognized for her work as an art collector, businesswoman, and magazine editor.
In 2006, she co-founded the fashion label Kova & T, but she is perhaps best known as the founder of Garage Museum of Contemporary Art in Moscow, which has played a major role in promoting contemporary art in Russia and globally. Zhukova holds a degree in Slavic studies and literature from University of CaliforniaSanta Barbara, where she graduated with honors.
In addition to her business ventures, Zhukova is the Editorial Director of Garage Magazine, which focuses on the intersection of contemporary art and fashion. Her influence in the art world is reflected in her positions on the boards of several major institutions, including the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and The Shed in New York.
While her life, including her marriage to Roman Abramovich and their two children, has attracted attention, Zhukova has made a name for herself through her business endeavors and dedication to promoting the arts.
Russian-American art collector and businessman
Dasha Zhukova |
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 Dasha Zhukova: History ‧ Biography ‧ Photos |
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| Wiki Events & About Data | |
| Real name: | Darya Alexandrovna Zhukova |
| Stage name: | Dasha Zhukova |
| Born: | June 8, 1981 (age 43) |
| Place of birth: | Moscow, Russia |
| Nationality: | Russia; America |
| Education: | University of California |
| Height: | 1.73 meters |
| Parents: | Yelena Zhukova, Alexander Zhukov |
| Siblings: | Boris Zhukov, Mikhail Zhukov |
| Couple: | Stavros Niarchos (married 2019), Roman Abramovich (married 2008–2017) |
| Girlfriend • Partner: | Marat Safin (2003) |
| The children: | Aaron Alexander Abramovich, Leah Abramovich, Philip Stavros Niarchos, Victoria Stavros Niarchos |
| Job: | Businesswoman • Art Collector |
| Net worth: | 100 million dollars (USD) |
Early life and education
Darya “Dasha” Alexandrovna Zhukova was born on June 8, 1945 in Moscow, Russia. She is of Russian descent, with her mother, Elena Zhukova (Yelena Zhukova), being of Russian-Jewish descent, reflecting her mixed cultural background. Her religious views are not widely publicized, suggesting that she chooses to keep them private or does not publicly identify with a particular faith.
Dasha has two siblings, Boris Zhukov and Mikhail Zhukov, who live a reclusive life and keep little information to the public.
Her childhood life changed when her parents separated when she was three years old. She then lived primarily with her mother, Elena, a molecular biologist. Her father, Alexander Zhukov, an oil trader, introduced her to considerable wealth and business connections at an early age.
In 1991, after the collapse of the Soviet Union, Dasha moved to the United States with her mother, who had moved to Houston for work. This change from the post-Soviet environment to the Western world had a significant impact on her upbringing and education.
She continued her studies at University of CaliforniaSanta Barbara, graduated magna cum laude with a degree in Slavic studies and literature. Her experiences across Russian and American cultures have influenced her career in art and fashion, where she often bridges the gap between these two worlds.
Career
Dasha Zhukova’s career illustrates her entrepreneurial drive, passion for art, and talent for bridging the cultural and business worlds. She began by co-founding the fashion label Kova and T in 2006, gaining attention for her minimalist, chic designs. This venture into fashion highlighted her ability to spot trends and laid the foundation for her future successes.
Her most important contribution to the art world came in 2008 when she created Garage Museum of Contemporary Art in Moscow. Originally a non-profit exhibition space, it evolved into a full-fledged museum in 2015, playing a key role in promoting contemporary art in Russia. Garage challenges artistic norms through its exhibitions and educational programs and serves as a center for dialogue between artists, intellectuals, and the public.
As Editor-in-Chief of Garage Magazine, Zhukova has shaped the publication into a platform where contemporary art meets fashion, music, and broader cultural commentary. It reflects her vision of weaving different forms of creative expression into a cohesive narrative.
Zhukova’s business acumen extends to her roles on the boards of prominent organizations such as Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and The Shed in New York. These positions highlight her influence on the global art scene and her dedication to advancing cultural institutions. She has also expressed an interest in technology and innovation, although specifics are often kept private.
Her initiatives serve as a bridge between Western and Russian cultures, not only promoting art but also promoting dialogue and understanding between cultures. She supports emerging artists through her museum and other platforms, giving them the opportunity to exhibit and engage with a global audience, thereby nurturing the next generation of talent.
Zhukova is widely recognized for her contributions to art, fashion, and culture, appearing on several high-profile lists. Her ability to navigate and influence these diverse worlds has cemented her status as a prominent figure in international cultural circles.
Social media
- Instagram: Dasha Zhukova Niarchos (@dasha)
- Wikipedia: Dasha Zhukova
- Facebook: Daria Dasha Zhukova
Personal life
From 2008 to 2017, Dasha Zhukova was married to Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, former owner of Chelsea Football Club. They have two children together: a son, Aaron Alexander Abramovich, and a daughter, Leah Abramovich.
Their relationship attracted considerable public attention, not only because of their personal lives but also because of their contributions to arts and culture, particularly through the founding of Garage Museum of Contemporary ArtAfter breaking up in 2017, they announced that they would remain close friends and continue to collaborate on joint projects.
After her split from Abramovich, Zhukova began a relationship with Stavros Niarchos III, a Greek shipping heir. They married in January 2020 in St. Moritz, Switzerland, after public speculation about their romance began in late 2017. The couple welcomed their first child, Philip Stavros Niarchos, in December 2020, and in 2023, they have a second child, Victoria Stavros Niarchos.
Previously, Dasha Zhukova also had a relationship with tennis player Marat Safin in 2003.
Net worth
Dasha Zhukova’s net worth is estimated at $100 million. Her wealth comes from her successful ventures, including co-founding the fashion label Kova and THer important role in the art world with her creativity Garage Museum of Contemporary Artand her editorial leadership role at Garage Magazine.
Additionally, her strategic positions on prestigious cultural boards contribute to her financial position. Her personal relationships, including her marriage to Roman Abramovich, which ended in a substantial settlement in 2017, also affect her total wealth.
