Dasha Zhukova Net Worth

What is Dasha Zhukova's net worth?

Dasha Zhukova is a Russian American businesswoman, art collector, and magazine editor who has a net worth of $100 million.

Dasha Zhukova has established herself as a formidable presence in the international art world and as a cultural entrepreneur with global influence. The Russian-American businesswoman, art collector, magazine editor, and philanthropist is best known for founding the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art in Moscow and the arts magazine Garage. Zhukova has navigated multiple industries with remarkable success, from fashion with her clothing line Kova & T to digital media as the founder of art and culture platform Artsy.

Her marriage to Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich thrust her into the public eye, but it is her independent contributions to contemporary art and culture that have cemented her reputation. Through her curatorial vision and philanthropic endeavors, Zhukova has worked to democratize access to art and bring Russian contemporary art to international prominence. Her influence extends beyond the art world into fashion, publishing, and real estate development, making her one of the most connected and influential cultural figures of her generation.

Early Life and Education

Born in 1981 in Moscow to a Russian scientist father and Russian-Jewish mother, Zhukova's early life was shaped by her parents' separation when she was 3 years old. She moved to the United States with her mother in 1991 following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Growing up in Houston, Texas, and later Los Angeles, California, Zhukova was educated at a private Jewish day school before attending the University of California, Santa Barbara. She initially studied Slavic studies and literature before transferring to Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design in London, though she did not complete her degree there.

Entry into Fashion and Business

Zhukova's first significant entrepreneurial venture came in 2006 when she co-founded the fashion line Kova & T with her childhood friend Christina Tang. The brand became known for its premium denim and casual wear, gaining popularity among celebrities and establishing Zhukova's credentials in the fashion industry. This initial success demonstrated her eye for design and business acumen, traits that would serve her well in her later ventures.

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Art World Ascendance

Zhukova's most significant impact has been in the contemporary art world. In 2008, she founded the Garage Center for Contemporary Culture (later renamed the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art) in Moscow. Housed in a Soviet-era bus garage redesigned by renowned architect Rem Koolhaas, the museum has become one of Russia's most important cultural institutions, showcasing both Russian and international contemporary artists.

In 2011, Zhukova launched Garage Magazine, a biannual print publication covering art, fashion, and design. The magazine extended her influence in the art world and established her as a tastemaker and cultural commentator. In 2016, the magazine was acquired by Vice Media, further expanding its reach.

Her influence in the art world has been bolstered by her position on the boards of prestigious institutions, including the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Shed in New York City.

Personal Life

Zhukova's personal life has been marked by two high-profile marriages and a growing family. Her first marriage to Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich in 2008 produced two children: a son, Aaron Alexander, born in 2009, and a daughter, Leah Lou, born in 2013.

After announcing their separation in 2017, Zhukova found love again with Greek shipping heir Stavros Niarchos, whom she married in 2020 in a lavish ceremony in St. Moritz, Switzerland, attended by 300 friends and family including celebrities like Kate Hudson and Stella McCartney.

With Niarchos, Zhukova has welcomed three children: their first son, Philip Stavros Niarchos, born in 2021 (whose birth was announced by fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg); a daughter, Victoria, born in 2022; and their third child, son Alexander, born on November 25, 2023. This brings Zhukova's total to five children. Throughout these personal transitions, Zhukova has maintained her independent career and identity, balancing her roles as a mother, cultural entrepreneur, and art world influencer.

Roman Abramovich Divorce Settlement

When Zhukova and Abramovich separated after nearly a decade of marriage, the financial terms of their divorce were largely kept private. However, according to various reports, Zhukova received approximately $90 million in the settlement, comprised of cash, real estate properties, and valuable art pieces from their substantial collection. While modest compared to some speculation about potential billions (given Abramovich's estimated net worth of over $12 billion at the time), the settlement reflected Zhukova's own independent wealth and career accomplishments separate from her marriage.

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The settlement reportedly included properties in New York and London, though both parties maintained residences in multiple countries following their split. Despite the end of their marriage, the former couple has maintained an amicable relationship focused on co-parenting their children.

Philanthropy and Current Ventures

Philanthropy has been a consistent thread throughout Zhukova's career. Through the Iris Foundation, which she established to support contemporary culture, she has funded numerous artistic and educational initiatives. Her philanthropic work extends to education, with donations to Jewish causes and educational institutions in both Russia and the United States.

Her most recent venture is Ray, a cultural center and residential development in Venice, California, which combines her interests in art, community building, and real estate. The project aims to create a new model for urban living that integrates cultural programming with residential spaces.

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