Interview with Mila Kane, model and fashionproducer

Fashion isn’t just what Mila Kane wears. It’s a part of her everyday life. From a young age, she discovered the power of style as a way to express emotion, culture, and confidence. What began as a personal passion has grown into a strong vision that continues to shape her journey. In this interview, we explore Mila Kane’s story, her inspiration, and how fashion has influenced the path she continues to follow.

Could you introduce yourself?
My name is Mila Kane. I’m half Russian and half Ukrainian. My mother was Russian and my father Ukrainian. I was born in Russia and grew up in Ukraine, which gave me a rich and layered cultural foundation. For more than seven years now I’ve been living in Amsterdam. Before that, I spent three years in Shanghai, and earlier I lived first in Kiev and then in Moscow. The Netherlands is the fourth country I’ve called home, and each place has shaped my worldview and my creative identity in a unique way.

What does a typical day in your life look like?
A typical day starts around 8 a.m. I brush my teeth, drink warm water with lemon, and spend about twenty minutes on my skincare routine. Then I have a large cup of black coffee while replying to messages, follow it with a breakfast of fresh fruit, and then dive into my planned tasks; always a full schedule, from work duties to home chores, fitness, and self-care. I’m also frequently invited to events that are important for my work. I usually go to bed around 11 p.m., unless I’m traveling, on a break, or attending a late event, which happens quite often. I also travel a lot, love running in nature, and enjoy reading, even though time is limited.

When you were younger, what did you dream of becoming?
When I was younger, I dreamed of becoming a secret agent I feel that I’m the person I want to be and that I’m living the life I want. I just wish there were more hours in the day to do everything I want.

You are a fashion model. What first drew you into the world of fashion, and how has that spark evolved over the years?
The world of fashion has attracted me from a young age, and my love for it has only grown over the years. I started by attending a modelling school. Honestly, I initially thought I wasn’t good enough, but after being approached by scouts several times on the streets of Kyiv, I decided to give it a try, with my mother’s full support.

Over time, two main things transformed. The most important was gaining self-confidence, which you can feel in a person’s energy. It was a long journey for me, but once I went through it, I noticed amazing changes. I started being chosen for castings, companies reached out to me first, and opportunities came naturally. Now, in modelling, appearance is not everything; personality plays a huge role. Another transformation is in my preferences. While I initially loved all aspects of modelling, now I prefer high fashion over commercial modelling, although I still have respect for the latter.

Who or what has been your biggest inspiration in choosing this path?
My biggest inspiration is my mother. She was an amazing person and lived a truly unique life, full of challenges that never broke her. I haven’t met anyone else as strong, intelligent, resilient, and full of love for life and people. Thanks to her example, I know that anything is possible in life if you don’t give up, know what you want, and keep moving toward it in a mindful and consistent way. It’s also important to truly be, not just appear to be.

Fashion is often about more than clothes. It’s storytelling. What stories do you feel called to tell through your work?
I’m about strength, intelligence, and organisation. I don’t like weakness. I value straightforwardness and don’t like manipulation, especially when it’s used to make others feel sorry. In a few words, the stories I tell focus on strength, intelligence, and sexuality.

What keeps you motivated during challenges, especially in such a competitive and ever-changing industry?
I truly get a buzz from my work and that’s it. I love what I do and enjoy every moment. And of course, I’m a professional.

What’s a project you’ve worked on that felt especially meaningful to you, and why?
There isn’t a single project that stands out as the most meaningful, but one part of my work is especially rewarding: supporting new models. As a certified coach with a deep knowledge of psychology, I help them build self-confidence, develop the skills they need, and understand how the modelling industry really works. I believe that knowledge, skills, and experience should always be shared.

Where do you see your creativity taking you in the next few years?
Hopefully to New York. I want to continue working as a model, but also grow my fashion production company. In both areas, I aim to work with major fashion houses.

“In modelling, appearance is not everything; personality plays a huge role.”

What advice would you give to someone who dreams of entering the fashion world?
Confidence, discipline, and taking care of your appearance. Body, face, hair, and style. In the fashion world, the image matters! But it works only in synergy with individuality and a unique energy. It’s not an easy world, so be prepared to work hard! Divas don’t last here. But if you truly love what you do, you won’t feel tired, cold, hungry, or in pain. At least, that’s how it is for me.

Do you have a life motto or guiding philosophy you live by?
Treat others the way I want to be treated. Keep my word, do what I say and follow through on my promises. And always move forward toward my goals, taking actions every day to make them happen.

Who is your role model, and what have you learned from them?
As I mentioned, my inspiration and role model is my mother. I’ve already shared what I’ve learned from her, but in reality, it’s a huge, fascinating, deep, and incredibly motivating topic. Many people who have achieved a lot in life have told me that my mother’s story is truly unique and that it would make a great book; which is something I hope to do in the future.

What achievement are you most proud of so far?
Moving to China in 2015 completely on my own, into nothing, when I didn’t even have money for a return ticket. Everyone was telling me I was crazy. But I had the desire to live abroad and earn a decent income, including for my mother’s expensive medical treatments.

Building a life there from zero, among completely unfamiliar people, creating a new social circle and looking for work. In the end — renting a great apartment in central Shanghai with my best friend, whom I met there (we are still close to this day), having a great job, and a life I truly enjoyed. There was a moment when everything collapsed, absolutely everything. But I created it all again. In reality, adaptability is the skill I gained. I’ve done this more than once, and if I have to, I would do it again, in any country, from scratch.

What would you still like to develop or improve about yourself?
There’s actually a lot I’d like to develop, both personally and professionally. I’m convinced that we should continuously grow, learn, and acquire new skills and abilities throughout our lives. There’s no limit to perfection. I want to be productive; I have many plans and goals, and I want to achieve them all.

When you look back one day, what kind of legacy do you hope your journey in fashion will leave behind?
I hope that my journey in fashion leaves behind a legacy of striking, unforgettable shows and campaigns that inspire others. I want to create experiences that people will learn from and admire, setting new standards of creativity and excellence in the industry.

Mila, you’re not only a model and fashion producer, but also the founder of Fashion Orchestra. When did the idea for Fashion Orchestra first come to you, and how did you take it from vision to reality?
The creation of Fashion Orchestra was actually a very natural step in building my own business. I’ve always known that I wasn’t meant to work for a company or a boss. At the same time, I believe in the idea that “two heads are better than one”. In early 2023, I met Jerry Luxenburg. At first, I worked on his projects as a model, and over time we became close friends. We went through a lot together, supported each other in everything, and built real trust — something that is incredibly important in the fashion industry, which can be quite tough.

Eventually, we realised that we wanted to work together. Our knowledge, skills, experience, and personal qualities complemented each other perfectly. For a while, we worked as two independent fashion producers, constantly explaining that we worked together on every project — “I work with Jerry,” “I work with Mila.”

At some point, it became obvious that we needed a shared company. That’s how Fashion Orchestra was born in the spring of 2024. What was your background before founding Fashion Orchestra? What experiences prepared you for this journey? For example, what education and work have you done before founding this platform.

I have a broad international background across fashion, marketing, and PR. I’ve been working as a model for more than 20 years, but I have always been equally drawn to complex business processes where I can use my mind, apply my intelligence, and continuously grow. I studied for five years at a university in Kiev and hold a degree in Publishing Management. I’ve always loved books and glossy magazines; I read extensively and have an impressive personal library, along with a global collection of Vogue issues. I also write well, which has been extremely valuable in my PR and marketing work.

In addition, I’ve always been passionate about psychology and psychoanalysis. I completed a coaching university program and earned the PCC ICF credential as a professional coach at the international level. This helps me build strong working relationships and mentor young models using these tools and methodologies.

My years working in marketing — including within the fashion industry — gave me not only professional expertise but also a powerful network. I traveled extensively, worked with people from widely different cultures, and learned how to build trust and effective collaboration. Today, this is simply part of my DNA.

Conclusion: my modelling career allowed me to observe how hundreds of fashion shows, photoshoots, exhibitions, and campaigns are created, while my marketing background taught me how to organise them. Combined with my personal qualities — honesty, openness, a genuine love for people, and strong communication skills — this foundation is essential for the work I do today.

What inspired you to create this platform?
Fashion. I absolutely love fashion and beauty: beautiful people, beautiful clothes, photoshoots, runway shows. This world inspires me so deeply that when I work, I don’t feel tired or even hungry. It gives me energy rather than taking it. Creating Fashion Orchestra was my way of immersing myself even more in this universe and building something that reflects my passion, vision, and commitment to excellence.

The name Fashion Orchestra suggests harmony and collaboration. What does it symbolise to you?
For me, it symbolises the world of high fashion — beauty, sophistication, creativity and harmony in work. I studied at a music school for eight years and love attending opera, ballet, symphony concerts, and classical music performances. I want to bring the same elegance and coordination into my work, creating art in a harmonious, inspired way.

What gap did you see in the fashion world that you felt Fashion Orchestra could fill?
I see that many fashion productions focus solely on creating shows, without considering who will actually attend. While much of fashion today is focused on mass production or rigid luxury templates, what’s often missing is not only artistry, soul, and real storytelling, but also the ability to help brands generate sales — which is a key priority for most clients. In order for them to continue creating, they need to earn from their work, and we provide this opportunity by organising tailored events where brands can showcase their collections directly to key buyers and potential clients. Many shows and campaigns still follow templates and often fail to create an emotional, immersive experience that reflects identity, energy, and values. I also recognised a shortage of producers who combine not only fashion and marketing, but human understanding, psychology, and genuine care for people.

Fashion Orchestra aims to fill this gap: to create shows that feel like art, campaigns that carry a story, and exclusive buyer events that offer a personal, memorable connection — merging elegance, sophistication, and authenticity, and giving the audience not just clothes, but experience, emotion, and meaningful engagement.

For those who may not know, how would you describe what Fashion Orchestra does?
Fashion Orchestra is a creative agency founded by Jerry Luxenburg and me, specialising in high-end fashion production. We produce exclusive events tailored to brands’ target groups, including retailers, buyers, and potential clients, as well as runway shows, fashion presentations, photoshoots, campaigns, press conferences, and networking events — handling everything from concept and casting to event execution, media strategy, and VIP management.

Our goal is to create unforgettable experiences that go beyond fashion, combining artistic excellence, innovation, and cultural inclusivity. We bring together a diverse collective of talent such as designers, models, set and graphic designers, video directors, MUAHs, and media partners to deliver visually compelling, seamlessly coordinated productions. Fashion Orchestra is about transforming ideas into immersive, sophisticated, and inspiring fashion experiences that captivate audiences and elevate brands worldwide.

Who is FashionOrchestra designed for?
Fashion Orchestra is for clients who want more than just a fashion show or campaign. They want storytelling, artistry, and a fully immersive experience that also drives sales. We create unique shows, campaigns, private viewings, and exclusive buyer events, giving brands the chance to connect directly with key buyers and decision-makers. We also work with designers, creative studios, and cultural institutions seeking sophisticated, visually compelling presentations, and with media or PR partners who value seamless, high-level production.

In short, we cater to anyone who values creativity, elegance, and meaningful connections through fashion experiences.

What is your philosophy when it comes to producing large-scale fashion events?
When it comes to producing large-scale fashion events, my philosophy is rooted in meticulous planning and seamless organisation. Creativity and uniqueness are at the core, ensuring that each event leaves a lasting impression. Attention to detail is essential, as every element contributes to the overall atmosphere. Flexibility and adaptability are key, allowing us to respond swiftly to any changes. Above all, collaboration is vital, with every team member working in harmony to bring the vision to life.

“The fashion world inspires me so deeply that when I work, I don’t feel tired or even hungry.”

Can you share a behind-the-scenes moment that really shows what it takes to bring a production like Fashion Orchestra to life?
Behind the scenes of a Fashion Orchestra production, there’s an immense amount of work that most people outside the fashion industry can hardly imagine. In fact, about 80% of what happens behind the scenes often goes unnoticed, yet it’s crucial to the success of the event. Because of the complexity and the large number of people involved, things don’t always go smoothly. Human factors come into play, and unexpected situations arise. That’s why experience, skill, and professionalism are key, allowing us to quickly adapt and make the right decisions in an instant.

Who or what continues to inspire your creative direction in fashion and event production?
My creative direction is shaped by timeless aesthetics, strong visual storytelling, and the work of established fashion icons. I’m deeply inspired by the sophistication and cinematic quality of luxury advertising. Those campaigns. For example Dior Sauvage starring Johnny Depp, Lancôme La Vie Est Belle with Julia Roberts, or Chanel No. 5 with Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi feel like short films: elegant, emotional, and beautifully crafted. That level of artistry drives me to create productions that feel equally refined and immersive.

I also collect and regularly read Vogue editions from around the world. Print magazines give me a more curated, thoughtful way to experience fashion, and they help me stay connected to global style narratives while refining my own creative vision.

Beyond that, I draw inspiration from classic fashion photography, iconic designers, music, travel, and the cultural richness of major fashion capitals. What motivates me most is the desire to create experiences that are cinematic, emotional, and unforgettable—productions that celebrate beauty, craftsmanship, and the timeless magic of fashion.

How do you want people to feel when they experience a Fashion Orchestra event?
When people experience a Fashion Orchestra event, I want them to feel completely immersed and inspired. It should feel as if they are in a majestic opera house, watching a profound performance, or even exploring a magical forest, or even a cosmic realm. Every detail—from the set design and music to the models and storytelling—works together to evoke deep emotion and connection. The goal is to leave them with a lasting impression, a memory that resonates long after the event is over. In this way, we embrace a rich tapestry of aesthetics, whether it’s the elegance of opera, the enchantment of nature, or the wonder of the cosmos.

As a female entrepreneur in fashion, what challenges have you faced, and how have you turned them into opportunities?
Oh, okay, I’ll give you an exclusive and share something I’ve usually kept private. Throughout my life, I’ve repeatedly faced certain attitudes toward me, often based on my appearance and the way I dress. Being a blonde and wearing fairly bold outfits. But that’s who I am, and I love it.

Early in my career, this was a challenge. People often saw only my beauty, which made it hard for them to recognise that I could also be smart, capable, and someone to do serious business with. Over the years, after working on myself, trying to prove things to others, and even changing my image and wardrobe to something more reserved and strict, I realised there’s nothing wrong with embracing my beauty and charm.

I accept who I am and no longer worry about the first impression I might make. I know that once I open my mouth and start speaking, no one sees me as just a pretty blonde girl. I’ve learned to use my privileges wisely, in synergy with my skills and intelligence, to build excellent working relationships with all kinds of people.

What upcoming FashionOrchestra productions are you most excited about, and what can audiences look forward to?
We are preparing a groundbreaking and innovative project for the second half of next year. At this scale, it’s unprecedented in the Netherlands, and we’re keeping it under wraps for now. But I promise, when the time comes, we’ll share more details, and it’s going to be truly majestic.

Do you have something important that you would like to share?
Of course! Be yourself and follow your own path, no matter what anyone says. Make sure your desires are truly yours, not imposed by society. Don’t try to get ahead at the expense of others. Be honest, strong, and interesting enough that people are naturally drawn to you. Don’t impose yourself; just do everything to the best of your ability and never give up. Be independent, vibrant, and authentic.

Connecting with Mila or the Fashion Orchestra?
Website
Instagram
Email: contact@milakane.me
Tel: +31 6 33434386

Photocredits: Maaike Verstraaten (headphoto) Tantila János (photo #2)Julia Kulikovska (photo #3),Michael Haase (photo #4)