Natalia Vodianova
Natalia Vodianova – Life, Career, and Famous Quotes
Learn about Natalia Vodianova — Russian supermodel born February 28, 1982 — her journey from poverty to the global fashion stage, her philanthropic vision, and her enduring legacy.
Introduction
Natalia Mikhailovna Vodianova (born February 28, 1982) is a Russian model, philanthropist, entrepreneur, and occasional actress.
Often called “Supernova,” she is celebrated not only for her modeling success but also for founding the Naked Heart Foundation, and for her efforts in advocacy for children and disability rights.
Early Life and Family
Natalia Vodianova was born in Gorky (now Nizhny Novgorod), in the Russian SFSR (then part of the Soviet Union).
She grew up with her mother, Larisa, and two younger half-sisters, Oksana and Kristina (born to other fathers).
Her sister Oksana was born with disabilities (autism and cerebral palsy) and required extensive care; Natalia has spoken about how caring for Oksana shaped her worldview and sense of purpose.
During childhood, Natalia helped her mother by selling fruit on the streets starting around age 11.
Her early years were financially difficult; she has recalled being teased, facing lack of resources, and enduring hardship.
At age 15, she moved out of her mother’s home to live independently with a friend, continuing her work and schooling.
Later, she discovered she had a younger sister, Jennifer “Jenna” Burns, given up for adoption and raised in the U.S., whom she reconnected with via DNA testing.
Education & Early Aspirations
Natalia did not come from privilege, and formal education does not prominently figure in her public biography. Her early life was more defined by self-reliance, streetwise resilience, and helping her mother.
What she did invest in was learning languages and refining her appearance—in modeling she saw a way to transcend her circumstances.
Modeling Career and Achievements
Discovery and Early Career
Natalia was introduced to modeling in her mid-teens, attending a modeling school locally. Shortly after, she was scouted and signed by agencies.
By age 17, she moved to Paris, signing with Viva Models, and began walking runway shows and appearing in editorials.
She worked with many top fashion photographers, appeared in high-fashion magazines, and walked for leading brands.
Breakthroughs and Iconic Campaigns
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In 2004, she became the face of Calvin Klein (exclusive contract), succeeding major models before her.
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She also worked with Gucci, Louis Vuitton, L’Oréal, and many other top fashion houses.
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She graced numerous covers of Vogue, appearing in many international editions.
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In 2012, she ranked third on Forbes’ list of highest-earning models, with estimated annual earnings of US$8.6 million.
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In 2015, she was ranked by
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She has been honored with awards such as “Inspiration of the Year” (Harper’s Bazaar) and “Voice for Children” by Glamour.
Acting & Media Appearances
Natalia has taken on acting and public-facing roles:
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She portrayed Medusa in the 2010 film Clash of the Titans.
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She appeared in CQ (2001) and Belle du Seigneur (2012).
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She has served in hosting roles, e.g. co-hosting Eurovision semi-finals, and worked as ambassador in various cultural events (such as for the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics).
Philanthropy & Entrepreneurial Work
Naked Heart Foundation
In 2004, Natalia founded the Naked Heart Foundation, a nonprofit focused on helping children with special needs and improving play spaces in Russia, especially in underprivileged areas.
The foundation builds safe playgrounds, offers support services, and also seeks to prevent institutionalization of children with disabilities.
Much of Natalia’s philanthropic drive comes from her personal connection to caring for her sister Oksana and wanting to increase societal acceptance and resources for disabled children.
Other Advocacy & Ventures
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Natalia has been a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), focusing on reproductive health, stigma, and women’s rights.
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She has been involved with the Special Olympics board.
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She co-founded the app Elbi, which is designed to help users donate, create content, and support charitable causes.
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She also supports animal conservation campaigns (e.g., tiger trade) and other humanitarian initiatives.
Personal Life
Natalia’s personal life has had public interest due to her relationships, family, and balancing of roles:
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In November 2001, she married Justin Portman, a British aristocrat, while expecting their first child.
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They had three children together: Lucas Alexander (born December 2001), Neva (born March 2006), and Viktor (born September 2007).
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Natalia and Portman separated in 2011 and later divorced.
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After that, she entered a relationship with Antoine Arnault (son of Bernard Arnault, head of LVMH).
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They have two sons together: Maxim (born 2014) and Roman (born 2016).
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They married in June 2020 (after an earlier planned wedding was postponed due to COVID-19).
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She maintains residences, especially in Paris, and splits her time between modeling, philanthropy, and family life.
Legacy and Influence
Natalia Vodianova’s life embodies a “rags to riches” arc, but with depth: she has used her success to create impact, especially through her nonprofit work.
She is seen as a model who bridges high fashion and social consciousness. Her advocacy for children with disabilities has elevated public discourse in Russia and internationally.
In fashion, she is counted among the supermodels of her era, maintaining relevance beyond passing trends.
Her foundation’s projects, media presence, and personal narrative continue to inspire many who see in her story the power of resilience, empathy, and purpose.
Selected Quotes
While she is less known for pithy quotations than for her life and activism, here are a few statements attributed to her:
“It’s quite frightening sometimes, because you don’t realize how not so far ago it was.”
(On remembering deprivation and her drive to give back)
“Because of my childhood where I was constantly by myself, I always feel lonely … even with my children.”
(Reflecting on emotional legacies)
“Now that I have money, I understand that it’s not the most important thing in the universe.”
(About wealth and perspective)