Natalia Vodianova

Biography

Natalia Mikhailovna Vodianova (Russian: Наталья Михайловна Водянова, IPA: [nɐˈtalʲjə mʲɪˈxajləvnə vədʲɪˈnovə]; born 28 February 1982) is a Russian fashion model and philanthropist. In 2012, Forbes determined that she was the third highest-paid model in the world and has been declared a supermodel by numerous outlets. Her supermodel status led to the nickname Supernova. Vodianova is a member of the Special Olympics International Board of Directors and has been a goodwill ambassador for the UNFPA since 2021.

== Early life == Natalia Mikhailovna Vodianova was born in Gorky, Soviet Union (now Nizhny Novgorod, Russia). She grew up in a poor district of the city, where she helped her mother sell fruit on the street to support the family. Vodianova was raised in poverty and has said that she was often bullied at school for being poorly dressed and very thin. Her half-sister Oksana was born with cerebral palsy and autism, and required significant care during their childhood. Vodianova also has a half-sister, Jennifer "Jenna" Burns (born Maria Mashinka), who was placed for adoption as a baby in the United States and later reunited with the family through a DNA test.

== Career ==

=== Modelling === At the age of 16, Vodianova began pursuing a career in modelling and was later discovered by a scout, which led to her moving to Paris and signing with the agency Viva Models. She went on to become an internationally successful model, working with leading fashion photographers including Mario Testino and Annie Leibovitz, and appearing in major publications such as Vogue, Vanity Fair, and Interview. Vodianova appeared on the cover of American Vogue in September 2004 alongside Gisele Bündchen and Daria Werbowy, and later as a solo cover model in July 2007. In 2009, she entered a multi-year collaboration with the French lingerie brand Etam, designing seasonal collections marketed under the label Natalia pour Etam. She has also worked extensively with major fashion houses and brands, including Guerlain and Stella McCartney, and has been featured in numerous international advertising campaigns. Vodianova has been repeatedly listed among the world's highest-paid models by Forbes, reflecting her commercial success in the fashion industry.

=== Acting === Vodianova has appeared in several films, including Clash of the Titans (2010) and Belle du Seigneur (2012).

== Philanthropy ==

Vodianova is the founder of the Naked Heart Foundation, a philanthropic organisation focused on supporting children with special needs and creating inclusive play environments in Russia. Her sister Oksana lives with autism, and Vodianova has been an advocate for the rights of people with disabilities. In 2015, she drew international attention after her sister was reportedly asked to leave a café in Nizhny Novgorod because she was perceived as disturbing customers. She was inspired to establish her charity following the Beslan school hostage crisis, aiming to support affected children through play and social programmes. In addition to her foundation work, Vodianova has supported a range of international philanthropic initiatives and advocacy campaigns related to health, disability, and social inclusion. In 2015, she co-founded the charitable digital platform Elbi, which enables users to donate to causes and engage with philanthropic campaigns.

== Other projects ==