Natalia Vodianova

Natalia Mikhailovna Vodianova is a Russian fashion model and philanthropist. Recognized as a supermodel by numerous media outlets, she earned the nickname "Supernova." In 2012, Forbes determined she was the third highest-paid model in the world, and she has been repeatedly listed among top-earning models. Vodianova serves on the Special Olympics International Board of Directors and was appointed a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in 2021.

Born on 28 February 1982 in Gorky, Soviet Union (now Nizhny Novgorod, Russia), Vodianova grew up in poverty. She helped her mother sell fruit on the street and was bullied at school for being thin and poorly dressed. Her half-sister Oksana was born with autism and cerebral palsy, requiring significant care during childhood. Another half-sister, Jennifer Burns (born Maria Mashinka), was placed for adoption in the United States as a baby and later reunited with the family through a DNA test.

Vodianova began pursuing a modeling career at age 16. After being discovered by a scout, she moved to Paris and signed with Viva Models. She built an international career working with photographers Mario Testino and Annie Leibovitz, appearing in publications including Vogue, Vanity Fair, and Interview. She was featured on the cover of American Vogue in September 2004 alongside Gisele Bündchen and Daria Werbowy, later appearing as a solo cover model in July 2007.

Throughout her career, Vodianova worked extensively with fashion houses including Guerlain and Stella McCartney. In 2009, she began a multi-year collaboration designing seasonal collections for the French lingerie brand Etam under the label Natalia pour Etam. Her work also expanded into acting, featuring roles in the films Clash of the Titans (2010) and Belle du Seigneur (2012).

Inspired to take action following the Beslan school hostage crisis, Vodianova founded the Naked Heart Foundation. The philanthropic organization focuses on supporting children with special needs and building inclusive play environments in Russia. Motivated by her sister Oksana, she advocates for people with disabilities, drawing international attention in 2015 after Oksana was asked to leave a café in Nizhny Novgorod. That same year, Vodianova co-founded Elbi, a digital charitable platform.

Vodianova's work has earned various awards. Harper's Bazaar named her "Inspiration of the Year" in 2010, and she received the DVF Inspiration Award in 2013. In 2014, she was honored as a Glamour Woman of the Year. Through the Special Olympics, she supported the 2014 European Games and 2015 World Games. As a UNFPA goodwill ambassador, she works to bridge fashion and technology while addressing discrimination faced by women and girls.

Vodianova was married to British property heir Justin Portman from 2001 until their 2011 divorce; they have two sons and a daughter. She later began a relationship with Antoine Arnault, CEO of Berluti, with whom she has two sons. The couple married on 21 June 2020 at a Paris city council. They reside in Paris, where Vodianova announced her sixth pregnancy on the cover of Vogue France in May 2026.