Natalia Vodianova
Natalia Vodianova
Natalia Mikhailovna Vodianova, nicknamed Supernova, is a Russian model, philanthropist and occasional film actress. She is well known for her rags to riches life story and for her eight-season, seven-figure contract with Calvin Klein. In 2012, she came in third on the Forbes top-earning models list, estimated to have earned $8.6 million in one year. Vodianova is currently ranked by models.com as one of the New Supers in the fashion industry. Vodianova is founder of the Naked Heart Foundation, a philanthropic...
NationalityRussian
ProfessionModel
Date of Birth28 February 1982
CountryRussian Federation
I raised my sister. I was six when she was born. My mother had to make a living for herself and it was very hard, so I was looking after my sister, cooking and cleaning, and she had four jobs.
It's better to be skinny than to be fat.
I live a very different life now, with incredible privileges, but looking back I realise that growing up in Russia gave me tools that other people don't necessarily have - such as the will to push that bit further, to make things happen, to succeed.
When I was a teenager, I remember I wanted to put so much makeup on - it was just a natural thing over there. Why they do it, I guess, is because historically, there were twice as many women as there were men after the World War II.
My appearance gave me access to a particular kind of world and I'm really grateful for it.
We all have our own purpose in life and I feel very strongly that I have a bigger purpose than giving to just my immediate family and friends.
I don't mind being called 'Supernova.' If one nickname is going to stick, that's not a bad one!
I learnt early to have little expectation so I protected myself from ever feeling greatly disappointed.
I wear fragrance when I feel that just makeup is not enough. I'm not someone who uses it daily, but when I do, I feel so proud that I remembered and almost like I treated myself because I work really hard.
Finding out I was pretty was a very nice realisation.
As a child I really didn't like men at all, in fact.
When you become a mother, you think less about yourself and care more about the world.
When I remember my life in Russia it is in totally dark colours.
My childhood gave me resilience - and there's little that can surprise me in life.