About
Natalia Vodianova, affectionately nick-named “Supernova,” is a Russian-born supermodel, entrepreneur and tireless philanthropist. Raised in Nizhny Novgorod (formerly Gorky) and discovered by the fashion world while still a teenager, she has spent more than two decades fronting campaigns for the likes of Calvin Klein, Louis Vuitton and, most recently, Ferragamo’s Spring/Summer 2024 collection. Forbes once listed her among the world’s top-earning models, and models.com ranks her in its exclusive “New Supers” cohort. Beyond runways and glossy covers, Vodianova champions social causes: she established the Naked Heart Foundation to build inclusive play spaces and services for children with special needs, sits on the Special Olympics International Board, and was appointed a UNFPA Goodwill Ambassador in 2021. Her professional and charitable achievements continue to intertwine, making her one of fashion’s most visible humanitarians.
Before Fame
Life began far from catwalk glamour. Growing up in a modest Soviet-era neighborhood, Natalia helped her mother sell fruit at street stalls to make ends meet. Caring for her half-sister Oksana, who has autism, nurtured an early sense of responsibility and empathy that later inspired her foundation. At 15 she enrolled in a local modeling course, and a visiting Paris scout invited her to audition. Within a year she moved to France, signed with Viva Models, and by 17 was powering down runways for Givenchy, Yves Saint Laurent and Chanel. Industry insiders were captivated by her clear blue eyes, serene confidence and the blend of vulnerability and strength she brought to every shoot—an arresting presence that made her career take off at lightning speed.
Trivia
- The “Supernova” nickname reflects both her explosive rise and enduring brilliance in a notoriously fickle business.
- A regular distance runner, she has completed multiple charity half-marathons and auctions her race bibs for children’s causes.
- Tech-savvy, she co-founded ELBI, an app that turns social-media “likes” into micro-donations for global charities.
- In February 2024 she was the sole face of Ferragamo’s sleek eyewear story, photographed by Vanina Sorrenti—proof that her commercial pull spans generations.
- Ahead of the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025, she fronted a Vespa charity auction, raising funds with hand-painted scooters and helmets.
Family Life
Natalia’s personal story reads like a modern fairy tale seasoned with hard-earned resilience. She and British real-estate heir Justin Portman celebrated a civil ceremony in 2001 and a lavish St. Petersburg blessing the following year, welcoming sons Lucas (2001) and Viktor (2007) and daughter Neva (2006). The pair parted ways in 2011. In 2012 she began a relationship with Antoine Arnault—chairman of Loro Piana and son of LVMH founder Bernard Arnault—and the couple now share sons Maxim (2014) and Roman (2016). They quietly wed at a Paris city hall in June 2020 after postponing a larger celebration due to the pandemic. Home base is the French capital, but closer ties to her Russian roots remain strong; Vodianova frequently returns to Nizhny Novgorod for foundation projects and recently reconnected with a long-lost half-sister through DNA testing.
Associated With
- As chair of Naked Heart France, she collaborates with PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaïfi on the annual “Paris For Good” gala, bringing together athletes like Marquinhos and Ousmane Dembélé alongside fashion insiders for inclusive-play fundraising.
- Designer Maximilian Davis cast her as his single muse for Ferragamo’s Spring 2024 imagery, underscoring her cross-generational style relevance.
- On the Special Olympics board she works with chairman Tim Shriver, advocating for athletes with intellectual disabilities worldwide.
- Within the LVMH family circle she often appears at events beside Delphine and Alexandre Arnault, reflecting both business ties and family bonds.
- Her philanthropic platform ELBI has partnered with stars such as Karlie Kloss and Diane von Furstenberg to gamify giving and expand micro-charity culture.