One of the most successful Russian supermodels, Natalia Vodianova, has long become a modern style icon, whose images are followed by more than 2.5 million subscribers on Instagram alone. A fatal beauty on the catwalk and a romantic girl in everyday life: we tell you what she looks like in real life and what she cannot imagine her basic wardrobe without.
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Posted by Natalia Vodianova (@natasupernova) Feb 20, 2020 at 6:35 PST
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Posted by Natalia Vodianova (@natasupernova) Feb 25, 2020 at 7:30 PST
The famous designer Karl Lagerfeld once said that Natalia Vodianova has an ideal appearance for the fashion industry: depending on the image and makeup, she can look both sexy and innocent, although during photo shoots and fashion shows she most often tries on the image of a glamorous diva with perfect hairstyle, bright makeup and outfits that highlight all the advantages of her figure.
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Posted by Natalia Vodianova (@natasupernova) Jun 19, 2020 at 8:01 PDT
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Posted by Natalia Vodianova (@natasupernova) Dec 5, 2020 at 11:17 PST
The model herself admits that she doesn’t spend much time on her appearance in life, preferring to do other important things - work, family and charity, and says that most of all she loves relaxed looks, careless hairstyles and an almost complete absence of makeup.
Photo: East News
Photo: East News
For many years now, Natalia’s main clothes for the warm season have been light dresses with floral prints that remind her of Russia, and in winter and autumn they are replaced by midi skirts, sweatshirts, classic coats, trench coats, cardigans and always comfortable shoes - preferably flat ones sole or with a small heel.
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Posted by Natalia Vodianova (@natasupernova) May 16, 2020 at 4:59 PDT
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Posted by Natalia Vodianova (@natasupernova) July 18, 2020 at 7:15 PDT
After Natalia Vodianova dyed her hair blonde, more pastel shades appeared in her wardrobe, although at official events and parties she most often appears in red dresses, both long and as short as possible, which she always complements with necklaces, bracelets and other jewelry with precious stones.
Photo: East News
Photo: East News
Sometimes a model chooses glamorous looks for everyday life and goes out in public in strict trouser suits, fur coats, pencil skirts or romantic dresses that go perfectly with high-heeled sandals and monochrome accessories, but quickly gets tired of such outfits and returns to the usual relaxed style, which, according to her, she likes much more than couture pieces.
Photo: East News
Read even more news about the lives of stars on our Instagram account.
Natalia Vodianova: “I had no ambitions, I lived for today”
“Sit down next to me,” Natalia Vodianova invites me to the silk-upholstered sofa, who a few seconds ago was carefully looking at the screen of her smartphone. I comply while she stirs the coffee, tapping the spoon loudly against the edges of the cup. We meet in Paris, on the Champs Elysees, in the living room of a Guerlain boutique, a brand for which Natalia has been the face of since 2008. The 34-year-old model is wearing a short dress with a full pastel skirt and ballet flats on her feet. Her makeup is subtle and her jewelry includes a diamond ring and a pair of gold earrings with aquamarines that sparkle as brightly as her eyes. Vodianova looks like a teenager: I can’t believe that she is the mother of four children: 14-year-old Lucas, 10-year-old Neva, 8-year-old Victor (from her first marriage to English aristocrat Justin Portman - their union broke up five years ago. - Note: Grazia)
and one and a half year old Maxim
(father - French businessman Antoine Arnault. - Note: Grazia)
. “How do you manage to stay forever young?” - I ask, and my voice betrays sincere surprise, but without a hint of flattery or, even worse, envy. “Perhaps because I always feel very happy,” Natalya answers, taking a sip of coffee. “I feel even younger than when I was 19.” Then I had to fight to survive. Now I work for the benefit of other people. And this is a completely different matter."
During our meeting, it becomes clear: the popular comparison of the girl’s amazing fate with the story of “Cinderella who arrived from Russia” does not entirely correspond to reality. Yes, that’s right, Vodianova had a difficult childhood: she grew up without a father, took care of her sister Oksana with developmental disabilities, and at the age of 16 she helped her mother make ends meet by selling fruit from a street stand in Nizhny Novgorod. But unlike her “prototype,” Natalya did not need Prince Charming in order to end poverty, become one of the most sought-after models and engage in large-scale charitable projects. Her fairy tale is modern and came true only thanks to her own efforts. That's why she received the nickname Supernova, by which her Instagram followers also know her.
What comes to mind when you remember the beginning of your international career as a top model?
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It's like going from black and white to color. Leaving a small town in the former Soviet Union and ending up in Paris, London, New York is an amazing experience, but at the same time a huge challenge. I remember the strong psychological fatigue that I felt since childhood. I didn’t even really have ambitions or dreams—I lived for today.
Has much changed now?
All. My perception of the world and plans became different. One day I realized that success opens doors, helps to implement projects and make life easier for those less fortunate than me. That's when I really started thinking about the future.
This year your Naked Heart Foundation turns twelve years old. How did you get started?
In 2004, after the tragedy in Beslan: more than three hundred hostages died during the siege of a school. I couldn't sit still. I thought that for a child, any joyful moment is a gift, especially necessary during difficult periods. This is how the idea of creating playgrounds arose - to date we have already built one hundred and fifty-eight. And the first of them was opened in my native Nizhny Novgorod.
By the way, about the city. Last summer, it was there that your sister Oksana, who suffers from autism, became the victim of blatant intolerance...
Yes, the owner of the cafe, where she went with her nanny for a soft drink, kicked her out of the establishment, accusing her of allegedly scaring customers.
How did you cope with it?
While I was in the grip of emotions, I wanted to insult him back. But, having calmed down, I realized that such actions would lead nowhere. The very fact of public coverage of the story made that man persona non grata throughout Russia. At least for a while.
Is that how the story ends?
No. As soon as the opportunity arose, I came to Nizhny Novgorod with the children and invited the owner of the cafe and his family to have tea with us.
Should I have some tea?
Yes, and then together we visited a center for helping children with mental and physical problems founded by the Naked Heart Foundation. It seemed to me that resolving the conflict peacefully was the only right way out. Even Oksana, who was nervous at first in the presence of this man, gradually calmed down and began to smile.
Your sons and daughter are growing up in prosperity, their childhood is different from yours. Having witnessed the events you described, did they see that there was another reality?
I strive to involve them in charitable activities as often as possible. But at the same time, I don’t want to make them feel guilty, since they were lucky enough to grow up in a calm environment without financial difficulties.
You have maintained a strong connection to Russia, but now live in Paris, a city that is still mourning those killed in the terrorist attacks in November. How did you react to this terrible event?
A very difficult topic... I am reminded of a wonderful message published by the husband of one of the victims. Despite the fact that the man was beside himself with grief, he wrote the following appeal to the terrorists: “You took the love of my life from me, but you will not get my hatred, you will not force me to sink to the ignorance that turned you into what you are.” There is". His words make each of us think.
I CONSIDER IT AS MY DUTY TO HELP THOSE WHO ARE LESS LUCKY THAN ME
What exactly?
Albert Einstein said that the world is a dangerous place, not because of evildoers, but because of those who stand by and do nothing. In moments of despair and pain, one cannot abstract oneself from suffering. And those who have not been touched by the misfortune, who can soberly assess the situation, must roll up their sleeves and make a contribution as much as they can. This is what gave impetus to the implementation of my new project - Elbi.
Tell us about it.
This is a mobile application (currently available only in the US and UK. - Note: Grazia)
, which allows you to fund charities by donating even just a dollar or a pound. Game design - just click a button to support the project. I am sure that many small actions can ultimately bring big results. Here's the basic idea.
You are an excellent speaker. Have you ever thought about going into politics?
No. Indeed, in our time, when information spreads very quickly, you do not need to occupy a significant position in order to be heard. We are all capable of influencing the decisions of officials if we join forces, albeit small ones. In addition, staying outside the state system, it is more convenient to contact people directly - and there is much more freedom here.
In light of the above, it is interesting to know what significance does working in the modeling business have for you now?
Big. First of all, it provides me with financial independence, which I value. It gives me the opportunity to meet amazing, very talented people - they inspire me and support my projects. Fashion is a very influential and positive industry that is essential to the development of my endeavors.
It must also help you just take your mind off things?
Certainly. Thanks to her, I don’t forget about my femininity and can go about everyday activities with a smile. Because, I assure you, charity is completely devoid of glamor, and the main work (including the fight against bureaucracy, which can be very difficult) goes beyond the framework of spectacular fundraising events (such as the Fabulous Fund Fair, which just recently The second time was held in London. - Note: Grazia).
And nothing goes unnoticed: in addition to numerous awards, you have earned the honor of appearing on the pages of the Pirelli 2016 calendar along with other outstanding women. Are you proud of it?
Very! It has always been a great pleasure for me to work with photographer Annie Leibovitz, but this shoot is truly exceptional, completely different from the previous ones. She's special.
“Just like you,” I want to say in response. I remember our last interview with Vodianova in 2009. When asked if she is afraid of old age, Natalya answered unequivocally: “No.” And she continued: “Do you know why? It will be easier to get people to take me seriously.” Now, seven years later, one can safely object to her: kindness does not need wrinkles to be respected. Vodianova is living proof of this. Perhaps this is her secret?
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Natalia Vodianova: “Fate gives every person a chance!”
She is called the Nizhny Novgorod Cinderella - the model’s biography really resembles a fairy tale
Many still do not understand: Vodianova’s dizzying career as a supermodel is an accidental whim of fate or the result of her own efforts? Apparently, both worked, plus luck.
Natalia Vodianova was born in Nizhny Novgorod on February 28, 1982. Her family lived like many Russian families - practically below the poverty line. Every day there was an endless struggle for survival. Mom raised the future celebrity and her sisters, Oksana and Christina, one of whom was disabled as a child. In order to somehow make ends meet, Natalya went to work since childhood - she helped her mother sell fruit at the market. She had to carry heavy boxes and take care of her sick sister.
Natasha did poorly at school, but not because she lacked the ability - she simply had no time. She later recalled: “I didn’t have a dream, but a desire. One huge wish. I wanted this unbearable struggle for existence to finally end. These everyday thoughts about how and what to live the next day. What to eat, what to wear, where to get money for the bus.”
“There was nothing to lose”
Everything changed at the age of 15, when Natalya, on the advice of a friend, began working in a modeling agency. She never thought about a serious career as a model; she was rarely invited to significant events. There was no sign that the agency would become the first step on the ladder to success for the girl.
But one day the Parisian agency “Viva” organized a casting, Moscow photographer Alexey Vasiliev noticed Natasha, and they became interested in her. I received an offer to work in Europe.
She didn’t hesitate for a minute when signing the contract. “I took my ticket,” she recalls, “and was not at all afraid of the future. I simply had nothing to lose. I was in a position where nothing could get worse, so I only expected the best.”
At first, things weren’t easy: she wasn’t a good fit for the Viva agency, and she didn’t like the other one. The first year was difficult, she earned $100 a week. She had to travel from end to end of the city, but she stubbornly showed up at every casting. At the end of 2000, Vodianova starred in two photo shoots. One was published in The Face magazine, where the famous Felix Lammers was the photographer. Then another series appeared, under the title “Lolita 2001”. The image of a seductive girl has become Vodianova’s calling card. Since then, the wave of proposals has only been increasing. Natasha participated in fashion weeks in Milan, Paris and London. She became a real star, life turned into a fairy tale.
Many people think she was just lucky. Yes, she herself doesn’t really argue with this: “Fate really gives every person a chance. Chances of serious change. About once every five years, I think. But not everyone knows how to recognize them.”
Natalya Vodyanova. Photo from the VKontakte fan community
Marry a prince
The story of Cinderella, of course, would be incomplete without the prince. At a Parisian party, Natalya met art collector Justin Portman. The 33-year-old English aristocrat had no idea that he would meet his future wife at the reception. This is how Natalya recalls the meeting: “Justin was flirting with my friend at the other end of the table, and when he came up to me, I answered him rather rudely. In fact, I was drunk, but so was he, so we just yelled at each other for two hours. The crowd laughed. Friends joked about Justin, allegedly, he had finally found a wife.”
The next day, Justin called Natalia and asked her out on a date. They started dating. Soon Natasha went to a photo shoot in Africa, and returned in an interesting situation.
Justin was next to Natalia at the time of the birth of his first child; their son Lucas was born in London. And six weeks after giving birth, Vodianova returned to the podium. Motherhood did not affect the supermodel's appearance; she again began to look like a teenager.
The wedding took place after Lucas was born. The couple admits that they officially registered their relationship so that their son would become the Portman heir. Soon two more children appeared in this marriage - daughter Neva and son Victor.
Natalia Vodianova with Justin Portman and children. Photo from satya topcelebs.ru
Men and money
At first, marriage to Lord Portman was not such a commercially unprofitable enterprise for Natalia. Together with her husband, the model received an estate in West Sussex, mansions in London and Uruguay and a huge penthouse in the center of New York. True, soon Vodianova herself was able to afford everything her heart desired. In 2003, she was ranked among the 300 richest people in Britain with an income of £3.6 million.
Immediately after the birth of his first child, Portman gave up on his career and became “Mr. Natalia,” as he was called in the social circle. According to Vodianova, for centuries none of the Portmans thought of making money through their labor, so she ended up being the first working member of the family. Justin began to stay at home more and more often. It was rumored that the baronet was fond of gambling and alcohol, and the family’s well-being rested only on Natalya’s earnings.
Soon the couple announced a divorce, and Natalya met French billionaire Antoine Arnault. With a new man, Vodianova can finally stop counting her money and start spending other people's.
Natalya Vodyanova. Photo from the VKontakte fan community
There is never too much happiness
Just recently, news appeared online that Natalia Vodianova is pregnant again. The public learned about this from her mother, who let it slip to journalists - she spoke about her daughter’s toxicosis, which she “eats” with pickles.
A little later, the model herself commented on her interesting situation, publishing a post online: “We are expecting a new baby in May next year, and all our relatives are excited.”
Future dad Antoine Arnault also did not hide his emotions: “We so badly wanted to give a brother or sister to Natalia’s three wonderful children, and now our wish comes true! We're having a baby next year!!! The fourth for Natalia, but the first for me..."
Natalya Vodyanova. Photo from the VKontakte fan community
The world of her unique beauty
Her fragility is the result of self-discipline and daily work on herself. For example, in the morning a model drinks hot water with lemon - such water smoothly awakens the body. Next, Natalya drinks a lot of water and after a couple of hours - a cup of natural coffee.
The model once loved yoga, then switched to morning exercises. By the way, she advises everyone to simply listen to the needs of the body: if yoga is needed, then it’s worth doing it, but if not, go for walking or swimming.
In everyday life, the star prefers naturalness. She doesn't like it when there is a lot of makeup on her face. By nature, she inherited porcelain-colored skin, which allows her to create unusual images. However, Vodianova simply applies a thin layer of foundation. The model rarely uses blush, does not accentuate her eyes, and make-up artists apply smoky makeup to her only for filming.
Vodianova uses brown eyeliner, mascara and beige eye shadow. In makeup, the dominant role is given to the lips, painting them in a bright red shade. Genetics helps her stay slim, but the lion's share of the credit for this goes to the model herself. She strictly monitors her health and constantly exercises. Running plays a central role in her life. She also advises everyone to monitor their metabolism - you need to build your diet correctly and eat when you are really hungry.
In general, Vodianova believes that the appearance of any woman is the whole world. And every woman knows what she needs to always be beautiful.
Natalia Vodianova for the September issue of the English magazine Harper's Bazaar. Photo from the site woman.ru
Femininity and tenderness of the image
The main features of her image are femininity and tenderness, childlike fragility and mature sexuality. Even those who don’t like her, considering her face simple-minded and herself an exaggerated standard of beauty, admit that Vodianova’s style is impeccable. She herself has always considered and still considers the style of Marlene Dietrich to be ideal - the image of the top model of the fifties is her favorite. She chooses flowy dresses, mid-calf skirts and high heels.
Natalya skillfully emphasizes her sexuality with a daring neckline and a wide belt at the waist. For everyday wear, the model chooses comfortable things - usually jeans, a leather jacket, or a simple T-shirt.
She doesn't wear too much jewelry, but she admits that she has one weakness - diamonds. And yet, overloading the image with bright details is not about her. As a rule, she chooses one piece of jewelry - a bracelet or a watch.
Street style of Natalia Vodianova
The model prefers to be on her own, the main thing is not to be like others, she is not afraid to look funny and can appear in public in the same thing more than once. The main thing in her street style looks is naturalness. She is not afraid to combine dresses with boots similar to men's ones. Most of all he prefers skinny jeans, a cozy cardigan, cashmere sweaters and loose-fitting T-shirts.
In everyday life, the girl practically does not wear makeup, and her hair is always loose, even slightly disheveled and only of a natural color.
