Natalia Vodianova
Natalia Vodianova is a Russian model, philanthropist, and film actress who is globally recognized for her work in the fashion industry. She has successfully transitioned from a challenging early life to becoming one of the most sought-after supermodels of her time, and later ventured into acting, and humanitarian work. Throughout her illustrious career, Vodianova has been hailed for her commitment to excellence and her dedication to social causes.
Vodianova’s career in the fashion industry has been remarkable, with her striding on some of the world’s most high-profile runways for prominent brands such as Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, and Calvin Klein. She first became prominent in the industry when she signed with Viva Models at age 17, but it was her role as the face of Calvin Klein’s Euphoria perfume line that solidified her standing. In addition to her success on the catwalk and in print, Vodianova took a foray into acting, making her debut in the 2010 film “Belle du Seigneur”, where she played the role of Solal’s lover.
Throughout her career, Vodianova has had the opportunity to work alongside an array of distinguished personalities, ranging from fashion industry icons to Hollywood celebrities. She has been photographed by the likes of Mario Testino and Steven Meisel, graced numerous Vogue covers, and collaborated with fashion designers such as Tom Ford, Yves Saint Laurent, and Stella McCartney. In her acting career, she starred opposite Jonathan Rhys Meyers in “Belle du Seigneur.” Vodianova’s career in fashion and film has seen her rub shoulders with other stars such as Jude Law, Adriana Lima, and Uma Thurman, to name a few.
Vodianova’s dedication and contributions to her craft have not gone unnoticed. Her breakthrough Calvin Klein campaign led to her receiving the Model of the Year award at the 2002 VH1/Vogue Fashion Awards. Later, in 2017, she was recognized by Harper’s Bazaar UK with their Philanthropist of the Year award, a testament to her relentless work towards social causes. Forbes also recognized her influence, ranking her among the highest-paid models in the world, and in 2020, she was awarded the Global Changemakers Award by the Green Carpet Fashion Awards for her charity work.
Away from the runway and the silver screen, Vodianova has dedicated a significant portion of her life to philanthropy and advocacy. She founded the Naked Heart Foundation in 2004, an organization aimed at helping children with special needs. In the animal welfare sector, while not a direct advocate, she supports sustainable fashion and has endorsed brands that uphold animal rights, such as Stella McCartney, a known advocate for animal rights who refuses to use leather and fur in her designs.