Natalia Vodianova Biography: Husband, Age, Children, Net Worth, Height, Career, Foundation, Movies

Natalia Mikhailovna Vodianova, nicknamed Supernova, is a Russian supermodel, philanthropist, and United Nations Goodwill Ambassador, celebrated for her remarkable journey from poverty to global fashion icon.

She rose to prominence in the early 2000s, walking over 175 runways for brands like Chanel, Gucci, and Dior, and gracing more than 80 Vogue covers, a record unmatched in the industry.

Beyond modeling, Vodianova founded the Naked Heart Foundation in 2004 to support children with disabilities, inspired by her sister Oksana’s autism and cerebral palsy.

Profile

• Full Name: Natalia Mikhailovna Vodianova
• Stage Name: Supernova
• Born: February 28, 1982
• Age: 43 years old
• Birthplace: Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
• Nationality: Russian
• Occupation: Supermodel, Philanthropist, Entrepreneur, United Nations Goodwill Ambassador
• Height: 1.76 m
• Parents: Larisa Vodianova, Mikhail Vodianov
• Siblings: Oksana Kusakina, Kristina Kusakina, Jennifer Burns
• Spouse: Antoine Arnault (m. 2020), Justin Portman (m. 2001–2011)
• Children: Lucas Portman, Neva Portman, Viktor Portman, Maxim Arnault, Roman Arnault
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $50 million USD

Early Life and Education

Natalia Mikhailovna Vodianova was born on February 28, 1982, in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia, to Larisa Vodianova, and Mikhail Vodianov. She grew up in poverty with two younger half-sisters, Oksana and Kristina Kusakina, and a third half-sister, Jennifer Burns, who was adopted and raised in the U.S.

Oksana has autism and cerebral palsy, shaping Vodianova’s advocacy for disability rights. Facing financial hardship, she left school at 15 to sell fruit on the streets with her mother.

She briefly attended a local modeling school but has no formal higher education. Her ethnicity is Russian with Mordovian (Erzya) heritage, and practices Christianity.

Career

Natalia Vodianova began her modeling career at 15, enrolling in a local modeling school in Nizhny Novgorod. At 17, she signed with Viva Models in Paris after a scout from Moscow spotted her.

Her breakthrough came in 1999 when Jean-Paul Gaultier awarded her second place in a competition, leading to her debut at New York Fashion Week in 2002 for Gucci, Chanel, and Yves Saint Laurent. By 2003, she became the face of Calvin Klein, launching her into stardom.

Her early 2000s dominance, alongside models like Anne Vyalitsyna, earned the era the title “the three Vs.” She appeared on her first U.S. Vogue cover in 2004, cementing her status.

Vodianova’s career peaked with campaigns for Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, Guerlain, and Stella McCartney, and she walked for Dior, Versace, and Balmain. In 2012, she ranked third on Forbes’ top-earning models list with $8.6 million.

She designed lingerie for Etam (2009–2012) and appeared in Pirelli Calendars (2003–2015). Her philanthropy grew with the Naked Heart Foundation, founded in 2004, which has built over 200 inclusive playgrounds in Russia.

She expanded into tech, investing in apps like Flo and PicsArt, and launched a furniture line with Made.com in 2017, with proceeds supporting her foundation.

In recent years, Vodianova remains a fashion and philanthropy powerhouse. In 2021, she was named a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador for UNFPA, advocating for women’s reproductive health and destigmatizing menstruation through campaigns like “Let’s Talk About It. Period.”

She walked for Ulyana Sergeenko’s Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2025 show and appeared in CR Fashion Book’s Fall/Winter 2024 cover. Her tech investments, including e-gree and Little Tummy, reflect her entrepreneurial drive.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @natasupernova
• Facebook Handle: Natalia Vodianova
• Twitter Handle: @NataSupernova

Personal Life

Natalia Vodianova married British aristocrat Justin Portman in 2001 at age 19, and they had three children: Lucas (born 2001), Neva (born 2006), and Viktor (born 2007). The couple divorced in 2011.

She began dating Antoine Arnault, CEO of Berluti and son of LVMH’s Bernard Arnault, in 2011, and they married in 2020 after a 2019 engagement. They have two sons, Maxim (born 2014) and Roman (born 2016).

Vodianova lives in Paris, balancing her career with motherhood and philanthropy.

Filmography

• CQ (2001) – Brigit
• Probka (2009) – Supporting Role
• Clash of the Titans (2010) – Medusa
• Belle du Seigneur (2012) – Ariane

Net Worth

Natalia Vodianova’s estimated net worth is around $50 million USD. Her wealth stems from her prolific modeling career, with high-profile contracts for Calvin Klein, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton, and earnings peaking at $8.6 million in 2012 per Forbes.

Additional income comes from her Etam lingerie line, tech investments in apps like Flo and PicsArt, and her Made.com furniture collaboration.