NATALIA VODIANOVA

In episode seven of Creative Conversations, Suzy is joined by the philanthropist and supermodel, Natalia Vodianova.

Her story is a fairy tale – with a mighty dollop of reality and grit. Growing up in Russia, she helped her mother sell fruit in the market; looked after her sister, who has special needs; and hobbled through a childhood in which her family could not afford to buy new shoes for her growing feet.

Then, as in all the best stories, she became a model in her teens, married a British aristocrat, and was all set for her happy ever after.

It was during the terrible Beslan massacre, when terrorists seized a Russian school, when she had the realisation that her life – glamorous but empty – needed an opportunity to give back.

Her new path of philanthropy was born with the Naked Heart Foundation, which she established to build playgrounds and parks for abandoned, orphaned, disabled and special needs children across Russia and giving hope and support to despairing families.

Photographed by the world’s greatest talents and still in demand as a perennial supermodel, Natalia’s Fabulous Fund Fairs continue to support children in need, while other energetic projects include co-founding the Elbi app, for micro donations to a host of charities, and Flo – a women’s health platform.

Natalia met her fiancé, Antoine Arnault, on the set of a 2008 Louis Vuitton campaign. They plan to marry this summer, Coronavirus willing. She is looking after the kids’ role in the party, while Antoine is arranging the grown-up aspects.

And the wedding dress? Natalia confided in me the inspiration behind the design, but you will have to listen to this podcast to find out exactly what!

Produced by Natasha Cowan.
Edited by Tim Thornton.
Music by @joergzuber.
Graphics by Paul Wallis.
Production Assistance by Lauren Sweeting.
Support for the Creative Conversations podcast comes from the Condé Nast Luxury Conference.
To find Suzy's articles visit vogue.co.uk/fashion/suzy-menkes
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