Women We Love: Natalia Vodianova

Natalia Vodianova and Karl Lagerfeld. Photo: Getty Images.

Walking runways in Paris, attending exclusive red carpet events and shooting covers for some of the world’s biggest fashion magazines are all in a days work for Russian supermodel Natalia Vodianova.

Yet amid the glitz and glamour Vodianova is anything but a diva, devoting her life to a passion outside the fast-paced fashion world.

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Since 2004, the 31-yr-old mother of three has worked gallantly to improve the lives of disabled children in her homeland Russia. Growing up with a sister who suffered from both autism and cerebral palsy, Vodianova has experienced first-hand the negative stigma attached to the handicapped and underprivileged in Russian society.

In order to raise money for the cause, Vodianova hosted the fifth and highly coveted, annual Love Ball in Monte Carlo on July 27. The star-studded event was attended by the likes of U2 singer Bono, tennis star Novak Djokovich and Chanel designer Karl Lagerfield, raising an impressive five million dollars for her charity, the Naked Heart Foundation.

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Since Vodianova founded the NHF nine years ago, they have opened 100 play facilities across Russia that are specifically designed for children with disabilities. The parks are intended to provide a safe environment for all children and to promote positive discussion about the issue in every neighbourhood. The charity also works towards building Family Support Centres and providing increased services and funding to families struggling with a disabled child.

See the October issue of marie claire for an in-depth interview on Vodianova and coverage of the Love Ball.