Girl Crush! Natalia Vodianova

Natalia Vodianova's first cover of American Vogue with models Daria Werbowy (left) and Gisele Bundchen (right). September 2004. Photo by Steven Meisel.

I remember when gorgeous Russian model  Natalia Vodianove debuted in the modeling world. Doe-eyed and innocent, she looked like a sweet little Precious Moments doll. I think the pivotal moment of her career was in 2004, when she shared her first American Vogue cover with Daria Werbowy and Gisele.   The photo, by Steven Meisel, was stunning and the makeup, by Pat McGrath was luminous and breathtaking. My best friend and I obsessed over that cover in high school. Daria was always my favorite and Natalia was hers. 

Photo by Paolo Roversi

Vodianova is a perfect archetype of a real-life Cinderella. Before her modeling career took off, the teenager used to sell fruit on the street with her single mother in Russia. Determined to leave the life of poverty behind her, the 15-year-old enrolled in a modeling academy, learned English in three months, and signed with Viva models in Paris two years later.

Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer 2008 ad campaign. Photo by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott.

Since then, Vodianova became one of the most sought-after models in the world, founded a successful charity for poor Russian children, and married a billionaire British property heir.

Above: In American Vogue. July 2007. Photo by Mario Testino

It's been fun to watch Vodianova's transformation from Bambi-like runway model to sex kitten editorial powerhouse and budding actress. Her famous blue eyes killed (literally) as Medusa in Clash of the Titans, and she also stars in the upcoming flick Belle de Signeur. The world class philanthropist and society darling is a front row fixture at all the best fashion shows and counts some of the biggest celebs as her nearest and dearest friends. And despite all of her extra endeavors, her modeling career is still on fire: the supermodel has current contracts with Etam, Calvin Klein, Guerlain, Stella McCartney and Givenchy.



Etam Lingerie. Spring/Summer 2010

In High Fashion magazine. August 2000.

Chanel Beauty Spring 2008 ad campaign.

Louis Vuitton Fall/Winter 2010 ad campaign with Christy Turlington (right) and Karen Elson (middle). Photo by Steven Meisel.

On the cover of Love Magazine Spring/Summer 2010. Photo by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott

On the cover of Vogue Korea.  Photo by Steven Meisel.

With models Amber Valetta (left) and Linda Evangelista (right)

At the Harper's Bazaar Women of the Year party in 2010

On the cover of Vogue Russia. March 2008. Photo by Steven Meisel.

February 23, 2010. Hosting the Love Ball London for her charity, 

The Naked Heart Foundation.

Above: On the cover of British Vogue. June 2009. Photo by Mario Testino.

At Vogue Paris' 90th Anniversary Masquerade Ball, September 30, 2010.
 

As Marisa Berenson in "The Great Pretender" editorial in American Vogue. May 2009. Photo by Steven Meisel.

Above: Calvin Klein Euphoria Fall/Winter 2009 ad campaign. Photo by Steven Meisel.

Above: In "Dream Girl" editorial. Vogue China. May 2010. Photo by Patrick Demarchelier.

Front row with Vogue editor Anna Wintour at 

Christopher Kane's Spring/Summer 2010 fashion show.

On the cover of Vogue Italia. April 2008. Photo by Steven Meisel.