A top model, mother of five, philanthropic contributors on several fronts, she is also the new face of Messika high jewelry.
Who could have imagined such a life? Alexandre Dumas, perhaps the champion of the baroque epic populated by chivalrous characters. Or Pedro Almodovar, a great portraitist of personalities who sublimate misfortune. Or even Dostoyevsky, in which women save the world. It is certain that top model Natalya Vodianova’s career borrows all the attributes of a romantic. An existence full of twists and turns, encounters, coincidences that turned into gold every time, as an alchemist would.
All this should converge towards the only goal that Natalya has long set before herself, and which today she considers the ultimate provocation: to live in peace with others and herself, the idea of realization. What he does. It shows. She radiates, and when we ask her the secret of her beauty and freshness, she simply answers. “Happiness. I am happy and thank life. When I arrived in France at the age of 17, I did not think that my existence would be such a journey.
Its foundation
We know the beginning: her departure from Russia when she was still a minor, her contract with Viva Model Management, her fashion shows at the biggest houses, two marriages, five children whom she instills a sense of effort and sharing, her investments with business partner Timon Afinsky – in more than thirty successful start-ups such as FLO, an app used by ten million women that allows them to monitor their health from the first period to pregnancy, or the Augustinus Bader skin care line created by a German by specialist in rehabilitation medicine.
“All these activities are a way for me to carry out what is really close to my heart today – the development of the Bare Heart Foundation. It is thanks to the world of fashion and beauty that I was able to collect more than 70 million euros and invest them to help children with autism spectrum disorders. In 2004, Natalya Vodianova, who is already a mother, decided to create the bare heart.
Growing up with little means
The original idea was to build inclusive playgrounds where neurotypical children and children with special needs could play and interact safely. Ultimately, Natalia Vodianova built 215 kindergartens in 160 locations, developed educational programs, participated in the creation of specialized centers, provided direct support to more than 28,000 children and youth with special needs and their families, and trained more than 900 professionals. work with them.
“I know what it’s like to grow up with few resources and family dramas that prevent you from dreaming because all your energy is first used to organize your survival. Giving a child a space for play and freedom allows him to forget the reality he lives in for a moment.” At the beginning of its development in France, the association creates other programs to help children with autism and their parents.
“We are working, for example, on starting caregiver skills training (CST for Caregiver skills training). This program was developed by the World Health Organization in partnership with Autism Speaks to support families with young children with developmental disabilities or delays. CST builds on scientifically proven practices to improve parenting skills and overall family well-being. It is easily integrated into existing systems, thus allowing continuous training of professionals, while expanding access to parents, especially those whose children are not yet enrolled in the education system,” explains Natalia Vodianova, who adds that 700,000 people in France suffer from this autism. : spectrum disorders.
Marked with a disability
The model and entrepreneur knows this topic well because her sister Oksana is autistic. “My life has been marked by my sister’s disability and the difficulties my mother faced while raising her. When Oksana started attending the foundation, I could see her progress. At first he was shy and withdrawn. Today, he has gained independence, he has friends, he goes to movies and museums.” Natalya’s career is not built by clinging to crows.
My grandmother taught me everything: the value of work, the value of perseverance and resilience, and the strength we derive from love.
“It was my grandmother who taught me everything: the value of work, the value of endurance and resilience, and the strength we draw from the love we give and receive. He was extremely gifted at finding joy in the smallest things. Whenever I face moments of doubt or feel overwhelmed, I think of her. He made me understand that I should be persistent and never give up.”
Bold creations
In 2016, during the Fabulous Fund Fair, which was organized to raise funds for Naked Heart, Natalia Vodianova met jewelry designer Valery Mesika. Mutual love at first sight. Moreover, the top model has become the face of the new Messika high jewelry campaign.
“I love her bold and elegant designs with that perfect touch of Parisian chic. What I find special is how Valerie combines the beauty of diamonds with the immediate wearability. Beyond aesthetics, Messika is a brand based on values that are close to my heart: family heritage, innovation, respect for craftsmanship and the desire to offer beauty. When I was little, we lacked everything, but I remember begging my mother to get me a plastic ring. He answered: “It is better to have nothing than to have ugly and ordinary things.” My mother added. “Beauty comes from within anyway.” However, a little sparkle outside helps brighten any day.”
Source: Le Figaro
