Inspirational Model- Natalia Vadianova

Submitted by Mimi on Saturday, 25 April 200912 Comments

I get a bit teary every time I talk about the heartwarming story of Natalia Vadianova .
In case you don’t know who Natalia Vadianova is, she is a Russian born model who has achieved tremendous successes as a runway, editorial and advertising campaign model.
It all started in 1982 when Natalia was born in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia. She lived with her mom, her mom’s abusive boyfriend and two half sisters in very underprivileged conditions. At the age of 11 she was already helping her mom to sell fruits on the street.
In an attempt to help her family and break free from such horrific conditions, Natalia, along with many other young girls in her town, joined a modeling academy that was just opened in her city. One day during a casting an agent from France took an interest in her. However, since she didn’t speak a word of English he gave her an ultimatum to learn as much English as she can in 3 months, as it was part of the contract she would be signing. Being a very determined young girl Natalia didn’t waste time and did her best in that given time. All her efforts were appreciated and she successfully signed a deal with Viva Agency. As a result, she ended up moving to Paris at the age of 17. Soon after her modeling career took off she met Justin Trevor Berkeley Portman, a British real estate heir and soon after they got married. The couple has three children- Lucas, Neva, Viktor.
Starting a family didn’t stop her from continuing her modeling career. She has done it all, from Vogue covers to big-name fashion shows.

What do you think of Natalia? And is there anybody else in the fashion industry you want to get to know?

natalia-vodianova-model

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12 Comments »

janettaylor said:

She is so beautiful Russian lady! I adore that video! Thanks for sharing the great interwiew. Her children are adorable. Fabolous family! but her look so young!

XoXo

- 25 April 2009 at 1:51 pm

Leyla said:

Wow Mimi! I’ve heard of her story a couple of years ago, but have never actually seen what she looks like. What an inspirational story! A true fairy tale come to life! =) She seems to be such a sweetheart and she deserves it all. Her kids are so adorable, and I’m sure she’s going to give them everything that she didn’t have growing up… Beautiful woman, inside and out. Thanks for sharing!

- 25 April 2009 at 6:43 pm

Lidia said:

I really enjoyed the video.. it is nice to see how models are in real life. The stereotype is not always true! Thanks Mimi

- 25 April 2009 at 7:31 pm

Fashion CHALET said:

I love you for covering her. Always at my number one! Natalia is one daring beauty and so innocent too.

Mickey Mouse is my favorite cartoon haha, I’m still a little girl when it comes to him.

xo!

Happy Sunday

- 26 April 2009 at 4:19 pm

The Seeker said:

This is such a great post about her, my darling!!!
She’s beautiful inside and out like you gorgeous Mimi!!!

Thank you darling for your kind words on my blog. Well it has been a not so easy time, but I’ve surouded me with happy colours trying to be positive because I could not be on my corner, being full of pity of myself. Hubby needed me with a good mood… I think you understand me dear…

OH my… what a scary experience dear!!!! I’m glad you’re all ok and that the tornado didn’t catch you!!!

But Sister was complaining today of the bad weather also.

Hope you’ll have a nice working week, dear.

Lots of love and hugs

xoxo

- 26 April 2009 at 5:23 pm

vicky said:

Truly inspirational woman! thanks for sharing her story with us:)

- 26 April 2009 at 9:28 pm

Jules said:

She’s so pretty..;D
Great post as always.looking forward on your next post.;D
Have a wonderful day.

http://www.soloden.com

- 26 April 2009 at 9:45 pm

joelyne said:

i love her quote! it’s so true!

joelyne
xxx
http://www.thesydneygirl.blogspot.com

- 26 April 2009 at 11:30 pm

Solo said:

Great post of her..And she look so young.=)

http://www.solofoodtrip.com

- 27 April 2009 at 3:07 am

solomon said:

She’s so unique! And her beautiful penetrating eyes!!! Thanks for sharing this really Cinderella story with us, Mimi!

P.S. Where can I read about the scary storm, etc. ?

- 27 April 2009 at 6:28 am

silje said:

She is beautiful and unique!

- 27 April 2009 at 3:00 pm

Macy said:

I love this! She’s fantastic, along with Sascha P, another russian model. Prior to reading this, I never knew the sort of childhood she had, so thank you.

- 28 April 2009 at 1:58 pm