Just as Agyness was branded an 'Icon' on i
magazine, so is Natalia Vodianova on this months Vogue Italia. The Russian model is also appearing on the cover of Vogue UK which also includes a feature about the fundraising activities of Natalia in Russia. Natalia, who is most probably in the running for nicest person under 30 to ever exist, has set up a charity called the Naked Heart Foundation which benefits poor children.
The 26 year old recently hosted a three-day extravaganza in Moscow to raise money for the children of Russia. The extravaganza included a star-studded ball and a skating party for children. She managed to organise all of this whilst bringing up her three children, the youngest of which is just five months old. She explains to Vogue that it was not an easy event to arrange. "Everything is such a hassle here. When I arrived here two weeks ago, I still didn't have approval from the Russian government. They were like, 'What does Moscow need playgrounds for?"
To find out more about Natalia read more
- On setting up the foundation: She was watching the tragic Beslan affair unfold on TV. "I was really so upset, so depressed. I couldn't believe people could be such animals. At the time I thought the children wouldn't really care about all the money going over there, but maybe something like a playground would help them forget. Not forget but rehabilitate."
- On Therapy: "When a friend first told me about it, I was doubtful, I kept saying I don't need it, but actually it was amazing how many things I needed to sort out from my childhood, how talking things through subtly changed my life."
- On giving money to her estranged father: "It's normal to do that, no? I give it to so many people who aren't blood, so why not him? Although to be honest I haven't done a great deal for him. I'd rather help his children."
- On her lifetime plans: "Well, I can tell you it will never be politics, no way, no way. Philanthropy, yes, maybe; and the lifestyle thing? Well, let's say that is one of my dreams, to do some sort of TV programme where I could teach Russian women how to balance being rich and having style. You don't have to be an oligarch's wife to have a beautiful house and be stylish and feel good about yourself, you know."
ooh, I love it! Slightly ethereal photographs like this are my favourite.