She was third on the Forbes top-earning models list in 2012, with an estimated yearly earning of $8.6 million.
And Natalia Vodianova, 39, has admitted that her children pile ‘the pressure…on themselves’ because of her supermodel status.
The Russian supermodel is mother to Lucas, 19, Neva, 15, and Viktor, 13, with her English ex-husband Justin Portman, and Maxim, seven, and Roman, five, with her French businessman husband Antoine Arnault.
‘They see who I am and how I live’: Natalia Vodianova said her children ‘put pressure on themselves’ because of her supermodel status – as she covered Harper’s Bazaar magazine
Speaking to Harper’s Bazaar about her brood in their September issue, she said: ‘It’s not about having all, or having nothing, it’s more the pressure they put on themselves, seeing who I am and how I live’.
She added: ‘I sometimes feel very compassionate towards my own children, because I think that in some way, they got the other extreme,’ referring to her own success in the modelling industry.
Natalia’s stellar career has seen her walk the runway for the likes of Calvin Klein, Valentino and Versace, as well as found a charity called The Naked Heart Foundation and partnering with another charity called UNFA.
Mother first, model second: Despite her incredible success in the modelling industry, Natalia said her ‘most important role’ is her part as a mother
Despite her incredible success in the modelling industry, Natalia said her ‘most important role’ is her part as a mother.
‘I have five children, it’s a great responsibility. And it’s probably the most important role in my life, to empower my children and to make sure that I can pass on some of the incredible lessons that I’ve received from my life in a way that will not be invasive.’
Out soon: The September issue of Harper’s Bazaar is on sale from August 5
‘For me, it’s really more about teaching them to be happy.’
The fashion mogul shares her three eldest children with ex-husband Justin, 52, who she divorced in 2011.
She has her youngest two kids with businessman Antoine, 44, who she described as ‘a great role model’ for her brood.
‘I definitely believe that the only way to educate your children is to be an example yourself,’ she said.
Her priorities were shifted last year due to the pandemic, with the model enjoying a slower pace of life.
‘I realised, at the end of March last year, that I was waking up naturally and not feeling sleep-deprived for the first time since I was six years old. You prioritise in a very different way when you’re not exhausted.’
She also relished the fact she could spend more time with her family: ‘Having this routine of waking up and making lunch, and then having a little break and starting to cook dinner. This feeling of feeding my family was very beautiful. And everyone knew where to find me.’
As well as speaking to the magazine, Natalia posed for a striking shoot.
Natalia looked phenomenal as she posed in a sparkly lingerie-style dress which featured a metallic silver skirt.
The star gave a sultry gaze to the camera as she modelled cherry-red lipstick and wore her auburn tresses in sleek waves.
The September issue of Harper’s Bazaar is on sale from August 5.
Mama: Natalia is mother to Lucas, 19, Neva, 15, and Viktor, 13, (seen centre) with her English ex-husband Justin Portman, and Maxim, seven, and Roman, five, (pictured far right and far left) with her French businessman husband Antoine Arnault (seen in 2019)