Natalia Vodianova

I live a very different life now, with incredible privileges, but looking back I realise that growing up in Russia gave me tools that other people don't necessarily have - such as the will to push that bit further, to make things happen, to succeed.

The people that live in my hometown do not walk along the street with smiles on their faces. It is a desperate place, but I got out.

If you never know hardship, you can't really support people around you.

I know what it's like not to have food in the fridge or money to buy more.

It's better to be skinny than to be fat.

I don't mind being called 'Supernova.' If one nickname is going to stick, that's not a bad one!

I learnt early to have little expectation so I protected myself from ever feeling greatly disappointed.

Moscow is a huge inspiration for me. I love what I find here, I love being here.

I believe in reincarnation of the soul.

I love Yves Saint Laurent and Giambattista Valli and Givenchy, and I get given quite a lot, but perhaps nothing is as wonderful as the white fake leather trench coat I got when I was 15.

When I remember my life in Russia it is in totally dark colours.

I raised my sister. I was six when she was born. My mother had to make a living for herself and it was very hard, so I was looking after my sister, cooking and cleaning, and she had four jobs.