Born in Gorky (now Nizhny Novgorod), Russia's third largest city, Vodianova had a difficult childhood. Her mother's abusive boyfriends and a tight financial situation dogged her throughout childhood. Having helped her mother with her fruit stall business from the age of 11, Vodianova moved into her own apartment with a friend at 15 and started her own fruit-stall business. She was thus able to help out her sisters, one of whom is disabled.

At 15 Vodianova enrolled in a modeling academy, and started going to casting opportunities. A scouting agent from Paris told her that she had a great future if only she would learn English quickly. Convinced that her life could change for the better, Vodianova learned English in three months, moved to Paris and signed up with the Viva agency at age 17. Soon, Gucci made her the new face for their perfume line. After working at more than 40 runway shows, she was hired by Calvin Klein's spring show. Around this time she also made a brief appearance in Roman Coppola's film CQ, with Billy Zane.

Vodianova has done campaigns for Louis Vuitton, L'Oreal, Marc Jacobs, Miss Sixty, Pepe Jeans and Calvin Klein's collection and his fragrance, "Euphoria".

--Wikipedia