Early Life
Gisele Caroline Bündchen was born on July 20, 1980, in Horizontina, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Raised in a large family in the small town of Três de Maio, Gisele was one of six daughters. Her parents, Valdir and Vânia Bündchen, instilled in her a strong work ethic and a sense of discipline from an early age.
Modeling Career
Gisele’s modeling career began with humble origins in Brazil but quickly catapulted her to international fame. After being discovered at a shopping mall in São Paulo in 1994, she moved to New York City in 1996 to pursue modeling full-time. Gisele’s distinctive look, characterized by her sun-kissed skin, long limbs, and captivating blue eyes, immediately caught the attention of industry insiders.
In 1997, Gisele made her runway debut at New York Fashion Week, walking for Alexander McQueen’s Spring/Summer collection. Her striking presence and effortless grace on the catwalk garnered widespread acclaim and marked the beginning of her meteoric rise to the top of the fashion world.
Throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s, Gisele became one of the most sought-after models in the industry. She graced the covers of prestigious fashion magazines such as Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Elle, cementing her status as a true fashion icon. Her collaborations with renowned photographers like Mario Testino, Steven Meisel, and Patrick Demarchelier resulted in iconic editorial spreads that captured her natural beauty and charisma.
One of Gisele’s most significant career milestones came in 2000 when she became a Victoria’s Secret Angel. As the face of the lingerie brand, she walked in numerous Victoria’s Secret Fashion Shows and appeared in their widely watched television commercials and catalogs. Gisele’s partnership with Victoria’s Secret further elevated her profile and solidified her status as one of the world’s top supermodels.
In addition to her work with Victoria’s Secret, Gisele became the face of countless high-profile fashion campaigns for luxury brands such as Versace, Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, and Louis Vuitton. Her ability to effortlessly transition between high fashion and commercial modeling made her a favorite among designers and advertisers alike.
Gisele’s influence extended beyond the runway and print ads. She embraced the digital age of modeling, leveraging social media platforms to connect with her fans and share behind-the-scenes glimpses of her life and career. Her engaging online presence further cemented her status as a global fashion icon and helped her maintain relevance in an ever-evolving industry.
Over the years, Gisele’s modeling career has been marked by numerous accolades and achievements. She has been honored with prestigious awards such as the Fashion Icon Award at the 2013 British Fashion Awards and the Millennium Model Award at the 1999 VH1/Vogue Fashion Awards. Her enduring appeal and longevity in the industry continue to inspire aspiring models and fashion enthusiasts worldwide.
Achievements
Throughout her illustrious career, Gisele achieved numerous milestones. She became a Victoria’s Secret Angel in 2000 and was the face of countless high-profile campaigns for brands like Versace, Chanel, and Dolce & Gabbana. Her influence extended beyond the fashion industry, as she ventured into acting, philanthropy, and environmental activism.
Personal Life
In 2009, Gisele married NFL quarterback Tom Brady, with whom she shares two children, Benjamin and Vivian. She also became a stepmother to Brady’s son, Jack, from a previous relationship. Gisele and Tom were recognized as one of the most influential and high-profile celebrity couples… well until their divorce in 2022.
Lately Gisele has been dating jiu-jitsu trainer Joaquim Valente.
Philanthropy and Activism
Beyond her modeling career, Gisele is known for her philanthropic efforts and environmental activism. She is a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Environment Programme and has been involved in various initiatives to promote sustainability and combat climate change. Additionally, she supports numerous charitable organizations focused on education, health, and poverty alleviation.
Legacy
Gisele Bündchen’s impact on the fashion industry and popular culture is undeniable. As one of the highest-paid models of all time, she has left an indelible mark on the world of fashion and has inspired countless aspiring models around the globe. Her legacy extends beyond her professional achievements, as she continues to use her platform to advocate for causes she believes in and to inspire positive change.
Check out more pictures of her: Gisele Bündchen Pictures
