I believe in taking chances and living your life. Sometimes doors open and others close and you have to figure out which one you’re going to take. I’m always for the one that’s challenging.
Gisele Bündchen is a Brazilian supermodel of German descent who has worked with some of the most renowned fashion designers, photographers, and magazines in the industry. She has been called the most famous and highest-paid model in the world. Since the beginning of her career in the 1990s, Gisele has appeared on countless billboards and in print and television advertisements. She is currently a spokesperson for over 20 global brands in countries such as the United States, Brazil, Mexico, Germany, Italy, France, Korea, Turkey and Switzerland.
Gisele was born in Horizontina, Brazil, and her parents, Vânia Maria Nonnenmacher and Valdir Reinoldo Bündchen, have German roots. She has six sisters, including a twin, Patricia, who is five minutes younger. Initially, Gisele wanted to pursue a career in sports, specifically as a professional volleyball player for the Brazilian team Sogipa. However, during her school days, she was known for her tall and slender figure and was nicknamed accordingly. According to a popular anecdote, a talent scout from a modeling agency discovered 14-year-old Gisele while she was having a meal at a local McDonald’s. A few months prior, her mother had enrolled her and her sisters in a modeling course for teens. The next year, Gisele moved to São Paulo where she was evaluated by agents from the prestigious Elite agency. She then entered a nationwide competition called “Elite Look of the Year” and won. This win kickstarted her career as a model.
Gisele’s rise to fame was rapid, and she quickly became one of the most sought-after models in the world. She has walked the runway for the biggest names in fashion, including Balenciaga, Christian Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Missoni, Versace, Céline, Givenchy, Bulgari, Lanvin, Guerlain, Ralph Lauren, Polo Jeans, Victoria’s Secret, Earl Jeans and many more. She has also graced the covers of the world’s most prestigious fashion magazines, such as Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Elle, and has worked with some of the industry’s most renowned photographers, such as Mario Testino, Steven Meisel, Nick Knight, Steven Klein, Craig McDean, Michael Thompson, Mert & Marcus, Inez & Vinoodth, Alex Cayley, Solve Sundsbo, Regan Cameron, Phil Poynter, Corrine Day, Gilles Bensimon and Patrick Demachelier.
In addition to modeling, Gisele has also dabbled in acting and singing. She has appeared in several films and television shows and has even released a song in her native language, Portuguese. Despite her success, Gisele remains a down-to-earth and humble person. She is an advocate for environmental and social causes and has been involved in several charitable organizations throughout her career. Gisele’s iconic status in the fashion industry is undeniable, and she continues to be a major influence on the world of fashion and beauty even today.