Gisele Bundchen thinks “personality” is the key to her success.
Gisele Bundchen has reflected on her success
The 45-year-old beauty was one of the highest-paid models in the world for more than a decade, and her rise was characterised as the “return of the sexy model” – but Gisele insists there’s more to her success than some people may realise.
Speaking to W Magazine, Gisele explained: “Confidence and health can naturally come across as sensuality, but for me it was never about trying to project an image—I was just being myself.
“Once people started associating me with ‘the return of the sexy model,’ things happened fast. Rejection had taught me resilience and not to base my self-worth on other people’s opinions.
“One day I was doing constant castings and hearing ‘no’ over and over, and then suddenly I was working nonstop. But now I realise that what people responded to wasn’t only my look, but also my personality. I was very alive and happy to be there.”
Gisele – who was married to sports star Tom Brady between 2009 and 2022 – believes she embodied a “healthier, more energetic spirit” at the height of her career.
She said: “Fashion at that moment was changing, and maybe I represented a healthier, more energetic spirit.”
Gisele always projected confidence on the runway, and she believes that her aura was a function of her athletic build.
The blonde beauty shared: “I grew up in Brazil, always connected to sports and to my body, and maybe that is why my walk was like that.
“I am a size seven shoe and five feet ten, so it was also how I balanced myself on very high heels. I think the horse walk became popular because it had power. For me, walking a runway was never just about the clothes—it was about confidence.”
Despite this, Gisele insists there are multiple sides to her personality.
She said: “Every shoot has its own emotion and character. Sometimes you are strong and mysterious, other times joyful or romantic. I loved exploring those different sides of myself.
“The energy on set also influences everything—hair, makeup, styling, lighting, music. It all comes together to create a mood.
“When I’m being photographed, I try not to overthink. I usually focus on feeling present in my body and connecting with the character I’ve created in my head.”
