Supermodel Gisele Bündchen has made a sensational comeback, reuniting with fellow Victoria’s Secret Angels Naomi Campbell, Adriana Lima, and Candice Swanepoel. This remarkable reunion marks the launch of Victoria’s Secret’s captivating “Icon” campaign, unveiled on a global stage just recently. Joining these iconic faces are contemporary stars Emily Ratajkowski, Hailey Bieber, Adut Akech, Paloma Elsesser, and Sui He, collectively adding a fresh dimension to the renowned lingerie brand.
Bündchen’s re-emergence takes center stage after bidding adieu to her angel wings in 2007, drawing a close to her initial association with the brand, which had begun when she was a teenage sensation in the fashion world.
In her insightful memoir from 2018, Bündchen delved into the exhilaration she felt when she secured a contract with Victoria’s Secret at the age of 19. Infused with her characteristic humor, her words resonated deeply with her journey, as she remarked, “During those initial five years, I felt a sense of comfort while modeling in lingerie. However, as time passed, I grew increasingly uneasy when it came to strutting the runway in just a bikini or a thong. I found myself yearning for a tail, a cape, wings—anything to provide a touch of coverage!” This lighthearted sentiment encapsulates the very essence of the supermodel, who now stands at the age of 43.
As the calendar flipped to 2006, marking a critical juncture for contract renegotiations, Bündchen made a pivotal decision that reverberated through her career trajectory. She consciously opted not to extend her partnership with the renowned lingerie brand. Reflecting on this significant choice, she articulated her thoughts, saying, “While I deeply appreciated the opportunity and the financial stability that the company had offered me, I found myself in a different phase of life. Uncertainty surrounded my desire to continue within that realm.”
Bündchen provided an illuminating glimpse into her tenure as a Victoria’s Secret Angel during her candid conversation with British Vogue in May 2022. She openly disclosed her mindset, revealing, “I took care to ensure that my back was always covered. The idea of walking down the runway with my posterior exposed, seen from below, made me uncomfortable. I was resolute: ‘That’s not something I’ll do.’ However, the shows themselves were consistently exhilarating—a true production, often accompanied by live singing and a whirlwind of captivating elements. It was an experience brimming with enjoyment.”
These candid insights into her journey reveal a multifaceted supermodel who navigated her path with a blend of wit, determination, and a genuine love for the craft.
Having dedicated time to raising her children, Benjamin (13) and Vivian (10), during their early years, Bündchen now finds herself compelled to impart her personal aspirations to her older children. As she embarks on her return to modeling, featuring campaigns for esteemed brands like Louis Vuitton and Jimmy Choo, she navigates her life’s journey, parallel to her divorce from Tom Brady.
“I have my own dreams,” Bündchen eloquently shared with Vanity Fair in March. “You want to show [your children] that, in life, you have to find real fulfillment, not living something that you’re not.”
Bündchen’s graceful comeback was accompanied by an Instagram video showcasing her modeling lingerie, prompting an enthusiastic response from Victoria’s Secret: “We missed you, Gisele! Good to see you back!” This heartfelt exchange echoes the sentiments of fans worldwide as they embrace the return of an icon to the fashion forefront.
