Why Gisele Bundchen has stepped away from the fashion world: 'Being a model is not really an extension of me...'
Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bundchen has explained her decision to step back from the fashion world, admitting that "being a model is not really an extension of me" anymore.
Gisele Bundchen has stepped away from the fashion world because being a model feels like "being an actress in a silent movie".
The 42-year-old catwalk star has been at the top of the industry since the late-90s but Gisele is ambitious to do new things now - which include building a small solar-powered house in the mountains where she can grow all of her own food, and potentially opening a wellness centre - because she feels as though modelling no longer represents who she is as a person.
In an interview with the April issue of Vanity Fair magazine, she said: "I want to do things that I believe are an extension of me.
"Being a model is not really an extension of me... It’s being an actress in a silent movie. I don’t want to be a character in anybody else’s movie. And when I do that, it doesn’t feel as comfortable for me anymore."
Gisele is still inundated with offers to walk in shows in Paris, and although she is not interested at the moment she will never publicly state she is retired as a model because she doesn't know what the future will bring.
She explained: "I never say never, because the only thing in life I am certain of is change."
One thing that has changed in Gisele's life is her relationship status.
The Brazilian beauty and her NFL player husband Tom Brady finalised their divorce in October 2022 and although they are no longer a couple, Gisele is adamant she will always be Tom's biggest supporter.
Gisele - who has Benjamin, 13, and Vivian, 10, with 45-year-old Tom - said: I have always cheered for him, and I would continue forever.
"If there’s one person I want to be the happiest in the world, it’s him, believe me. I want him to achieve and to conquer. I want all his dreams to come true. That’s what I want, really, from the bottom of my heart.”
Gisele's full interview - conducted by Michelle Ruiz - is available in Vanity Fair’s April issue and on VanityFair.com.
