14 Rare Photos of Gisele Bündchen Early in Her Career

Here, Bündchen gets her hair and makeup done while on the phone. She started modeling in 1994 when she took a class with her sister to prepare for an upcoming debutante ball. Her course included trips to Curitiba, Rio de Janeiro, and São Paulo, and it was during this time that Bündchen was scouted by an agent at the age of 14.

Only two years later, Bündchen already booked a gig as a model in Calvin Klein’s 1996 ready-to-wear collection. Soon after, she relocated to New York City to model full-time.

Bündchen’s early years in the Big Apple consisted of countless casting calls. Despite not knowing the city or language very well, she landed a job with Carolina Herrera. Here she is during a fitting with the brand.

After attending over 40 go-sees in London during fashion week, her big break finally came when she walked a slippery Alexander McQueen runway topless in sky-high heels. She became known as “The Body” shortly afterward.

Catch Bündchen walking the Chloé show dressed in a dreamy embroidered satin look.

In 1999, Bündchen turned heads during Jean-Paul Gaultier’s fall/winter show at Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week. That same year, she was voted “the best model in the world.”

The model commanded the red carpet in a bright blue top at the VH1/Vogue Fashion Awards. A-listers like Beyoncé, Mariah Carey, Sandra Bullock, and more were also in attendance.

In 2000, Bündchen wore Victoria’s Secret extravagant $15 million Red Hot Fantasy bra featuring rubies and diamonds. She casually slipped on the expensive piece for the opening of the Victoria’s Secret store at Lincoln Center in New York City.

Bündchen made a statement on the Oscar de la Renta runway as she donned sky-high hair, baby blue makeup, and a pale pink lip.

Fast forward to 2003, and Bündchen attended the coveted Met Gala in a stunning Dolce and Gabbana gown featuring a lace hem and fringe detailing.

After walking the designer’s runway show during NYFW, Bündchen hit up the after-party at Manhattan’s Maritime Hotel. She rocked an off-duty ponytail and graphic tee.

The impressive model also acted in Taxi, the Tim Story-directed comedy starring Queen Latifah, Jimmy Fallon, Jennifer Esposito, and Ann-Margret. Bündchen struck a pose in a golden dress in front of a yellow taxi at the movie’s NYC premiere.

Bündchen threw up a peace sign backstage at the Miami Heat vs. Washington Wizards game during the Victoria’s Secret Angels Across America tour. The five-day cross-country event also included top models like Tyra Banks, Adriana Lima, and Heidi Klum. They all flew on a private jet to visit different cities.