Gisele Bündchen, one of the most recognizable faces of Victoria’s Secret, has made it clear she will not be returning to the brand’s runway. Despite receiving an invitation to join the revived Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, Bündchen opted to pass, emphasizing her focus on personal growth, wellness, and creative ventures. As the supermodel steps away from her iconic role, it signals a broader shift in both her career and the fashion industry.
Why Gisele Said No: A Clear Path Forward
For years, Gisele was synonymous with Victoria’s Secret, walking the runway for the lingerie brand from 1999 to 2006. However, as she declined the recent invite, her decision seems to reflect a deeper change in her approach to work and life. Sources close to the model suggest that Gisele no longer feels aligned with the fast-paced and often demanding world of runway modeling.
Bündchen has expressed a desire to focus on projects that resonate with her current lifestyle, which prioritizes health, sustainability, and personal well-being. She’s been open about how her body signaled it was time to step back from the rigorous demands of the fashion industry, particularly runway work, which she said no longer felt fulfilling. Her decision is not just about stepping away from Victoria’s Secret—it’s about stepping into new opportunities that align with her evolving priorities.
Moving Beyond the Runway
While fans of the model may have hoped to see her return to the iconic Victoria’s Secret runway, Gisele has made it clear that her modeling career has taken a different direction. She has transitioned into editorial work, which allows her to express creativity in a more controlled and collaborative environment, free from the intense physical demands of runway shows. Editorial shoots offer a slower pace and more room for artistic expression, two things Gisele has come to value in her post-runway career.
In an interview, she mentioned that she enjoys the process of creating characters during photo shoots, and it’s something that fuels her creativity. This shift shows a strong sense of self-awareness and confidence in pursuing what truly inspires her.
A Focus on Wellness and Sustainability
One of the key factors behind Gisele’s career shift is her focus on wellness. The supermodel has been a vocal advocate for healthy living, mental well-being, and environmental sustainability, values that have become central to her public persona. She has even launched several initiatives and products aimed at promoting wellness, making it clear that this is where her passion lies.
Gisele’s decision to decline a return to Victoria’s Secret could also be seen in the context of the fashion brand’s own changes. In recent years, Victoria’s Secret has undergone a rebranding effort, moving away from its former image and trying to embrace more inclusive and diverse models. However, Gisele seems to have moved beyond the brand’s revival, focusing on personal projects that align with her values, particularly around sustainability and mindful living.
A Pioneering Exit from Victoria’s Secret
Gisele’s departure from Victoria’s Secret runway shows was a significant moment for the model, and her decision not to return to the 2024 revival underscores her commitment to a new chapter. When she originally stepped away in 2006, she was at the peak of her career. Though she’s had occasional runway appearances since then, including a memorable walk during the 2016 Rio Olympics, her focus has consistently shifted away from the catwalk.
This pioneering move set the stage for other supermodels to rethink their roles in the high-pressure world of fashion. Many of her peers followed suit, focusing on business ventures, wellness, or philanthropic efforts, rather than solely on modeling. Gisele’s career evolution has helped redefine what it means to be a supermodel in the modern era, demonstrating that success can take many forms beyond the runway.
A Legacy of Empowerment
Gisele’s decision to stay away from the Victoria’s Secret runway also highlights a broader conversation about empowerment in the fashion industry. For many years, the brand was criticized for promoting unattainable beauty standards and a narrow view of femininity. Now, as Gisele chooses to focus on projects that empower women in a different way—whether through wellness, environmental activism, or conscious business ventures—it sends a powerful message about the importance of personal choice and authenticity in one’s career.
Her legacy in the modeling world remains, but her refusal to return to the runway indicates that she’s more interested in using her platform for causes she deeply cares about. This sense of empowerment is also reflected in her family life, as she balances her career with raising her children and promoting a healthy, sustainable lifestyle.
Gisele’s Future: A Model for Reinvention
As Gisele continues to forge her path outside of traditional runway modeling, her influence only grows. She’s demonstrated how a top model can evolve, step back from the spotlight on her own terms, and still maintain relevance and impact. Her choices reflect a growing trend among fashion icons who are redefining their careers to fit their lifestyles and personal values.
Gisele’s future likely involves a deeper focus on wellness, sustainability, and entrepreneurial endeavors, all of which resonate with her core beliefs. Whether it’s launching a new wellness product or partnering with brands that promote environmental causes, her fans can expect to see her making an impact in meaningful ways.
A Bold Move Toward Growth
By declining an invitation to return to the Victoria’s Secret runway, Gisele Bündchen has reaffirmed her commitment to personal growth and creative evolution. Her decision not only reflects her changing priorities but also symbolizes a broader shift within the modeling industry, where models are reclaiming their power and choosing projects that align with their values. Gisele remains a trailblazer, not just in fashion, but in her ability to constantly reinvent herself and inspire others to follow their own path.
