Between the ages of 13, when she was first discovered at a McDonald’s in Brazil, and 44, which she’ll turn on July 20, Gisele Bündchen has racked a resumé as one of the world’s most popular and highest-paid models, as well as reaching the requisite supermodel milestones impressively early—chief among them being known by her first name only. In recent years, she’s made headlines for reclaiming her independence and finding a sense of peace after years of sharing the spotlight with her ex-husband, NFL star Tom Brady (the couple divorced in 2022). But long before that, she was among the supers like Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell who’ve appeared on the cover of W multiple times over the years—including not one but two covers in 1999, when she first covered this magazine. Her 44th birthday, then, can’t go without celebration; we pay tribute to the supermodel via a look back at the dozen W covers she’s racked up over the years, alongside a few guest stars like Travis Fimmel, Cindy Crawford, and, of course, Gisele’s own famous abs, here.
Gisele Bündchen on the cover of W Magazine, photograph by Michael Thompson, January 1999.
Gisele Bündchen on the cover of W Magazine, photographed by Michael Thompson, May 1999.
Gisele Bündchen on the cover of W Magazine, photographed by Michael Thompson, January 2000.
Gisele Bündchen on the cover of W Magazine, photographed by Michael Thompson, March 2001.
Gisele Bündchen on cover of W Magazine, photographed by Michael Thompson, October 2001.
Gisele Bündchen on the cover of W Magazine, photographed by Michael Thompson, February 2002.
Gisele Bündchen on the cover of W Magazine with Travis Fimmel, photographed by Michael Thompson, November 2002.
Gisele Bündchen on the cover of W Magazine between Patti Hanson (left) and Cindy Crawford (right), photographed by Michael Thompson, August 2002.
Gisele Bündchen on the cover of W Magazine, photograph by Michael Thompson, March 2003.
Gisele Bündchen on the cover of W Magazine, photograph by Michael Thompson, June 2005.
Gisele Bündchen on the cover of W Magazine, photographed by Craig McDean, January 2004.
Gisele Bündchen on the cover of W Magazine, photographed by Michael Thompson, July 2007.
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