Honestly, you can’t talk about supermodels without someone bringing up Gisele Bündchen or Naomi Campbell. They’re not just names stitched into the fabric of fashion — they’re living, strutting symbols of different eras, different energies, and different kinds of power. Naomi, the fiery Brit who turned every Versace runway into performance art. Gisele, the Brazilian force who transformed the “model off-duty” look into a global lifestyle brand.
It’s a debate that fans keep alive even in 2025 — type their names into Twitter (or X, depending on what you call it) and you’ll stumble into polls asking “Who’s the ultimate icon: Naomi or Gisele?” The arguments aren’t just about money or longevity; they’re about who shifted culture, who broke barriers, and who owned the moment.
As Forbes once put it, Gisele’s financial dominance is unmatched, while Naomi’s influence is “immeasurable, a foundation stone for diversity in fashion”. That’s the tension — the mogul vs the trailblazer, the empire vs the legacy. And maybe that’s why this rivalry never really fades. Because it’s not just about who has more money in the bank. It’s about who left the deepest footprint on culture itself.
How Gisele Bündchen and Naomi Campbell Built Their Stardom
Naomi Campbell’s Supermodel Rise in the 1990s
Naomi Campbell’s story reads like a cinematic opening shot. Discovered at 15 while window-shopping in London, she quickly ascended into the rarefied “Big Six” circle alongside Cindy Crawford and Christy Turlington. By the early 1990s, she wasn’t just walking runways — she was rewriting them. Her legendary strut for Gianni Versace turned the catwalk into pure theater, a spectacle fashion had never seen before. Fans still gush, “Nobody owns a catwalk like Naomi.”
She also smashed barriers, becoming the first Black model to grace French Vogue and later the cover of TIME. That era cemented her not only as a 1990s supermodel but as a cultural force who made history with every step.
Naomi Campbell was discovered in London at age 15 while browsing in Covent Garden. Within months, she began modeling and quickly rose into the ranks of 1990s supermodel icons.
Gisele Bündchen’s Breakthrough in the 2000s
When Gisele Bündchen stormed onto the scene in the late ’90s and early 2000s, she was a revelation. Her sun-kissed, athletic look was credited with ending fashion’s “heroin chic” phase, and within a few years, she became the ultimate Victoria’s Secret Angel. From Vogue spreads to blockbuster ad campaigns, she redefined the supermodel image as both glamorous and approachable.
Her dominance wasn’t just aesthetic — it was financial. Forbes crowned her the world’s highest-paid model for 14 straight years, a streak unmatched in fashion history. And who could forget the goosebump-inducing moment when she strode across the Maracanã Stadium during the 2016 Rio Olympics, turning a runway walk into a national celebration of Brazil’s pride?
Gisele Bündchen is famous for her Victoria’s Secret Angel era, her Forbes-record earnings, and for redefining modeling with her athletic, glamorous look. She’s considered one of the most influential models of the 2000s.
Which Star Commands the Bigger Net Worth Today?
Gisele Bündchen’s $400M Empire
Gisele Bündchen’s wealth goes far beyond the catwalk. After dominating Victoria’s Secret and high-fashion campaigns, she built an empire through powerhouse endorsements with Chanel and Pantene, plus savvy eco-business ventures in skincare and wellness. According to Forbes, her net worth in 2025 sits at roughly $400 million, making her one of the richest models alive.
She’s also invested heavily in real estate, including her eco-conscious Miami mansion — complete with solar panels and a meditation garden — a symbol of how she blends luxury with sustainability. It’s the clearest proof she’s mastered the shift from supermodel to business mogul.
As of 2025, Gisele Bündchen’s net worth is estimated at about $400 million, earned through modeling contracts, endorsements, eco-business ventures, and real estate investments.
Naomi Campbell’s Estimated $80M Fortune
Naomi Campbell’s fortune reflects a career that stretches far beyond fashion week. She earned millions from runway contracts and magazine covers, but also branched into acting, music videos, and high-profile brand collaborations with British Vogue and luxury houses.
Her presence on television, especially as a mentor on The Face, expanded her influence into a new generation of fashion fans. Campbell also channels resources into her philanthropy, notably her Fashion for Relief charity shows. Reports suggest her finances fluctuate, but estimates hover around $80 million. These figures remain approximate, since Naomi herself has never confirmed official numbers.
Naomi Campbell’s net worth is estimated at about $80 million, earned from modeling, acting, TV shows like The Face, brand collaborations, and philanthropy projects such as Fashion for Relief.
Net Worth at a Glance
If money were the only scoreboard, Gisele runs ahead — but fashion isn’t just a numbers game. Their fortunes reflect not only contracts and endorsements, but also how each woman leveraged fame into long-term influence.
| Category (2025) | Gisele Bündchen | Naomi Campbell |
| Net Worth | $400M | $80M |
| Primary Modeling Income | Victoria’s Secret, Chanel, Vogue | Versace, British Vogue, runway shows |
| Endorsements & Collaborations | Pantene, Chanel, eco-brands | Luxury houses, British Vogue features |
| Business Ventures | Skincare, wellness, real estate | Limited investments, charity-driven |
| Philanthropy | UNEP, Amazon rainforest, Feeding America | Fashion for Relief, diversity advocacy |
Awards and Accolades That Define Their Careers
Naomi Campbell’s Historic Achievements
Naomi Campbell’s career is etched into fashion history with milestones that redefined the industry. She became the first Black model to appear on the cover of French Vogue, later gracing TIME as one of the rare models to cross into mainstream culture.
In 2019, the CFDA honored her with the Fashion Icon Award, cementing her influence as more than just runway royalty. British Vogue editor Edward Enninful once said, “Naomi embodies fashion history itself.” These achievements underscore her role as both a barrier-breaker and a symbol of enduring excellence in a world that once tried to keep her out.
Gisele Bündchen’s Global Recognitions
Gisele Bündchen’s accolades stretch far beyond glossy magazine covers. Crowned Model of the Millennium by Vogue, she also took on a larger mission as a UNEP Goodwill Ambassador, using her platform to champion environmental causes.
Her commitment to eco-conscious living earned her honors at the Green Carpet Fashion Awards, where sustainability takes center stage. Paradoxically, she conquered every runway yet wins awards barefoot in nature, planting trees or speaking about climate change. These recognitions prove that Gisele’s influence isn’t limited to the catwalk — it extends into shaping fashion’s relationship with sustainability on a global stage.
Side-by-Side Awards Table
Awards may differ in type, but both women shifted fashion history — Naomi by breaking barriers of representation, and Gisele by championing sustainability while redefining commercial success.
| Awards & Honors | Naomi Campbell | Gisele Bündchen |
| Historic Magazine Covers | First Black model on Vogue Paris & TIME | Vogue’s Model of the Millennium |
| Industry Awards | CFDA Fashion Icon Award (2019) | Green Carpet Fashion Award (2017) |
| Global Recognition | Pioneer of diversity in fashion | UNEP Goodwill Ambassador (since 2009) |
| Legacy Symbol | Cultural trailblazer & runway queen | Sustainability leader & global eco-advocate |
Who Owns the Greater Fashion Legacy?
Who is more famous, Naomi Campbell or Gisele Bündchen?
Naomi Campbell is often seen as the definitive 1990s fashion icon, while Gisele Bündchen rose as the ultimate 2000s supermodel mogul. Fame here depends on when and where you ask the question. In Europe, Naomi’s legacy as a trailblazer who broke barriers on Vogue covers remains unmatched.
In the Americas, Gisele became a household name thanks to her Victoria’s Secret era and Forbes’ record-breaking earnings streak. Among younger fans, Gisele’s eco-branding and social media presence give her an edge. Among fashion purists, Naomi still reigns as the catwalk queen. In truth, both dominate — just in different lanes of cultural memory.
Naomi Campbell is most famous as a 1990s icon, while Gisele Bündchen became the top supermodel mogul of the 2000s. Fame often depends on generation and geography.
Who has walked more runways?
When it comes to sheer runway mileage, Naomi Campbell wins hands down. From Gianni Versace’s glittering ’90s spectacles to countless couture shows in Paris and Milan, her catwalk presence is legendary. Gisele Bündchen, by contrast, pivoted earlier toward commercial power and brand-building.
As one fashion insider once quipped, “Naomi ruled the runway; Gisele ruled the business of being a model.” Both strategies worked — one etched into fashion history, the other into the balance sheets.
Who has influenced fashion more?
Naomi Campbell’s influence lies in breaking racial barriers, forcing an industry that long resisted diversity to finally make space on its runways and magazine covers. She proved that representation could be both powerful and profitable.
Gisele Bündchen reshaped beauty standards in the 2000s, replacing the waifish look with an athletic, sun-kissed ideal that resonated globally. Together, they pushed fashion into new cultural eras — Naomi through inclusion, Gisele through reinvention. Different legacies, both unshakable, and both still echo in the industry today.
Beyond Catwalks: Their Cultural and Industry Impact
Naomi Campbell and Gisele Bündchen didn’t stop at owning the runway — they turned their platforms into cultural megaphones. Naomi has long been an outspoken activist for diversity in fashion, calling out the industry for sidelining Black talent. Her Fashion for Relief charity shows aren’t just glamorous spectacles; they’re rallying cries for inclusion and global causes. As she once put it in an interview, “I never wanted to be the token. I wanted the door to stay open for everyone after me.”
Gisele, meanwhile, has carved her legacy as fashion’s most visible eco-warrior. Named a UN Environment Goodwill Ambassador, she’s spoken at the United Nations on climate action, linking beauty with responsibility. A goosebump-worthy moment came when she addressed leaders in New York, reminding them: “Nature doesn’t need us. We need nature.” Her advocacy has made sustainability as much a part of her brand as Vogue covers.
Together, they illustrate how supermodels can evolve into cultural figures — Naomi by demanding diversity, Gisele by championing sustainability. Two different fights, equally vital. And in an industry often accused of superficiality, their impact proves fashion can, at times, drive deeper change.
Who Inspires Today’s Generation of Models More?
Naomi Campbell as a Mentor
Naomi Campbell’s influence on the next generation isn’t limited to glossy magazine pages — it’s personal. She’s mentored rising stars like Adut Akech, often calling her a “daughter,” and has been a guiding force for Kendall Jenner, who once admitted Naomi’s advice was both intimidating and invaluable.
Known for her fierce honesty, Naomi doesn’t sugarcoat; in one viral backstage clip, she’s heard telling a younger model, “If you’re late, you’re out. Respect the job.” Yet, behind the toughness is genuine care. For many in the industry, her mentorship embodies a blend of tough love and legacy, ensuring the torch is passed on with discipline and pride.
Gisele Bündchen as an Eco-Role Model
Gisele Bündchen has become fashion’s most visible sustainability ambassador, inspiring a wave of eco-conscious models and designers. Her plant-based diet, tree-planting campaigns in Brazil, and role as a UN Environment Goodwill Ambassador have set a new standard for blending beauty with responsibility.
Younger talents now cite her as proof that you can be both glamorous and green. In many ways, Gisele redefined the modern supermodel not just as a face of fashion, but as a force for environmental change.
Legacy vs Longevity
I’ll admit, whenever the Naomi vs Gisele debate comes up, I find myself torn. Naomi Campbell is pure fire — a barrier-breaking presence who turned catwalks into cultural stages and demanded fashion finally embrace diversity. Her strut wasn’t just about clothes; it was about power, defiance, and history.
Then there’s Gisele Bündchen, who built something different: endurance. She turned runway success into a decades-long empire of brand deals, eco-businesses, and philanthropic influence. If Naomi lit the torch, Gisele kept it burning — carrying it into boardrooms, the UN, and even her own eco-mansion in Miami.
And honestly, if fashion had a Mount Rushmore, they’d both be carved in stone. One for igniting a movement, the other for sustaining and monetizing it without losing cultural weight. To me, that’s what makes this debate fascinating: it’s not about who’s better, but how two women defined different forms of greatness, each irreplaceable in her lane.
Two Legends, Different Crowns
When the lights dim and the catwalk fades, what remains is legacy. Naomi Campbell is unmistakable — a cultural icon who forced fashion to confront its blind spots and embrace diversity. Her influence can’t be measured in dollars alone; it lives in every model of color who follows her path.
Gisele Bündchen, on the other hand, built an empire. She turned modeling into wealth, sustainability, and global advocacy, showing how a supermodel could thrive long after the flashbulbs dimmed. Her crown gleams with Forbes rankings, eco-awards, and a carefully built reputation as fashion’s green conscience.
So who “wins”? That depends on what you value — Naomi’s fiery trailblazing or Gisele’s steady empire-building. In truth, they don’t compete; they reign in different kingdoms of influence. And maybe that’s the point. Both left marks that refuse to fade.
FAQs About Gisele Bündchen vs Naomi Campbell
Who is richer?
Gisele Bündchen is richer, with an estimated net worth of about $400 million in 2025, while Naomi Campbell’s fortune is estimated at roughly $80 million.
Has Naomi retired?
No, Naomi Campbell has not retired. She continues to model selectively, appear at fashion shows, and remains active with philanthropy projects like Fashion for Relief.
Is Gisele still modeling in 2025?
Yes, Gisele Bündchen still models selectively in 2025, focusing on eco-friendly campaigns and high-profile appearances that align with her environmental and sustainability values.
Who’s the bigger icon?
It depends on perspective: Naomi Campbell is celebrated for breaking racial barriers in fashion, while Gisele Bündchen is seen as a mogul who built wealth and pushed sustainability.
Mohit Wagh is the co-founder of The Graval with over 10 years of experience in SEO and content strategy. He specializes in crafting data-driven, authoritative content that blends cultural insight with digital growth.
