Gisele Bundchen thinks "personality" is the key to her success.

The 45-year-old beauty was one of the highest-paid models in the world for more than a decade, and her rise was characterized as the "return of the sexy model" - but Gisele insists there's more to her success than some people may realize.

Speaking to W Magazine, Gisele explained: "Confidence and health can naturally come across as sensuality, but for me it was never about trying to project an image--I was just being myself.

"Once people started associating me with 'the return of the sexy model,' things happened fast. Rejection had taught me resilience and not to base my self-worth on other people's opinions.

"One day I was doing constant castings and hearing 'no' over and over, and then suddenly I was working nonstop. But now I realize that what people responded to wasn't only my look, but also my personality. I was very alive and happy to be there."

Gisele - who was married to sports star Tom Brady between 2009 and 2022 - believes she embodied a "healthier, more energetic spirit" at the height of her career.

She said: "Fashion at that moment was changing, and maybe I represented a healthier, more energetic spirit."

Gisele always projected confidence on the runway, and she believes that her aura was a function of her athletic build.

The blonde beauty shared: "I grew up in Brazil, always connected to sports and to my body, and maybe that is why my walk was like that.

"I am a size seven shoe and five feet ten, so it was also how I balanced myself on very high heels. I think the horse walk became popular because it had power. For me, walking a runway was never just about the clothes--it was about confidence."

Despite this, Gisele insists there are multiple sides to her personality.

She said: "Every shoot has its own emotion and character. Sometimes you are strong and mysterious, other times joyful or romantic. I loved exploring those different sides of myself.

"The energy on set also influences everything--hair, makeup, styling, lighting, music. It all comes together to create a mood.

"When I'm being photographed, I try not to overthink. I usually focus on feeling present in my body and connecting with the character I've created in my head."