Her story began far from the glare of runway lights. Maria Izabel Goulart Dourado entered the world in São Carlos, a quiet city in Brazil’s São Paulo state.
She grew up in a large, bustling family. Surrounded by four brothers and one sister, her early life was filled with warmth and chaos.
At school, her lean frame made her a target. Classmates teased her, calling the tall, skinny girl “giraffe.” They saw something awkward. The fashion world would later see an asset.
A simple trip to the grocery store changed everything. At fourteen, she was shopping with her mother. A hairstylist spotted her in the aisle.
That chance encounter pulled her from provincial life. It launched her toward São Paulo and, eventually, onto international stages.
The journey from schoolyard mockery to global recognition is a powerful testament. What some dismiss can become exactly what the world celebrates. This Brazilian fashion model built a legendary career.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Before the international runways, there was the simple rhythm of family life in a small Brazilian city. The model’s foundation was built in São Carlos, surrounded by the warmth and chaos of five siblings.
Family Background and Early Influences
Her Portuguese and Italian heritage gifted her with striking features that would later catch professional eyes. But in school hallways, her tall, lean frame made her a target. Classmates called her “giraffe,” turning what would become an asset into daily torment.
Home meant comfort amid the teasing. The bustling household provided shelter from schoolyard cruelty. Family meals became cherished memories she would miss during future travels.
Transition from São Carlos to São Paulo
A routine grocery trip at fourteen changed everything. A hairstylist spotted the teenager and saw past the awkward adolescence. He recognized the bone structure that cameras would love.
This chance encounter launched her toward São Paulo. She traded small-city safety for the state capital’s competitive modeling circuit. The transition happened quickly, compressing normal teenage years into months of professional transformation.
Soon after, France called. The young model ventured alone to Europe, building an international career foundation. She returned to São Paulo at sixteen, joining Success agency where director Ney Alves recognized her potential.
Breakthrough in the Fashion World
A wardrobe malfunction at her debut could have silenced her career before it truly began. Instead, it forged the resilience that defines a top model. This moment tested her professionalism in the most public way imaginable.
Memorable Runway Debut Moments
During her first major fashion show, the nightmare scenario unfolded. Her top fell open on the catwalk, exposing her to a room full of industry elites and flashing cameras. The incident was immediately splashed across Brazilian newspapers.
Many would have retreated from the humiliation. Izabel Goulart chose to return. She proved she could handle immense pressure and embarrassment without breaking.
Designers took note of her strength. Soon, she was booked for shows by houses like Alberta Ferretti, Balenciaga, and Bill Blass. Goulart appeared on runways for Bottega Veneta, Givenchy, and Valentino.
This early disaster became a testament to her character. She built an elite client list, walking for Chanel, Michael Kors, and Dolce & Gabbana. Her breakthrough was not about a perfect start, but a powerful comeback.
Victoria’s Secret Angel Journey
When Victoria’s Secret offered Angel wings, it transformed a modeling career into a cultural phenomenon. The brand’s 2005 call represented modeling’s biggest stage. This secret angel contract launched three years of high visibility.
Unforgettable Victoria’s Secret Moments
The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show became an annual spectacle. Millions watched models navigate elaborate wings and fantasy bras. This secret model role demanded both sensuality and athletic precision.
Her official Angel tenure lasted from 2005 to 2008. Yet her relationship with the brand extended through 2016. This twelve-year runway streak demonstrated remarkable consistency.
| Year | Event | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | First Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show | Angel contract begins |
| 2007 | Hollywood Walk of Fame star | Blurred model-celebrity lines |
| 2005-2008 | Official Angel period | Brand’s most visible face |
| 2005-2016 | Annual show appearances | Record consistency |
The Victoria’s Secret Angels represented an elite sorority. Their faces sold a lifestyle fantasy of glamour and fitness. Goulart’s moments defined mid-2000s fashion culture when the show commanded massive audiences.
Global Modeling Success Stories
The year 2005 marked a dual conquest for the Brazilian model, with magazine covers and runway shows defining her international breakthrough. This period showcased her versatility across editorial and commercial platforms.
Iconic Magazine Covers and Campaigns
Goulart appeared on Marie Claire France and Vogue Brazil covers in 2005, the same year she became a Victoria’s Secret Angel. This simultaneous success demonstrated her appeal across different modeling sectors.
By 2010, she commanded covers for GQ Mexico and Vogue Brasil. Glamour Mexico named her best international top model that year. The recognition validated her status across multiple markets.
| Year | Publication/Brand | Achievement | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Marie Claire France | Cover Model | International editorial debut |
| 2011 | Sports Illustrated | Swimsuit Issue Feature | Mainstream American exposure |
| 2012 | Vogue Spain | “Las majas” Editorial | Photographed by Mario Testino |
| 2013 | MAC Cosmetics | Tropical Taboo Face | Major beauty campaign |
International Runway Highlights
The supermodel Izabel maintained a demanding schedule across fashion capitals. She walked for prestigious houses while managing editorial commitments.
Her presence on runways complemented her magazine work. This balance made her one of the most bookable models of her generation. The fashion industry relied on her professional consistency.
The Rise of Izabel Goulart as a Fashion Icon
Mainstream recognition arrived in May 2007 when People magazine named her among the “100 Most Beautiful People in the World.” This honor transcended fashion industry boundaries. It signaled her arrival as a cultural figure.
| Year | Milestone | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Victoria’s Secret Angel Contract | Global platform establishment |
| 2007 | People’s “100 Most Beautiful” | Mainstream cultural recognition |
| 2005-2016 | Consistent high-profile work | Icon status through repetition |
| Ongoing | International brand collaborations | Cross-continent influence |
Fashion icon status demands more than genetics. It requires punctuality, professionalism, and fitness discipline. The model Izabel Goulart understood this deeply.
She consistently delivered on runways and in editorials. Brands trusted her season after season. Her reliability became legendary in the industry.
Brazilian pride grew as she represented her country globally. She carried São Carlos with her to Milan, Paris, and New York. This fashion star became a reference point for aspiring models worldwide.
Her career shows that iconography builds through steady accumulation. It’s not about one viral moment but years of high-profile work. This fashion model evolved from Angel to established presence through pure consistency.
Diverse Collaborations with Renowned Brands
Brand collaborations became the financial backbone of her international career. These partnerships stretched from mass-market retailers to luxury houses.
The model worked with H&M, Express, and Neiman Marcus. She also appeared for Missoni and DSquared². This range proved her appeal across different consumer demographics.
| Brand | Year | Campaign Type |
|---|---|---|
| H&M | 2007 | Mass Market Retail |
| Armani Exchange | 2008-2009 | Seasonal Print Campaigns |
| Dolce & Gabbana | Multiple | Luxury Fashion |
| Missoni | 2010 | High-End Knitwear |
Armani Exchange Partnership
In 2008, Izabel Goulart replaced fellow Victoria’s Secret Angel Alessandra Ambrosio. This marked a passing of the torch between Brazilian models.
The Armani Exchange partnership lasted three seasonal print campaigns. It provided a major commercial contract that paid better than editorial work.
Dolce & Gabbana featured her multiple times. They appreciated her Mediterranean warmth from Portuguese and Italian heritage.
These collaborations required adapting to different brand identities. She became the accessible girl-next-door for H&M. For Armani, she embodied aspirational sophistication.
The Armani Exchange role boosted her profile across the United States. Her image appeared in shopping malls and advertising throughout New York and other major cities.
Signature Runway Moments and Wardrobe Milestones
From early mishaps to mastering elaborate costumes, her runway journey reveals what separates professional models from temporary sensations. The most memorable goulart shows demonstrated this evolution clearly.
That first fashion show could have ended everything. When her top fell open on the catwalk, Brazilian newspapers splashed the incident across their pages. But the young model returned, proving her resilience.
Signature movements became her trademark over countless goulart shows. She learned to walk in towering heels while balancing wings and capes weighing dozens of pounds. Designers trusted her with their most intricate pieces.
Each izabel goulart show added to her mental catalog of music cues and runway lengths. She adjusted seamlessly when things went wrong, a skill that made her a true star. Those izabel goulart shows built a legacy of professional excellence.
Behind the Scenes at Major Fashion Events
Behind the polished appearances at elite events lies a carefully choreographed performance that few spectators ever witness. The real work happens before cameras ever start flashing.
Exclusive Monaco Grand Prix Appearance
The 2025 Monaco Grand Prix drew Izabel Goulart and fiancé Kevin Trapp to Monte Carlo’s legendary circuit. They joined an elite roster including Patrick Dempsey, Lewis Hamilton, and Jeff Bezos trackside.
This Grand Prix event represents fashion’s intersection with global sports. Supermodels mingle with athletes and tech billionaires against a Mediterranean luxury backdrop. Every appearance serves multiple purposes.
Kevin Trapp and his partner navigated the social choreography with practiced ease. Their comfort at high-profile events demonstrated an established relationship dynamic. Cameras captured natural interactions rather than staged moments.
| Celebrity | Industry | Notable Presence |
|---|---|---|
| Patrick Dempsey | Entertainment | Actor & Racing Enthusiast |
| Lewis Hamilton | Sports | F1 Champion & Host |
| Jeff Bezos | Technology | Billionaire Attendee |
| Naomi Campbell | Fashion | Supermodel Icon |
| Dua Lipa | Music | Pop Star Presence |
Preparation for such events requires military precision. Outfits must photograph well in harsh sunlight. Hair and makeup need to last through long days of smiling and socializing.
The Monaco Grand Prix offered networking opportunities beyond the racing. VIP lounges and yacht parties became spaces for future collaborations. Each handshake could lead to new campaigns.
Social and Cultural Impact in Fashion
Beyond magazine covers and runways, Izabel Goulart’s career helped reshape the very image of a supermodel. Her success arrived as the industry began questioning its homogeneity.
She represented a shift in beauty standards. The Brazilian fashion aesthetic she embodied offered curves and warmth. It contrasted with the severe archetype that dominated earlier decades.
Influence on Global Trends
Her consistency proved that diverse casting worked commercially. Brands saw that models from São Paulo could sell products globally. This opened doors for a new generation of talent.
Recognition like Glamour Mexico’s “best international top model” in 2010 solidified her influence. GQ Portugal naming her “International Woman of the Year” in 2013 further cemented her status. These honors highlighted her cross-border appeal.
The Brazilian supermodel became a viable path for young women. Her longevity demonstrated that professionalism could sustain a career through changing trends. Izabel Goulart showed that Brazilian fashion had a permanent place on the world stage.
Philanthropy and Personal Commitments in Modeling
The same determination that propelled her modeling career found deeper purpose in fighting a disease that touched her family personally. While the fashion world celebrated her success, Izabel Goulart channeled her influence toward medical advocacy.
Advocacy for Diabetes Research
Her youngest brother Guilherme’s type 1 diabetes diagnosis at age one transformed a family crisis into lifelong commitment. This Brazilian model understood the stakes from childhood.
She partnered with hospitals in Brazil to raise funds for free insulin. Children whose families couldn’t afford medication received life-saving support through her efforts.
In 2009, the Diabetes Research Institute at the University of Miami named her international ambassador. They recognized her platform could amplify cure-focused research globally.
Her advocacy work predated fame and continued consistently throughout her career. She turned fashion week trips into opportunities to discuss diabetes research with media and donors.
The work connected her to home and family even while traveling constantly. Beneath the glamorous career lived someone whose brother faced daily medical challenges.
Philanthropy provided purpose beyond the runway. Izabel Goulart leveraged fame for causes that mattered, proving models could direct attention toward life-saving research.
Media Highlights and Celebrity Watch
The transition from catwalk to camera marked a strategic expansion of her celebrity footprint. Television screens offered access to audiences that fashion runways couldn’t reach alone.
Television Spots and Award Show Appearances
Izabel Goulart entered American living rooms through prime-time sitcoms. She appeared in Two and a Half Men during its fourth season. The episode “Corey’s Been Dead for an Hour” gave her a small acting role.
HBO’s Entourage featured her alongside fellow Angel Alessandra Ambrosio. Both models played themselves in the show’s glamorous Hollywood world. This appearance cemented her status as a recognizable star.
The 2016 Rio Olympics closing ceremony provided a monumental stage. She led a 250-person Carnival parade with street cleaner Renato Sorriso. This symbolic moment showcased Brazilian culture to billions worldwide.
The 2015 Cannes Film Festival brought her to the international red carpet. Photographers captured her among actors and directors on the French Riviera. These photos circulated through global entertainment media.
Each media event reinforced her presence beyond fashion credentials. The red carpet became another platform where she commanded attention. Television spots and award shows built a bridge to mainstream audiences.
Embracing the Digital Age in Fashion
The digital era demanded a new kind of model, one fluent in algorithms as well as aesthetics. Social media platforms dismantled old gatekeepers. Models could now build personal brands and monetize their images directly.
This shift required a complete skill set overhaul. The role expanded beyond the runway. Successful figures became content creators, photographers, and brand managers overnight.
Social Media and Online Influence
The model Izabel Goulart adapted seamlessly to Instagram. Her feed offered a curated mix of behind-the-scenes photos and personal glimpses. This strategy humanized the polished runway image for her followers.
Her fluency in Portuguese, English, and French was a strategic asset. She engaged audiences across Brazil, the United States, and Europe simultaneously. This multilingual approach maintained her relevance in key markets.
Online influence quickly rivaled traditional editorial work. Brands began booking models based on follower counts and engagement rates. A strong digital presence predicted a campaign’s potential reach.
The immediacy of feedback changed everything. Likes and comments provided real-time public interest metrics. This was far quicker than a magazine’s months-long production cycle.
| Pre-Digital Era Skills | Digital Era Additions | Impact on Career |
|---|---|---|
| Runway Walk | Content Creation | Direct audience connection |
| Photogenic Posing | Personal Branding | New revenue streams |
| Agency Management | Algorithm Understanding | Extended career longevity |
For the supermodel Izabel, this digital embrace was crucial. It allowed her career to evolve beyond typical runway age limits. Sponsored posts and partnerships became new, sustainable revenue streams.
The most compelling photos now lived online. They showcased fitness, travel, and fashion moments. This curated reality kept followers engaged and algorithms favorable.
Evolution of Fashion Trends and Style
Two distinct domains defined her modeling versatility. The red carpet demanded elegance while beach settings celebrated athletic freedom. This range showcased her ability to adapt to different fashion environments.
Red Carpet Elegance
Red carpet work required different skills than runway walking. She mastered the strategic pause for photographers. This involved precise turns and holding positions to showcase gowns effectively.
Fashion trends evolved from severe early-2000s aesthetics. Softer, more personal styles emerged. Models could now express individuality beyond being blank canvases.
Iconic Beachwear Moments
Beach and bikini moments became essential to her brand. The 2011 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue appearance marked a significant shift. This required maintaining a different body composition than high fashion work.
The 2013 Agua De Coco campaign captured authentic Brazilian beach energy. Vibrant colors and sun-soaked settings felt more natural than European formality. These images reinforced her swimsuit modeling credibility.
| Aspect | Red Carpet | Beach Photoshoot |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Skill | Static posing for cameras | Dynamic movement in water/sand |
| Body Preparation | Evening gown silhouette | Bikini-ready muscle tone |
| Setting | Controlled event environment | Natural outdoor elements |
| Fashion Focus | Designer gown details | Swimwear fabric and fit |
St. Barts vacation photos in thong bikinis generated massive online engagement. These images blurred personal and professional boundaries. They demonstrated year-round fitness discipline essential for beachwear work.
Notable Partnerships and Personal Life Insights
While the fashion world watched her career ascend, her personal life followed a parallel journey of partnership and commitment. The demands of international modeling created unique challenges for maintaining relationships across continents.
Engagement to Kevin Trapp and Relationship Highlights
After an eight-year relationship with Brazilian businessman Marcelo H. L. da Costa ended in 2014, a new chapter began in 2015. She started dating German footballer Kevin Trapp, who was then playing for Paris Saint-Germain.
The model and the goalkeeper represented a classic pairing of fashion and football. Both industries share an obsession with physical perfection and performance under pressure. Kevin Trapp’s transfer to Eintracht Frankfurt created a German home base for the couple.
On July 5, 2018, Izabel Goulart’s fiancé proposed during a summer engagement. She shared the happy moment with followers through carefully curated photos showing the ring. Their relationship required navigating conflicting schedules across European football leagues and global fashion weeks.
The public saw yacht trips and red carpet appearances. But personal insights remained mostly private despite their high profiles. Both carefully controlled what they shared versus what stayed between them away from cameras.
Kevin Trapp understood the fashion industry’s demands. His own career involved similar pressures of maintaining peak condition and handling media scrutiny. The star and her goalkeeper built a partnership that balanced two demanding international careers.
Star Appearances and Event Highlights
Monte Carlo’s sun-drenched Grand Prix weekend brought together billionaires, athletes, and fashion icons in a spectacle of global celebrity. These events served as strategic platforms for maintaining visibility and networking with industry power players.
Monaco Grand Prix Celebrity Moments
The 2025 Monaco Grand Prix saw Izabel Goulart and goalkeeper Kevin Trapp navigating exclusive paddock access and yacht invitations. Behind the scenes, they managed the complex social hierarchy that defines such elite gatherings.
This secret model cultivated through disciplined fitness became visible in her commanding presence at forty-plus. Her appearance demonstrated the year-round work required to maintain a modeling physique decades into her career.
Between major events, the Brazilian supermodel took St. Barts vacations where beach photos served dual purposes. Bikini content from these trips kept her Instagram feed active while showcasing her commitment to fitness.
In New York, she maintained crucial professional relationships through Dolce & Gabbana events and fashion week parties. Like contemporaries such as Irina Shayk, she faced the challenge of staying relevant in a youth-focused industry.
Red carpet highlights accumulated over twenty years, each appearance adding to her public archive. These moments proved that strategic visibility could extend a modeling career well beyond typical age limits.
Final Reflections on Enduring Legacies
What separates a fleeting trend from an enduring legacy often comes down to strategic reinvention. The model Izabel Goulart built a career spanning over two decades in an industry that typically discards women before thirty. Her secret model discipline involved maintaining peak condition while evolving her brand.
Beach and bikini work remained central to her identity long after high fashion editorial opportunities declined. The thong bikini moments at age forty-plus demonstrated body confidence and fitness dedication that defied industry ageism. This Brazilian supermodel proved that commercial appeal could extend well beyond traditional runway years.
Victoria’s Secret represented just one chapter in her story, not the entire narrative. Like contemporaries Alessandra Ambrosio and Irina Shayk, she navigated the transition from Angel to established presence. Her legacy includes diabetes advocacy and Olympic ceremony leadership alongside modeling accomplishments.
Final reflections reveal that success came through persistence rather than overnight fame. She built a reputation over twenty years that withstands industry changes and shifting trends. The goulart shows future models that careers can extend with adaptation and professional consistency.
