In the late 1990s, at just 18 years old, Gisele Bündchen was invited to walk in a major British fashion house’s spring-summer 1998 show — her very first international runway appearance. But an unexpected challenge arose: she was informed she would have to walk the runway topless.

Shaken by the news, the young model seriously considered backing out. In the end, it was the show’s makeup artist who came up with an unusual solution: he suggested using body paint to cover her chest.

In her memoir, she reflects on the experience: “I wasn’t the outgoing type. I was more of a tomboy and had felt self-conscious about my body since puberty. I was afraid my family would be ashamed. I was terrified.” She also admitted that she had no idea how these shows were supposed to work at the time.

Ironically, the daring look became one of the show’s most iconic moments — and played a key role in launching her career to new heights.

FM