Izabel Goulart

Izabel Goulart – Life, Career, and Famous Quotes


Discover the life story, career highlights, and inspirational quotes of Izabel Goulart, the Brazilian supermodel who rose from humble beginnings to global fashion fame.

Introduction

Izabel Goulart is a name that resonates in the world of high fashion and modeling. Born on October 23, 1984, in São Carlos, Brazil, she would grow to become one of the most recognizable Brazilian models on the international stage. Known for her tenure as a Victoria’s Secret Angel, her appearances in Sports Illustrated, and her many editorial and runway credits, Izabel has made a lasting mark in fashion. Beyond her beauty and style, she presents a story of resilience, ambition, and purpose, which continues to inspire aspiring models and fans alike.

Early Life and Family

Izabel was born Maria Izabel Goulart Dourado in São Carlos, in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. four brothers and one sister. Portuguese and Italian descent.

Growing up, Izabel faced challenges related to her body image. She has recounted that during her school years, she was teased and given nicknames like “giraffe” for being very slender. Though that tip may seem casual, it launched her thinking about a different path.

Her family context also shaped her values. One of her younger brothers, Guilherme, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when he was just one year old. This personal connection would later motivate Izabel to champion causes related to diabetes care and access.

Youth and Education

Details on Izabel’s formal schooling are sparse in public sources, but what stands out is her early entry into modeling. After the encouragement she received as a teenager, she relocated to São Paulo to pursue modeling more seriously. France to further expand her modeling opportunities. August 2001, at age 16, she joined the (then) Success agency in São Paulo, marking an early milestone in her modeling career.

Her youth—marked by determination and adapting to change—set the stage for her later breakthroughs. Though she was criticized for her physique early on, she leveraged that adversity as fuel rather than a setback.

Career and Achievements

Izabel’s ascent in fashion is defined by a mix of runway, editorial, commercial, and brand-campaign success. Below is a chronology of milestones and achievements.

Breakthrough & Runway Work

  • Her first runway appearance was not smooth: she experienced a wardrobe malfunction when her top came undone. Though embarrassing, this incident became part of her early story of learning to handle pressure.

  • She then went on to walk for top designers and houses including Alberta Ferretti, Bill Blass, Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, Givenchy, Valentino, Chanel, Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren, and Stella McCartney, among others.

  • She also worked with fashion brands such as H&M, Express, Neiman Marcus, Missoni, and DSquared².

Victoria’s Secret & Global Recognition

  • In 2005, she made her debut in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, the same year she was signed as a Victoria’s Secret Angel (from 2005 to 2008).

  • Even after her Angel contract ended, she continued participating in Victoria’s Secret shows up until 2016.

  • In 2008, she became the face of Armani Exchange, replacing Alessandra Ambrosio, and appeared in seasonal print campaigns for the brand.

  • In 2011, Izabel was featured in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, adding to her commercial appeal.

orials, Campaigns & Honors

  • She has graced or been featured in numerous international fashion magazines, including Vogue, GQ, Harper’s Bazaar, Marie Claire, Elle, and Glamour.

  • Her campaigns include work with Dolce & Gabbana, Givenchy, DKNY, and she also became a face for MAC Cosmetics (since about 2013).

  • In 2007, she received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (in conjunction with the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show).

  • She has been recognized in lists such as People magazine’s “100 Most Beautiful People” in 2007.

  • In 2013, she was named “International Woman of the Year” by GQ Portugal.

Media Appearances & Other Work

  • Izabel has made guest appearances on TV shows such as Entourage (Season 3, Episode 13) and Two and a Half Men (Season 4, Episode 9).

  • She participated in the Rio 2016 Olympics closing ceremony, leading a carnival-style parade.

Historical Milestones & Context

To fully appreciate Izabel Goulart’s career, it helps to situate her in the broader fashion world and cultural backdrop.

  • The 2000s and 2010s were eras when Brazilian models gained strong international visibility (e.g., Gisele Bündchen, Adriana Lima). Izabel was part of that wave, blending sultry appeal and runway discipline.

  • The role of the Victoria’s Secret Angel was at its height during her formative years in the role — the brand was among the most visible in lingerie and fashion marketing globally.

  • Her contract with Armani Exchange (2008 onward) reflects the era when fashion brands were increasingly merging high-end with accessible lines, and models like Izabel bridged commercial and editorial work.

  • Her advocacy for diabetes awareness also fits a trend of public figures leveraging their platforms for health causes, especially when personally connected to them.

Legacy and Influence

Izabel Goulart’s legacy lies not only in her extensive modeling résumé but also in her ability to maintain relevance and character in an industry known for its volatility.

  • She helped reinforce the presence of Brazilian models on the global stage, offering another face beyond the usual stars.

  • Her balance of editorial integrity and brand collaboration is a template many newer models try to emulate.

  • Her advocacy for diabetes—especially through her brother’s experience—gives her public image depth beyond aesthetics.

  • Her longevity in runway participation, even after her time as an Angel officially ended, demonstrates adaptability and staying power.

Personality and Talents

Beyond her physical presence and modeling achievements, Izabel’s personal traits have contributed to her success.

  • She speaks Portuguese, English, and French.

  • In interviews, she has emphasized discipline, consistent fitness, and a regimen that supports mental and physical health.

  • She maintains a fitness plan sometimes called “Body by Iza”—tailored routines she follows and shares.

  • Izabel has described the emotional difficulty of being far from home, especially missing her mother’s food and her family.

  • Despite her glamorous image, she has spoken about preferring simple, grounded living and staying authentic.

Famous Quotes of Izabel Goulart

While Izabel Goulart is not primarily known as a prolific quotemaker, a few lines attributed to her reflect her mindset and values:

  • “The hardest part about being [a Victoria’s Secret Angel] is I spend time away from my mom’s food and away from my home with my five siblings.”

  • On handling challenges and public scrutiny, her career and interviews suggest an attitude of perseverance: despite early teasing and a public mishap (wardrobe malfunction), she persisted and built her brand. (Inferred from her biography)

  • (While not a widely circulated “soundbite,” her journey itself conveys a principle: Use criticism as motivation, not limitation.)

If you’d like, I can dig more for interviews and compile a larger set of her quotes (in Portuguese + translated).

Lessons from Izabel Goulart

  • Resilience turns setbacks into stepping stones: Her early mockery and wardrobe mishaps did not stop her from reaching the top tiers of fashion.

  • Authenticity matters: While she operates in a highly image-driven industry, she often emphasizes simplicity and staying true to one’s roots.

  • Purpose beyond modeling: By championing diabetes awareness, she shows how a public figure can align personal experience with social contribution.

  • Discipline and consistency: Her long career, sustained by fitness and professionalism, underlines that talent alone is not enough.

  • Global adaptability: Learning languages, working across continents, and bridging multiple fashion sectors (runway, editorial, commercial) show the importance of flexibility.

Conclusion

Izabel Goulart’s story is not just one of beauty and fashion success—but of grit, evolution, and depth. From São Carlos to global runways, from early criticism to championing causes close to her heart, she exemplifies a modern model whose legacy is richer than appearance.

If you enjoy her story, you might explore more of her interviews, runway archives, and her evolving roles in philanthropy. Let me know if you’d like me to assemble a gallery of her most iconic images or a more detailed list of her campaigns.