In what’s shaping up to be the greatest sports/fashion dynasty ever, supermodel Gisele Bundchen says she has signed with Under Armour for its line of women’s clothing,
and is expected to appear in its first-ever global campaign for women.
In addition to being Forbes’ best-paid model for 2014, the Brazilian Bundchen is married
to New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, who has been an Under Armour athlete since he ditched Nike back in 2010. Besides owning equity in Under Armour, Brady also owns a piece of
Ugg, the fashion foot brand, and appears in its ads, as well.
“I’m proud to join @UAWomen and celebrate strong women
everywhere,” Bundchen says on her Twitter feed, including a link to UA’s teaser spot for the new ads. The video shows the model, known for her
Kung Fu and yoga workouts, walking through an alley to a small gym and facing off with a heavy bag.
In July, the Baltimore-based athletic apparel marketer announced it was
introducing its first-ever global women’s campaign. Bundchen joins such previously announced notables as American Ballet Theater soloist Misty Copeland; skier Lindsey Vonn, and U.S. Women's
National Soccer Team player Kelley O'Hara. The campaign is themed "I Will What I Want," and is said to be a $15 million effort.
Women’s Wear Daily has reported that the
company sells some $500 million a year, or a third of its overall sales, in women’s apparel. In announcing its quarterly results back in July, CEO Kevin Plank said the upcoming campaign
“will reinforce our commitment to build out this important growth driver.”
Meanwhile, last month Forbes reported that the 34-year-old Bundchen, who has topped its
highest-paid list since 2002, earned an estimated $47 million in the last 12 months, out-earning the second-place model by $39 million. With contracts for H&M, Chanel, and Pantene, she also earned some $16 million more than Brady’s $31
million football salary.