Brazilian Model Scouting: Looking for the Next Blond, Fair-Skinned Supermodel

Why Can't the Next Naomi Campbell Come From Brazil?Gisele Bundchen

Gisele Bundchen, Alessandra Ambrosio, and Caroline Trentini, all gorgeous Supermodels from Brazil, and all, well, Caucasian. There is a recent NY Times article that explores the "how" and the "why". The South American nation, according to all the latest reliable population and ethnic-makeup statistics, seems to be a pretty racially "mixed" nation: 55% White (Portuguese, German, Italian) , 44% Mixed (White and Black), 1% Japanese, Arab, Amerindian. So why aren't all the latest models coming from that country necessary reflecting this? The article tries to explore the topic.The article, titled "Off Runway Brazilian Beauty Goes Beyond Blond" follows a model scout in search of the next tall, blond, fair-skinned beauty from the State of Rio Grande Do Sul (Brazil's most Southernmost state colonized years ago by a predominance of Germans and Italians) to grace the NY, Paris and Milan catwalks. It's a really fascinating article that tries to ask why a country like Brazil--as one top Sao Paulo fashion consultant laments--can't find the next Naomi Campbell...Read it HERE.

Click Below to Watch a "Behind The Scenes" Video of the Model Scout in Rio Grande Do Sul:

Tom Brady Pops the Question

Sidelined QB and all-around hottie, Tom Brady, gave his uber-model girlfriend, Gisele Bundschen, the ultimate Christmas gift this year: a diamond engagement ring. And the lucky lady said ‘yes’!

Well, duh.

According to the pillar of journalistic integrity, TMZ, the Patriots’ fearless leader proposed on a private jet that took off from New Jersey’s Teterboro Airport and landed in Boston. Four dozen roses, champagne and Gisele’s parents were on board to set the mood. (The mile high club membership will obviously be dealyed until the honeymoon…)

Brady and Bundschen have been dating since late 2006, following her split with actor Leonardo DiCaprio and Brady’s highly publicized breakup with former girlfriend Bridget Moynahan, with whom he also has a son.

Rumors of an engagement between the two have been circulating since late October, when it was reported that Brady was spotted in Beverly Hills looking at a five carat, yellow diamond engagement ring. However, according to the Boston Herald, Gisele said that she would rather have an “antique-looking and understated” ring.

And the final verdict? No photos have surfaced yet of the rock that took the richest supermodel off the market, but you can bet I’ll be on the look out.

And as for the groom-to-be, he’s apparently taken a new job as ‘Gisele’s errand boy’ while he’s sidelined with an injury until next season. If this football thing doesn’t work out, maybe he has a future in wedding planning?

Diamond Rocks on the Auction Block

It’s rough being the world’s richest supermodel. Diamonds are thrown at your feet, gemstones are bestowed upon you like royalty, and big name actors woo you with bling that would make even a pirate blush. What to do with the clutter? What any sensible, rich, criminally gorgeous woman would do. Get rid of it.

Brazilian beauty, Gisele Bundchen, is streamlining her treasure chest by auctioning thousands of dollars worth of glittering jewels in the Christie’s Jewels: The New York Sale scheduled for October 15th. Tom Brady’s significant other will be selling a 3.35 carat colored Sabbadini diamond ring expected to fetch between $15,000 to $20,000. She is also unloading a six carat diamond pendant necklace worth between $120,000 to $150,000.

The supermodel, who formerly dated actor Leonardo DiCaprio, has not officially revealed who gave her the lavish leftovers she's shedding, but we’re thinking old Leo’s King of the World days are decidedly over. There’s nowhere to go but down, quite frankly.

People reports that a portion of the auction proceeds will go to the Russell Simmons co-founded charity Diamond Empowerment Fund, which provides educational funding to diamond-producing countries in Africa.

For a look at all the yummy baubles up for sale, including the largest stone in the auction, weighing 102 carats and costing an estimated $4 million, click here.