17 JULY 2002
Gazelle-like Gisele got Sao Paulo Fashion Week off to a sizzling start in a series of cheeky bikinis, including one featuring the late Cuban revolutionary Che Guevara.

Leo Di Caprio's ex was in town for only one modelling appearance, but she certainly made it count.

Swimwear company Cia Maritima, whose designs she was displaying, will have been more than happy with the effect the leggy Brazilian had, as eyes and camera flashes popped all over the place when she stalked down the runway.

And it's not as though there wasn't any competition: fellow Brazilian stunner Adriana Lima, reported to be romantically involved with US singer Lenny Kravitz, also caused a sensation when she strutted her stuff in the upcoming season's beachwear.

Gisele took advantage of her Sao Paulo stay to promote a new line of plastic sandals she designed for local brand Grendene.

"I never went to fashion school," she admitted, when asked about her design credentials. "But I do own around 400 pairs of shoes."