I think it's all about right time right place. I know Gisele purists would beg to differ on that and not taking anything away from her...but model success largely depends on timing. It could've easily been Michelle that lead the Brazilian wave in the fashion industry in the late 90s. I think she has a better body and face than Gisele. I also think Ana Claudia Michels is another better Brazilian. But Gisele was there at the right time and became the face of Brazilian fashion phenomenon. I guess hooking up with an A-List movie star didn't hurt either
I saw an interview with Michelle on FTV: she plans to study engineering at university soon she claims. Interesting!