Tom Brady has made his catwalk debut, appearing on the runway for Gucci’s Cruise 2027 collection show held in New York City’s Times Square. The retired NFL quarterback walked in an all-black leather outfit as part of the high-profile fashion presentation, joining a lineup that included Paris Hilton, Emily Ratajkowski and Cindy Crawford, who closed the show.
The event also drew a large celebrity audience, with attendees including Mariah Carey, Shawn Mendes, Kim Kardashian and Lindsay Lohan. Podcaster Alix Earle, who has previously been linked in dating rumours with Brady, was also present in the crowd.
Brady’s appearance adds to his growing involvement in the fashion industry. He previously co-founded the Brady activewear and athleisure brand, expanding his work beyond professional sport into design and lifestyle ventures. His connection to fashion has also been discussed publicly by his former wife, Gisele Bündchen. Speaking to WSJ Magazine at the time of the brand’s launch, she said, “He loves clothes way more than I do,” adding, “He has great taste and understands and really cares about what people want, what can help them feel good. That’s what fashion is about.”
Brady and Bündchen separated in October 2022 after 13 years of marriage and have two children together. Brady also has a son with former partner Bridget Moynahan. The former NFL star’s foray into fashion modelling marks another chapter in a post-football career that has already included broadcasting, business ventures and philanthropic work. Brady retired from the NFL in February 2023 after a legendary 23-season career that included seven Super Bowl victories, five Super Bowl MVP awards, and countless records. He played the majority of his career with the New England Patriots before finishing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, leading them to a Super Bowl win in the 2020 season.
The Gucci Cruise 2027 show was staged at the iconic Times Square, a location that has become synonymous with New York City’s vibrant energy and pop culture. The setting underscored Gucci’s desire to blend high fashion with mainstream visibility, bringing together A-list celebrities, models, and influencers. The collection itself featured a mix of modern tailoring, bold prints, and statement accessories, characteristic of creative director Sabato De Sarno’s vision for the brand. Brady’s inclusion in the runway lineup was a strategic move by Gucci to bridge the worlds of sports and fashion, following a trend of athletes becoming style icons.
Among the other models, Paris Hilton made a notable appearance, just months after welcoming her second child. The socialite and businesswoman walked in a shimmering silver ensemble, adding her signature glamour to the show. Emily Ratajkowski, known for her modelling and acting career, also took to the runway in a sleek black pantsuit. Supermodel Cindy Crawford, who has been a face of Gucci in the past, closed the show in a dramatic floor-length gown, bringing a sense of nostalgia and timeless elegance. The celebrity-packed audience was equally star-studded: Mariah Carey, a long-time fan of Gucci, arrived in a feathered coat, while Shawn Mendes opted for a casual yet chic leather jacket. Kim Kardashian, fresh from her own brand’s latest launch, sat front row in a head-to-toe Gucci look. Lindsay Lohan, who has recently returned to the spotlight, attended with her husband.
The presence of Alix Earle, a popular podcast host and social media personality, added an element of intrigue due to past dating rumours with Brady. Neither party has confirmed any romantic relationship, but her attendance kept tabloid speculation alive. The show was also covered extensively on social media, with clips of Brady strutting down the runway going viral within hours. Fans praised his natural confidence and physique, while some questioned whether the appearance was a one-time stunt or the start of a second career in modelling. Industry insiders noted that Brady’s brand deals and endorsement history—including partnerships with Under Armour, Aston Martin, and Hertz—make him a valuable crossover figure for luxury fashion houses like Gucci.
Brady’s relationship with fashion extends beyond modelling. His activewear line, Brady Brand, launched in 2021 and includes performance wear, casual apparel, and accessories. The collection emphasizes comfort and durability, leveraging Brady’s athletic expertise. The line has been sold at major retailers and online, though it has faced competition from established brands like Nike and Lululemon. In interviews, Brady has often talked about his interest in style and how he uses clothing to express himself. He has also collaborated with designers such as Thom Browne and Tommy Hilfiger for special projects. His attendance at fashion weeks and red carpet events has earned him a spot on best-dressed lists.
The Gucci Cruise show is traditionally a traveling event; previous locations have included London, Los Angeles, and Seoul. The 2027 edition in New York was particularly significant because it marked the brand’s return to a large-scale public runway presentation after COVID-era restrictions. Times Square provided a unique backdrop, with billboards and LED screens adding to the spectacle. The brand also collaborated with local artists to create a immersive soundscape and lighting design. The event underscored Gucci’s commitment to innovation and inclusivity, casting models of various ages, body types, and backgrounds.
For Brady, the runway debut was a personal milestone. He had previously appeared in advertising campaigns for brands like Carhartt and Tag Heuer, but walking a runway requires a different kind of confidence and timing. According to sources, Brady prepared by working with a runway coach and practicing his walk for weeks. He reportedly was nervous but excited, and his performance received positive reviews from fashion critics. Some noted that his athletic grace translated well to the catwalk, and that his focus and discipline—hallmarks of his football career—served him in this new arena. The appearance also generated significant media coverage, bridging the gap between sports and lifestyle publications.
In the weeks following the show, Brady is expected to continue his fashion involvement. He has been rumored to be considering a role as a brand ambassador for Gucci, though no official announcement has been made. Meanwhile, his personal life remains under media scrutiny. His co-parenting relationship with Bündchen has been amicable, and both have been seen attending events together for their children. Bündchen herself is a major force in fashion, having walked for countless designers and starred in campaigns for Chanel, Versace, and more. Her comment about Brady’s love for clothes highlighted a shared interest, even after their separation. The couple’s two children, Benjamin and Vivian, have been kept mostly out of the public eye, but Brady occasionally shares glimpses on social media.
Brady’s jet-setting lifestyle continues to intrigue fans. He frequently travels between Florida, where he holds a minority ownership stake in the soccer club Birmingham City, and New York, where he has a residence. He also maintains a home in Massachusetts. His post-retirement ventures include a successful podcast, ‘Let’s Go!’, and a production company that has developed documentaries and scripted content. The Gucci appearance adds a new dimension to his public persona, positioning him as a multifaceted celebrity beyond football. As the fashion and sports industries increasingly intersect, Brady’s move into modelling might inspire other athletes to explore similar paths. Already, figures like LeBron James, David Beckham, and Serena Williams have made significant inroads into fashion, either through collaborations or personal brands.
Looking ahead, the Gucci Cruise 2027 collection will be available in stores later this year. The buzz generated by Brady’s debut is expected to boost interest in the line, especially among male consumers who might not traditionally follow fashion. The brand has not yet released sales projections, but early social media engagement metrics are positive. Brady’s team has not commented on future runway appearances, but insiders suggest he may continue to work with Gucci or explore other luxury brands. For now, the former quarterback can add ‘runway model’ to an already impressive resume.
Source: The Express Tribune News