Chapter 171 – Intense Preparation
After hearing about Tom Ford and Ralph Lauren's invitations, Gustavo immerses himself completely in his preparation. The routine he has adopted is very reminiscent of the intense days when he led operations in the special forces. He is focused, disciplined, and determined to give his best. For him, this challenge is not so different from the operations he planned — everything requires attention to detail, strategy, and flawless execution.
Gustavo (thinking): "Every step on the runway will be calculated, just like every movement in the field was. This is no different from a mission."
He organizes his daily routine with intense physical training, a strict diet, and continuous practice to perfect his runway presence. Kendall is by his side, giving him crucial tips on how to carry himself.
Kendall (while watching Gustavo training on the floor of the house): "Remember, it's not just about walking. It's about the attitude you convey. Keep your eyes confident, your chest open, and make every movement look natural, but with purpose."
Gustavo (determined): "I get it. Every step has to have meaning. Like a mission, I need to convey the right message with precision."
Gustavo's diet is also carefully controlled. He understands that he needs to be in top shape for the shows, so he cuts out sugar, cuts out carbs, and maintains a diet rich in protein and vegetables. His determination is reflected in the details: he wakes up early, stretches, and does resistance exercises, followed by walk-on-the-runway practice sessions that Kendall organizes for him.
Gustavo (practicing while Kendall watches): "I think I'm starting to get the hang of it, what do you think?"
Kendall (smiling): "You're doing great. Remember not to look down, keep your chin slightly raised, but not arrogant. And of course, breathe. Confidence comes from calm."
Gustavo (smiling, taking a deep breath): "Got it, boss."
He begins to visualize the runway as a battlefield each step is a strategic move, and the audience is both his allies and enemies to be conquered. Gustavo's focus is intense, reflecting the same dedication he had when he led missions in the field.
A few days later, Gustavo is ready for his first big meeting. He is scheduled to meet with Tom Ford, the renowned fashion designer, at his private studio. Gustavo feels a mix of nervousness and excitement as he walks up to the venue, wearing a smart casual outfit that Kendall helped him pick out. Upon entering, he is immediately greeted by Ford, who has an imposing presence.
Tom Ford (smiling): "Gustavo, it's a pleasure to finally meet you. I have to say, you were a standout in the Calvin Klein campaign. I saw the photos and thought: there's something special about this man."
Gustavo (smiling and shaking Tom Ford's hand): "Thank you so much, Mr. Ford. I'm honored to hear that from you. I'm really looking forward to working with your brand."
Tom Ford (watching Gustavo closely): "You have a strong, natural presence. When you walk for me, I want you to embody that elegance that you already exude. You don't need much to convey confidence. Just be yourself."
The meeting is brief but effective. Ford explains the expectations for the show and assures him that Gustavo will be one of the centerpieces of the presentation. Gustavo leaves the meeting motivated and inspired.
Gustavo (thinking): "It was like planning a mission. The instructions are clear, now it's time to execute it perfectly."
The next day, Gustavo has his meeting with Ralph Lauren, another fashion icon. The atmosphere is more relaxed, with Lauren preferring an outdoor setting at his ranch. Upon arrival, Gustavo is greeted with a warm smile by Ralph Lauren, who is known for his classic and timeless style.
Ralph Lauren (shaking Gustavo's hand): "Gustavo, welcome. I wanted to meet you in person to get to know you better. When I saw your photos, I knew you would be perfect for our show. Your natural style is exactly what we were looking for."
Gustavo (modest): "It's an honor, Mr. Lauren. I've always admired your brand and I'm very excited for this opportunity."
Ralph Lauren (with a smile): "I want you to bring your authenticity to the runway. My clothes are about real people, with real stories. And you have an incredible story. You just have to be yourself."
During the conversation, Lauren shares her vision for the show and talks about the importance of representing elegance in a realistic way. Gustavo, always attentive to detail, absorbs each instruction, seeing it as yet another challenge to overcome.
Gustavo (thinking): "Every designer has their own vision, and my mission is to honor that vision while bringing my own essence to the runway."
Back at home, Gustavo sits with Kendall on the couch, reflecting on the encounters of the last few days. He realizes that he is about to enter a new world.
Kendall (watching Gustavo thoughtfully): "Are you okay?"
Gustavo (smiling): "Yeah, I'm just thinking about how this is all similar to the operations I used to do. Planning, execution... Only now, instead of a mission, it's the runway."
Kendall (with a supportive smile): "And you're doing it perfectly. I'm so proud of you."
Gustavo (hugging Kendall): "Thank you for everything. I couldn't do it without you by my side."
As Gustavo prepares for the next steps, he knows the hard work is just beginning. But with his soldier's determination and Kendall's support, he's ready to take on the fashion world head-on, just as he's faced all of life's challenges.
Chapter 172 – The Tom Ford Show
The day of Gustavo's first big show finally arrived, and he was preparing for his debut in the world of haute couture fashion. In the Tom Ford dressing room, the atmosphere was calm but charged with anticipation. Gustavo was wearing an elegant black suit, perfectly tailored to his athletic body, and every detail seemed to have been designed for him. The suit, with its sharp cuts and refined fabric, made Gustavo look even more imposing. He looked in the mirror and, in that moment, felt the same energy and confidence that he emanated in the days when he was leading missions in the special forces.
Gustavo (thinking): "It's like a mission. I'm ready for this. The posture, the confidence… everything needs to be in place."
He adjusts his tie and runs his hands over his jacket, feeling the symbolic weight of the responsibility he carries. Around him, the Tom Ford team watches in admiration as he exudes an aura of power and determination. Gustavo was not just another model in the queue; He was a former army captain, a man who knew what it was like to lead in high-pressure situations.
Crew member (whispering to another): "Look... do you feel his presence? It's like the atmosphere changes when he's around."
Across the dressing room, Tom Ford was finalizing the last details of the show. He looked up and saw Gustavo standing, ready to walk the runway. There was a moment of silence, and Ford noticed something unique about the man. Gustavo had a presence that transcended the physical; there was an intensity in his eyes, an unshakable confidence, as if he were about to command an army rather than simply model clothes.
Tom Ford (thinking): "This show is going to be a success. It has everything I expected... and more."
Ford, known for being a stickler for detail, knew at that moment that he had made the right choice in inviting Gustavo. He gave Gustavo a slight nod, and Gustavo responded with a determined look, ready to give it his all.
Finally, the moment arrived. The atmosphere outside the dressing room was hectic, with the sounds of photographers, the murmur of the audience and the bright lights that illuminated the catwalk. Gustavo took a deep breath before leaving, as he did before going into action on special forces missions. For him, this was yet another challenge that needed to be faced with precision and focus.
When Gustavo walked through the door and onto the catwalk, the atmosphere seemed to change instantly. The soft music of the show began, and his first steps reverberated throughout the room. Each movement was calculated, each step firm, as if the earth were shaking beneath his feet. Gustavo walked with a confidence that few models could exude. His eyes fixed straight ahead, his posture perfect, his presence striking.
Gustavo (thinking): "I'm the one in charge here. They watch me because I lead them."
The audience was mesmerized. Among the spectators, in the front row, were important figures from the fashion world, but Gustavo's eyes focused on Kendall, his fiancée. She was there, dazzling, watching his every step with a proud smile on her lips. Beside Kendall were Gustavo's parents, João and Leila, who had never seen their son in this position, but were clearly moved by what they saw.
As Gustavo walked down the catwalk, Tom Ford watched him from the side, his eyes shining with satisfaction. Ford knew there was something special about Gustavo. The audience seemed to absorb every moment, every detail. When Gustavo walked past the front row, Kendall could not hide her pride. Their eyes met briefly, and she saw in that look the same determination that Gustavo had always had, whether on a military mission or now, in the fashion world.
Kendall (thinking): "This is the man I love. He was born for this."
Beside her, Gustavo's parents were visibly moved. João, with tears in his eyes, turned to Leila.
João (whispering): "Our son is shining, Leila. He's always been a leader, but to see him here, in this new phase... it's unbelievable."
Leila (emotional): "He's incredible, João. I've never been so proud."
At that moment, it seemed like everyone in the room shared the same feeling. The show continued, but all eyes were fixed on Gustavo. He was the center of attention, and his walk exuded an energy that made every person in the audience feel his presence.
At the end of the runway, Gustavo struck his last pose, slowly turning to leave. The room was silent for a second before applause began to echo. The show had been a success, and Gustavo knew he had given it his all. He returned backstage, where Tom Ford was waiting for him with a satisfied smile.
Tom Ford (with a slight smile): "You rocked it, Gustavo. Your presence on the runway was... monumental. I couldn't be happier with the result."
Gustavo (smiling): "Thank you, Mr. Ford, It was an honor to walk for you. I hope I met your expectations."
Tom Ford (with a confident look): "You exceeded them all."
Gustavo thanked him again and, when he returned backstage, he felt a wave of relief and satisfaction. Another mission accomplished, another goal achieved. When he left the show venue, he found Kendall, who was waiting for him with a tight hug.
Kendall (smiling, proud): "You were incredible. I knew you would rock it."
Gustavo (hugging her): "I just followed your advice and treated it like a mission. And I think it worked."
With their hands intertwined, they walked together to join Gustavo's parents, who also couldn't contain their excitement. The show had been a milestone in Gustavo's career, and he knew that more challenges would come, but at that moment, he was enjoying his success alongside the people he loved most.
Chapter 173 – The Media Reaction
The day after Gustavo's show for Tom Ford, international media headlines began to appear. The fashion press, always on the lookout for new talent and rising stars, wasted no time in highlighting the impeccable performance of the former special forces captain and now model.
Fashion websites such as Vogue, GQ, Elle and Harper's Bazaar were full of praise for Gustavo's debut. The presence he brought to the catwalk did not go unnoticed. They commented that Gustavo's confidence and self-assurance were rare, even among the most experienced models. The natural elegance with which he wore the Tom Ford suit, combined with his military posture and his striking appearance, made him shine at one of the most important events in the fashion world.
Vogue Magazine (international): "Gustavo Almeida, a former Brazilian soldier, made his debut at the Tom Ford show with a presence that is not seen every day. He brought an impressive energy to the catwalk, and his confidence exuded a strength that can only be described as monumental. Without a doubt, Gustavo is ready to be a new sensation in the fashion world."
GQ (international): "With a bearing that combines elegance and authority, Gustavo captured everyone's attention at the Tom Ford show. His debut showed that he has what it takes to be a recurring name on the biggest catwalks in the world. And with his life story, he brings a unique authenticity."
In Brazil, the headlines were also buzzing. The country was surprised and proud to see one of its compatriots stand out on such an international stage. Gustavo had already attracted attention for his career as a stuntman and actor, but now, his debut in the international fashion world was a turning point. The Brazilian media highlighted Gustavo's impressive transition from the special forces to the high-fashion catwalks, and how he managed to maintain the same precision and calm in both worlds.
O Globo newspaper: "Gustavo Almeida shines in his debut at the Tom Ford show. With impeccable posture and a determined look, he conquered the international fashion scene. Brazil now has yet another reason to be proud of this multifaceted talent who continues to impress in whatever field he decides to work in."
Caras magazine: "Former Hollywood stuntman and special forces captain Gustavo Almeida made his debut in the fashion world in style. The Tom Ford show was the perfect stage for him to show off not only his impressive looks, but also his calm and precision in every move. Comments on his performance were unanimous: an absolute success."
Fashion experts also began to give their opinions on Gustavo. Many highlighted how he was not just another pretty face, but someone with an almost military presence on the catwalk, something that stood out among other models. The mix of elegance and strength, combined with the quiet confidence he exuded, made him one of the highlights of the event.
Anna Wintour (Vogue, in an interview): "Gustavo brought something new to the catwalk. He's the kind of model you can't look away from. There's something intriguing about the way he moves, as if he's in complete control, effortlessly. I think he has a promising future in this field."
Tim Blanks (fashion critic): "Gustavo's debut at the Tom Ford show was a clear example of how someone with a unique background can transform a catwalk environment. He brought with him an almost military presence, with a calm and precision that captured the attention of everyone present."
On social media, Gustavo's name quickly became a trend. Fashion fans, followers of his stunt and acting career, and even new admirers were sharing clips and photos from the show, accompanied by compliments and surprised comments.
Twitter user: "Gustavo Almeida killing it on the Tom Ford runway! Who would have thought that a former military man would have so much style? This man can do it all!"
Another Instagram user: "Gustavo's presence on the runway was out of this world! His confidence and charisma are incredible. I already want to see more shows with him!"
Gustavo and Kendall were together at home, relaxing after the intense schedule of the last few days. Kendall, always by his side, smiled as she watched the media's reactions on social media.
Kendall (laughing): "I told you you would rock. They can't stop talking about you! Look at these comments... everyone is amazed by your presence on the runway."
Gustavo, still processing all the attention he was receiving, shook his head, impressed.
Gustavo: "It's surreal. I didn't expect this much repercussion. But I think that special operations mindset helped me once again. I stayed focused, and it worked."
Kendall approached him, giving him a kiss on the cheek.
Kendall: "You've always been amazing in everything you've done. Now the fashion world is discovering that too."
Gustavo smiled, feeling satisfied and grateful. It was clear that this was just the beginning of something much bigger. He was ready for more challenges, just as he had always been in his missions.
As Gustavo continued reading articles and watching videos of the show, a message arrived from his agent, Karen. She confirmed that doors were opening more and more, and that the next show for Ralph Lauren was practically guaranteed.
Karen (text message): "Congratulations on the incredible response, Gustavo! The Ralph Lauren show will be the next big step. Everyone is talking about you. Get ready for another round of success!"
Gustavo smiled as he read the message, feeling a wave of excitement rise within him. He knew he was on the right path, and with the support of Kendall and her family, he was ready to achieve even more.
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