Fernanda was discovered on Guarapari Beach just north of Rio de Janeiro at the age of 16 by a talent scout. Since then, she has appeared in 4 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, most recently in 2007. She is also known for hosting the reality-show Brazil's Next Top Model, the brazilian version of the show created by Tyra Banks. In 2005, she was chosen as one of the Top 25 Sexiest Models list by "Models.com" in the nineteenth place.

Fernanda appeared on the covers of numerous magazines around the world, including appearances on Vogue, ELLE, Cosmopolitan, and Glamour. She also featured in a series advertisements for Rolex, Palmolive, Pantene, Moët & Chandon, and in editorials for magazines like Vogue, Elle, Bazaar, GQ and Marie Claire. Fernanda has also a contract with Victoria's Secret.

She is signed to Chic Management in Sydney, Australia.