Imagine a girl born on April 11, 1981, in the small Brazilian town of Erechim, with a population of around 105,000. Today, this same person captivates the attention of over 11 million Instagram followers, and her annual income reaches 6.6 million USD.
Alessandra Ambrosio, originally from Erechim in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, is the daughter of Lucilda and Luiz Ambrosio. Her roots trace back to both Italy and Poland, which of course adds a unique cultural flair to her story. From a young age, she showed an interest in fashion, which led her to take her first steps in modeling.
Alessandra Ambrosio – from a humble girl from Erechim to angelic radiance
Thanks to her determination and talent, Ambrosio quickly gained recognition in the fashion world. Her presence on runways and in advertising campaigns has undoubtedly made her one of the most recognizable models in the world. In 2025, with 28 years of experience in the industry, she remains a style icon and an inspiration to many.
In the following sections of the article, you will learn:
– What the key moments in her modeling career were.
– Which runways and advertising campaigns brought her the most fame.
– What her current projects and ventures are.
Get ready for a fascinating journey through the life and career of Alessandra Ambrosio, from her beginnings in Erechim to the world’s top fashion runways.
Runway career – from Elite Model Look to iconic wings
Alessandra Ambrosio is undoubtedly one of the most recognizable supermodels in the world. She began her career in 1996 by participating in the Elite Model Look competition. From that moment on, her runway journey has been filled with significant milestones that have firmly established her position in the fashion world.
Chronological timeline of events:
- 1996: Finalist of the Elite Model Look competition, which undoubtedly opened the door to her international career.
- 2000: Debut at the Victoria’s Secret show, marking the beginning of a long-term collaboration with the brand.
- 2004: Becomes the first face of Victoria’s Secret PINK line, aimed at a younger clientele.
- 2017: The final show for Victoria’s Secret in Shanghai, after which she announces the end of her collaboration with the brand.
- 2024: Triumphant return to the Victoria’s Secret runway as an “OG Angel” during the New York show.
Collaboration with Victoria’s Secret played a key role in building Ambrosio’s personal brand. Regular appearances at prestigious shows, as well as participation in advertising campaigns, made her one of the most recognizable faces in the industry. Her presence on the runway became synonymous with elegance and professionalism, contributing to her status as a fashion icon.
Career numbers: 17: Number of Victoria’s Secret shows she has walked in. Over 70: Number of Vogue magazine covers worldwide. 176 cm: Model’s height. 86-64-87 cm: Measurements (bust-waist-hips).
At the age of 11, Ambrosio underwent ear correction surgery, which was a deeply personal experience related to her appearance. Later, she became an advocate for natural beauty and voiced her opposition to plastic surgery for minors, emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance.
Ambrosio is also part of the “Brazilian triumvirate” of supermodels, alongside Gisele Bündchen and Adriana Lima. All three have achieved international recognition, representing Brazilian beauty on runways around the world. While Gisele is known for her influence on fashion as well as environmentalism, and Adriana for her long-standing collaboration with Victoria’s Secret, Ambrosio stands out for her versatility and ability to adapt in the ever-changing world of fashion.
Beyond the runway, Ambrosio’s life is equally fascinating, encompassing business ventures, philanthropy, and family life, which will be discussed in the following sections.
Business, philanthropy, and private life – a woman of many roles
Alessandra Ambrosio, the world-renowned supermodel, has successfully expanded her career beyond the runway, becoming an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and devoted mother. Her versatility and commitment to various fields make her an inspiring figure for many women.
Business and philanthropy
| Aspect | Key facts |
|---|---|
| Business | In 2014, Ambrosio launched the Ále by Alessandra brand, offering boho-chic style clothing. use sustainable fabrics, including recycled nylon, with prices ranging from $50.00 to $200.00. |
| Philanthropy | Ambrosio actively supports the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and other health initiatives, participating in awareness campaigns and fundraising efforts for multiple sclerosis research. |
Family life and work-life balance
Alessandra is the mother of two children: Anja Louise (b. 08.2008) and Noah Phoenix (b. 05.2012). For a decade, she was in a relationship with Jamie Mazur (2008-2018). She now focuses on protecting her family’s privacy, striving to balance her professional and personal life.
“After ear surgery in childhood, I experienced complications that taught me self-acceptance and the value of embracing my own uniqueness.”
Ambrosio continues to grow her brand and is involved in charitable activities, all while prioritizing her family life.
What’s next? The future of the icon and its impact on the fashion world
Alessandra Ambrosio, at 44 years old in 2025, continues to play a pivotal role in the fashion world, inspiring both the industry and consumers alike. Her return to the Victoria’s Secret runway in 2024 not only marks the renaissance of this legendary show but also signals a new era of diversity and inclusivity in fashion.
Return to the Victoria’s Secret runway in 2024
In 2024, Victoria’s Secret held a long-awaited fashion show that highlighted the importance of mature models on the runway. Ambrosio, as an icon of the brand, became a symbol of this change, demonstrating that beauty and professionalism know no age limits. Her presence on the catwalk underscored the growing acceptance of age diversity in the fashion industry.
Forecasts for the future
- Brand expansion into wellness: Ambrosio plans to expand her brand to include wellness products, responding to the growing demand for a holistic approach to health and beauty.
- Potential film roles: Ambrosio’s interest in the film industry could lead to her big-screen debut, allowing her to further expand her influence beyond the world of fashion.
- The “silver models” trend: The growing popularity of mature models, known as “silver models,” clearly points to shifting beauty standards in the industry. As a pioneer of this trend, Ambrosio can inspire future generations of models to pursue their careers regardless of age.
Three practical steps for the reader
- Tracking Ambrosio’s initiatives: Stay up to date with Alessandra Ambrosio’s projects and initiatives to draw inspiration from her work and approach to fashion and wellness.
- Investing in sustainable brands: Support brands that promote sustainability and inclusivity, contributing to positive change in the fashion industry.
- Body-positivity education: Expand your knowledge about the body-positivity movement to better understand and support diversity in beauty standards.
Alessandra Ambrosio continues her inspiring journey, proving that passion and determination can lead to success in many areas of life.