About Alessandra Ambrosio
Alessandra Corine Ambrósio was born on April 11, 1981, in Erechim, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, to Luiz Ambrósio, a gas station owner, and Lucilda Ambrósio, a homemaker. Raised in a middle-class family with a younger sister, Aline, she grew up in a small town of Italian and Polish descent. Inspired by fashion magazines, she enrolled in modeling classes at 12 and was scouted by Dilson Stein’s modeling school. At 15, she won Brazil’s Elite Model Look contest in 1996, signing with Elite Model Management and moving to São Paulo, then New York, to pursue modeling. Ambrósio is of Italian, Polish, and Portuguese descent and has lived in the U.S. for most of her life. She often credits her small-town roots for her warm, approachable persona. She is primarily known as Alessandra Ambrosio, with no widely used aliases. In the 2000s, she was dubbed “The Brazilian Bombshell” by media for her sultry beauty and Victoria’s Secret prominence.
Ambrósio rose to fame in the early 2000s as part of "The Brazilian Bombshell” era of models from 2000-2010 that also featured Adriana Lima, Fernanda Tavares, Ana Beatriz Barros, Isabeli Fontana, Izabel Goulart, Caroline Trentini, Raquel Zimmermann, Michelle Alves, Gisele Bündchen, Caroline Ribeiro, Lais Ribeiro, Raica Oliveira, Flavia de Oliveira and Emanuela de Paula.. She appeared on over 150 magazine covers, including Vogue (Brazilian, U.S., Italia), Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, Marie Claire, and GQ. Her breakthrough came with her 2000 Vogue Brasil cover, shot by Mario Testino. She starred in campaigns for Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Armani, and Ralph Lauren, and was a Victoria’s Secret Angel from 2004 to 2017, walking in 17 fashion shows and wearing the Fantasy Bra in 2012 and 2014. She walked runways for Prada, Chanel, and Balmain. Notable moments include her 2004 Vogue cover with Natalia Vodianova and her 2011 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue feature. Ambrósio continues modeling, appearing in Vogue Portugal (2024) and Schutz’s 2025 campaign.
Ambrósio signed with Elite Model Management in 1996, later working with DNA Models and Way Model Management. She maintains ties with global agencies for her ongoing work. Her editorial work includes Vogue (multiple editions), Harper’s Bazaar, W, Elle, Love, and Numéro. A muse for photographers like Testino, Peter Lindbergh, and Inez & Vinoodh, she embodied 2000s vibrant glamour. Her work was featured in the 2009 Metropolitan Museum of Art’s The Model as Muse exhibition.
Ambrósio has a strong social media presence, with over 11 million Instagram followers (@alessandraambrosio). She shares modeling shots, family moments, and promotions for her Ále by Alessandra swimwear brand, engaging fans with her lively, beachy vibe.
At 5’10” with dark brown hair and brown eyes, Ambrósio’s measurements were approximately 34"-24"-34" during her peak, with a 34B bra size. Known for her high cheekbones, radiant smile, and toned physique, she has not confirmed cosmetic surgeries, crediting her look to Pilates, yoga, and a healthy diet. She has a small heart tattoo on her lower back and ear piercings.
Ambrósio’s appeal lies in her exotic beauty and infectious energy. Fans and designers, like Michael Kors, praise her as “a sunlit superstar” for her warmth and versatility. Her glowing skin, expressive eyes, and athletic frame are often highlighted, with her entrepreneurial ventures setting her apart.
Her net worth is estimated at $80 million, earned through modeling, endorsements (Next, Moschino), her Victoria’s Secret work, her Ále by Alessandra brand (launched 2014), and investments. She was one of the highest-paid models in the 2010s, per Forbes, with peak earnings from campaigns and runway shows.
Ambrósio faced minor controversies, including criticism over her thin frame during Victoria’s Secret shows, which she addressed by emphasizing her healthy lifestyle. Her brand’s sizing sparked debate for limited inclusivity, but she expanded offerings in response. No major scandals have impacted her career.
Her acting roles include Casino Royale (2006, as Tennis Girl), Daddy’s Home (2015, cameo), and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows (2016, as herself). She appeared in music videos, including The Black Eyed Peas’ The Time (Dirty Bit) (2010). Ambrósio appeared on TV in Project Runway (2013, guest judge), Germany’s Next Topmodel (2014, guest), and The Tyra Banks Show. She guest-starred on The Late Late Show with James Corden and Good Morning America, discussing her career and brand. She featured in The Super Models (2023, docuseries, as a guest), Victoria’s Secret: Angels and Demons (2022, documentary), and Brazil’s Next Top Model (2010, guest judge).
Ambrósio was engaged to businessman Jamie Mazur from 2008 to 2018, with whom she has two children, Anja (born 2008) and Noah (born 2012). She has been with model Richard Lee since 2021. She lives in Los Angeles and Florianópolis, Brazil, raising her children and supporting their education.
Ambrósio’s legacy lies in her iconic Victoria’s Secret tenure and her role as a 2000s supermodel. She came up during an explosion of Brazilian models. Her campaigns and entrepreneurial ventures influenced models like Lais Ribeiro. Her philanthropy, supporting the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and Brazilian children’s charities like Instituto Ayrton Senna, enhances her impact.
As of 2025, Ambrósio models selectively, appearing in campaigns for Ále by Alessandra and editorials like Vogue Brasil. She promotes her swimwear brand, shares fitness and family content via Instagram, and engages in philanthropy. She focuses on raising her children and maintains her status as a prominent figure in fashion and lifestyle.
As of May 2025, Alessandra has amassed 12.1 million followers on Instagram.
