Honestly, if you grew up watching the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show during its glittery, mid-2000s peak, you know the name. Alessandra Ambrosio isn't just a model; she’s basically the blueprint for what we think of when we hear the word "Angel." While other models come and go with the TikTok trends, Alessandra has managed to stay relevant for over two decades. That’s a lifetime in the fashion world.
She walked her final VS show in 2017, but here’s the thing: she never actually "retired." Even in 2025 and 2026, she’s still popping up on major covers and running a massive business empire. You might see her on a beach in Brazil one day and at a high-fashion gala in Paris the next. It’s kinda wild how she makes it all look so effortless when we know the industry is anything but.
The Victoria's Secret Era: More Than Just Wings
Most people don't realize that Alessandra was the very first spokesmodel for the PINK line back in 2004. Before it was the go-to brand for every college student, she was the face of it. But her journey started way before the wings.
Born in Erechim, Brazil, she was just 12 when she started modeling classes. By 15, she was a finalist in the Elite Model Look competition. She’s been open about having ear-pinning surgery at 11 because she was insecure—a move she later said she regretted because of complications. It's a rare bit of vulnerability from someone who looks "perfect" on a billboard.
The Big Moments
- The Candy Lingerie: In 2005, she walked the runway in an outfit made entirely of actual candy. Imagine the logistics of not melting under those stage lights.
- The Post-Baby Comeback: In 2008, she walked the VS runway just three months after giving birth to her daughter, Anja. That’s some superhuman level of dedication.
- The Fantasy Bras: She wore the multi-million dollar "Floral Fantasy Bra" in 2012 and then teamed up with Adriana Lima in 2014 for the "Dream Angels" duo.
Life After the Runway: Building Gal Floripa
A lot of models try to launch brands. Most of them just slap their name on a label and call it a day. Alessandra did it differently. In 2019, she launched Gal Floripa with her sister Aline and her childhood best friend Gisele Cória.
The name is a tribute to Florianópolis, the Brazilian island where they spent their summers. It’s not just about selling bikinis; it’s about that "forever on vacation" vibe she’s basically trademarked. Because she’s a co-founder and handles everything from design to sourcing, the brand feels authentic. You’ve probably seen her wearing the metallic one-pieces on her Instagram—she’s her own best advertisement.
Why It Actually Works
The swimwear isn't designed for a 19-year-old runway model. It’s designed for women who want to feel comfortable but still look high-end. Prices usually range from $88 to $228, which isn't cheap, but the quality reflects the "made in Brazil" heritage she’s so proud of.
👉 See also: Why Role Model and Emma Chamberlain Still Define Internet Culture
The "Secret" to Staying in Shape (It’s Not What You Think)
People always ask about her diet. You’d expect her to say she lives on kale and air, but she’s surprisingly normal about it. She’s famously said, "Whenever I start to diet, everything goes downhill."
She’s all about moderation. If she’s in Brazil, she’s eating pasta and bread. When she’s back in LA, she switches to salads and fish. She drinks red wine almost every night and eats dark chocolate on planes. It’s a very "human" approach to fitness that focuses on longevity rather than a crash diet for a single shoot.
Her Workout Rotation:
- The Bar Method: She does this about three times a week to keep that dancer-like tone.
- Pilates Platinum: Once a week in LA for core strength.
- Yoga: She even does 90-minute sessions over FaceTime with her teacher in Brazil when she’s traveling.
- Brazilian Moves: She’s worked with trainer Leandro Carvalho for years, mixing in samba and capoeira to keep things from getting boring.
Still the Icon in 2026
Even now, Alessandra is still a fixture at events like the Cannes Film Festival and Paris Fashion Week. Just recently, she graced the cover of Vogue Brazil’s 50th-anniversary issue in January 2025. She’s also a naturalized U.S. citizen now, splitting her time between a stunning home in Santa Monica and her roots in Brazil.
She’s managed to transition from "Victoria's Secret model" to "Global Brand" without losing her soul. Whether she’s acting in movies like Daddy’s Home or serving as an ambassador for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, she’s proved there is a very successful Act II after the runway lights dim.
What You Can Learn from the Alessandra Playbook
If you're looking to channel a bit of that "Angel" energy into your own life or business, here are a few takeaways:
- Pivoting is Power: Don't wait for your primary career to fade before starting your "Side B." Alessandra launched her business while she was still at the top.
- Keep it in the Family: Building a business with people you trust (like her sister and best friend) creates a brand story that people actually believe.
- The 80/20 Rule Works: You don't need a restrictive lifestyle to stay healthy. Eat the cupcake, drink the wine, but keep moving. Consistency beats intensity every single time.
- Own Your Story: She’s never shied away from her roots or her age (she’s in her 40s now and looks better than ever). Authenticity is the only thing that doesn't go out of style.