Alessandra Ambrosio at the One and Only Royal Mirage.
We sit down for dinner and a revealing chat on diets and scents with Victoria's Secret Angel Alessandra Ambrosio
Published: Sat 30 Jan 2016, 11:00 PM
Last updated: Mon 1 Feb 2016, 9:01 AM
WHO COULD REFUSE a dinner invite from a Victoria's Secret model? That was the question that ran through our heads when Thursday night's offer came through for a meal with Brazilian Amazon Alessandra Ambrosio. Whether your interest is strictly superficial, or the fashion world is a genuine curiosity, a peek behind the curtain was too much of an opportunity to pass up.
In town to promote the Dubai Shopping Festival's final weekly theme - perfumes - Alessandra's primary reason for coming was to make a special appearance at City Centre Mirdif's Perfume Avenue on Saturday.
Having arrived in the UAE on Wednesday, however, gave Alessandra the chance to enjoy a couple of days of vacation - sightseeing, shopping and relaxing at the One & Only Royal Mirage whose Celebrities restaurant also hosted Thursday's dinner.
The palpable change in atmosphere as she walked into the eatery around 8pm signified why it takes a certain type of model to make the Victoria's Secret grade. The 5ft 10, 34-year-old, dressed in a gold textured jumpsuit, made a demure entrance although instantly commanded a hushed reverence from the assembled crowd. The statuesque figure then proceeded to take a seat among the onlookers. It was her almost instant quest for mint lemonade, though, that broke the ice.
'Oh, she doesn't just want a glass of tepid water and a celery stick,' many secretly thought and thus began a conversation during which the mother of two came across extremely grounded despite the whirlwind model lifestyle she has experienced since adolescence.
"American Airlines have this sundae cart in business class. I always eat [one] with hot fudge," she said when asked how she manages to stay in shape despite the constant hours stuck on an airplane. The answer was perhaps not the most enlightening until she further explained: "When there's a Victoria's Secret show, I have two bites and get them to take it away!
"I have grown up eating plane food. I have been travelling every day since 15.
"Go for salad and protein," Alessandra added as advice.
This trip is Alessandra's second visit to Dubai. Her first, 18 months ago, was a two-day stopover for a quick bit of work - symptomatic of most of her business travels.
"I am happy. this time we have lots more time to do the tourism," she said. "It's (Dubai) very exotic for us. Everything is very magical. I am always taking pictures. I'm used to continental Europe. Here, on the roads, you pass by beautiful houses that look like castles.
"I have to hold myself from posting on Instagram."
Alessandra stated the only shopping she had done was an hour and a half stint at the Gold Souk in Deira. Despite being one of the most recognisable faces in the world, the process in the notoriously busy market was pleasant.
It is this welcoming attitude that has Alessandra wanting to return to Dubai in the near future.
"The more that I come here, I love how warm people are. The reception is always amazing, but now I know people, it's even better. The people are very similar to Brazilians. I think how warm they are and how close family is. I relate a lot to that."
As we rounded off an excellent meal of scallops and sea bass, interspersed by bursts of chatter, it had to be put to Alessandra -given she's DSF's guest promoting perfume week - what scent she could recommend for an aspiring Angel.
"I have a Chloe perfume I love and always wear. I did buy a sample pack from Bulgari. They don't sell the one I love the most. It was called Jasmine. So now I'm trying five different ones to see which one I get used to."
CT280116-ALESSANDRA(L to R) Dinner with Alessandra Ambrosio onThursday 28th,January,2016 at One and Only Royal Mirage __ Photo by Mohammad Mustafa Khan
CT280116-ALESSANDRA(L to R) Dinner with Alessandra Ambrosio onThursday 28th,January,2016 at One and Only Royal Mirage __ Photo by Mohammad Mustafa Khan
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