A 5-minute chat with Alessandra Ambrosio

Supermodel, mother, workaholic, Alessandra spoke to us about her work, guilty pleasures, wardrobe must haves and more while on her visit to Dubai

Alessandra Ambrosio is a supermodel. Her face is almost instantly recognisable. Dressed in an all white suit, eating a strawberry after a few hours of press interviews before having a chat with us, the Brazilian beauty is all smiles and camera ready. Despite the frenzy around her - journalists, photographers, her people, PR people - she maintains a calm and approachable demeanor. For someone so attractive, it's interesting to note that seeing her in person, we are sure that it isn't just her looks that have made her the international supermodel that she is.
Known for her work with Victoria's Secret from 2000 to 2017, Alessandra was also chosen as the first spokesmodel for the company's PINK line and has modelled for brands such as Next, Armani Exchange, Christian Dior, and Ralph Lauren. She's a mother of two, is incredibly active on Instagram, works (a lot!) and manages to stay out of tabloids. We (like most of the world) are impressed.
With only five minutes to have a chat before she is whisked off for a speaking engagement during the World of Fashion Event at the Mall of Emirates last Thursday, our camera is set up for a Facebook live interview. We called action and got her thoughts on a little bit of everything. Excerpts from our chat with Alessandra.
Her thoughts on Dubai
Being from Brazil, Dubai is a dream place (for me) to come to. Every time I come here, I go and tell my family (about the trip) and everyone wants to come with me. It's an exotic and cosmopolitan place, you can find anything. It's very luxurious. The malls in Dubai are very incredible, and Mall of the Emirates has everything you need.
On being a Victoria's Secret Angel
The highlights have always been doing the (Victoria's Secret) fashion shows and wearing the fantasy bra. I got to do it twice so it was such an honour - it's a special memory in mind.
On how to balance family, work and travel
What I try and do is be very selective with work. Obviously, my priorities are my two kids, so I'm always there for them. But they know that their mummy has to work and she has to travel. When I can, I bring them with me, right now they are in school so I couldn't bring them. But hopefully, they will come to Dubai very soon because when I was FaceTiming them yesterday and I showed them a little bit where I was and they said, 'Mum I want to go' - so hopefully next time they can come.
On social media
Everyone's into it (social media), and it's part of the game and you just have to go with the flow, I guess (laughs), and it's fun. You can use it to show who you are, show your personality and the causes you believe in, so I think it has its good and its bad, you know? Sometimes, it's a lot of exposure and also people can hear your thoughts and they can get a sneak peek into your life.
On what you should have in your closet
I'm a bikini lover, so I would say a swimsuit, always. Anywhere you go take a swimsuit and have a bunch of them in your closet. Another thing is to have a leather jacket - a cool leather jacket. And also a favourite pair of jeans.
On guilty pleasures
Well, I'm kind of hungry right now so I'm dreaming of French fries. I like sweets, cupcakes, ice-cream. Once a week, I'd like to have something sweet. French fries, pizza and all the good stuff.
Favourite spot to visit (other than Dubai)
I love going back to my roots, to my house in Florianopolis in the south of Brazil. It's a beautiful island. There are so many beaches and nature, and I just love going back there and be with my family and have a good time!
 
 
maan@khaleejtimes.com 

• Dubai