Alessandra Ambrosio: The Brazilian Supermodel’s Rise to Fame and Iconic Fashion Moments

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Alessandra Ambrosio is a Brazilian model best known for working with Victoria’s Secret. Ambrosio was an Angel for the famed lingerie company for over ten years and has become one of the most recognizable models in the world.

Alessandra Ambrosio is much taller than her ex-boyfriend Jamie Mazur, with whom she has two childrenAlessandra Ambrosio is much taller than her ex-boyfriend Jamie Mazur, with whom she has two children (Credit: Tinseltown / Shutterstock)

Ambrosio began modeling at a young age when she entered a competition with Elite Model Look in Brazil. She was one of 20 finalists, which started her storied career.

Alessandra Ambrosio steps out in a chic white gown and black fur jacket while holding hands with her boyfriend Richard Lee on a night out in Los AngelesAlessandra Ambrosio steps out in a chic white gown and black fur jacket while holding hands with her boyfriend Richard Lee on a night out in Los Angeles (Credit: MEGA / WENN)

The former Angel has modeled for many of the world’s most prestigious high fashion houses. Her credits include Marc Jacobs, Ralph Lauren, Vivienne Westwood, Prada, Chanel, Christian Dior, and Louis Vuitton. Ambrosio has also been on the cover of several magazines, including GQ, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, and Vogue.

Alessandra Ambrosio flaunts her legs in a dramatic red embroidered Julien Macdonald draped halter dress at the screening of "Les Miserables" during the 72nd annual Cannes Film FestivalAlessandra Ambrosio flaunts her legs in a dramatic red embroidered Julien Macdonald draped halter dress at the screening of “Les Miserables” during the 72nd annual Cannes Film Festival on May 15, 2019, in Cannes, France (Credit: Featureflash Photo Agency / Shutterstock)

How Tall is Alessandra Ambrosio? A Look at Her Height and Shoe Size

Alessandra Ambrosio is impressively tall at 5 feet 8 and a half inches (174 cm). Her agency even lists her as 5 feet 9.5 inches tall. Her shoe size, which is 10 US, can be considered relatively large compared to her height.

Despite her height, she is often seen on Your Next Shoes wearing heels by luxury footwear brands such as Gianvito Rossi, Christian Louboutin, Isabel Marant, Giuseppe Zanotti, and Jimmy Choo. For sneakers, she prefers Common Projects, Gucci, and Adidas.

Alessandra Ambrosio stuns in an avant-garde black ensemble with metallic boots at the LACMA Art+Film GalaAlessandra Ambrosio stuns in an avant-garde black ensemble with metallic boots at the LACMA Art+Film Gala at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art on November 5, 2022, in Los Angeles, California (Credit: Tinseltown / Shutterstock)

Of course, she is much taller than the average woman. Although the average height for women varies from country to country, in the United States, the average woman stands at approximately 5’4”.

Alessandra Ambrosio showcases her perfectly pedicured feet in glamorous gold strappy heelsAlessandra Ambrosio showcases her perfectly pedicured feet in glamorous gold strappy heels (Credit: Featureflash Photo Agency / Shutterstock)

Why Are Most Models Tall? 3 Key Reasons Explained

Although the fashion world is changing to be more inclusive, many runways still look for models with a certain body type. Most models, particularly runway models, are very tall, usually over 5’8”, and very thin.

Victoria's Secret models Candice Swanepoel, Karlie Kloss, and Alessandra Ambrosio flaunt their beach-ready looks during a poolside photoshootVictoria’s Secret models Candice Swanepoel, Karlie Kloss, and Alessandra Ambrosio flaunt their beach-ready looks during a poolside photoshoot (Credit: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock)

Designers look for models with similar body types for a few different reasons:

1. Easier to see – Designers like tall models so they can be easily seen on runways.

2. Easier to make samples – Designers also look for models with similar measurements because the clothes they make for fashion shows are samples, and each sample is the same size.

If the models were all different sizes, designers would have to make clothing that accommodates different models rather than only using one size to fit all, which would be a much longer process.

3. Matter of opinion – Some designers look for tall models because they believe clothing fits and looks better on women of a certain height.

They also believe that when models of uniform size and height wear their clothes on runways, more emphasis is put on the clothing rather than the model.

Alessandra Ambrosio vs. Other Supermodels: How Her Height Measures Up

Alessandra Ambrosio is tall compared to the average woman, but there are many other tall women, especially in the model industry. Here’s how Ambrosio’s height compares to other famous models:

Kendall Jenner, 5’10” – One of the world’s hottest women, has walked for Victoria’s Secret and many other famous designer runways.

Hailey Bieber – 5’7” – Insecure about her height, Hailey’s work mostly consists of ad campaigns and magazine covers, but she has walked a few runways.

Supermodels like Izabel Goulart and Alessandra Ambrosio tend to be much taller than the average womanSupermodels like Izabel Goulart and Alessandra Ambrosio tend to be much taller than the average woman (Credit: s_bukley / Shutterstock)

Tyra Banks – 5’10” – Tyra Banks has done it all – walked runways, posed for Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit Issue, and mentored other models on America’s Next Top Model.

Kate Moss—5’7”—Kate Moss is one of the most famous models in the world despite standing only a couple of inches higher than the average woman.

A model doesn’t have to be tall to be famous, but it helps. It certainly did for Alessandra Ambrosio. Let’s take a moment to appreciate how she effortlessly combines comfort and style, even on a relaxed day out with her kids. Whether walking the runway or strolling through Los Angeles, Alessandra’s fashion choices never fail to impress.

Alessandra Ambrosio’s Casual Chic Look: A Stylish Day Out with Her Kids

Model’s day out! In March 2016, Alessandra Ambrosio was spotted on a lunch date with Lily Aldridge and their children at Jessica Biel’s Los Angeles restaurant, Au Fudge.

Alessandra Ambrosio covers her hair with a wide-brimmed hat as she leaves Au Fudge with her childrenAlessandra Ambrosio covers her hair with a wide-brimmed hat as she leaves Au Fudge with her children on March 29, 2016, in Beverly Hills (Credit: WENN)

Alessandra wore a white tee with distressed jeans by Frame underneath a long striped cardigan by Rta.

Alessandra Ambrosio pairs a chic striped cardigan with distressed white jeans and slip-on sneakers for a casual yet stylish look while out in Los AngelesAlessandra Ambrosio pairs a chic striped cardigan with distressed white jeans and slip-on sneakers for a casual yet stylish look while out in Los Angeles (Credit: WENN)

The mom-of-two accessorized with a hat from her line Ale by Alessandra.

Alessandra Ambrosio puts a little class into her white slip-on shoes by opting for a snakeskin-embossed patternAlessandra Ambrosio puts a little class into her white slip-on shoes by opting for a snakeskin-embossed pattern (Credit: WENN)

She also sported a Hermés belt, Tiffany & Co. and Cartier bracelets, and a Rolex watch. Alessandra polished her look with a textured leather tote from Tod’s and white snakeskin slip-on shoes.

Alessandra Ambrosio and her children leave Jessica Biel's new kid-friendly restaurant Au FudgeAlessandra Ambrosio and her children leave Jessica Biel’s new kid-friendly restaurant, Au Fudge (Credit: WENN)

After lunch, the Victoria’s Secret model uploaded an adorable kissy-face photo of herself on Instagram to thank her fans for helping her reach 6 million followers.

Alessandra Ambrosio's adorable kissy face photoAlessandra Ambrosio’s adorable kissy face photo (Credit: Alessandra Ambrosio’s Instagram)

Copy Alessandra’s style by adding a pair of white snakeskin slip-ons to your wardrobe. You can order a pair at Mytheresa and Zappos.

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Alessandra Ambrosio’s Bold Red Booties in Beverly Hills: Fashion Hit or Miss?

Check out Alessandra Ambrosio, who looked leggy and gorgeous while in Beverly Hills with a stylist friend!

Alessandra Ambrosio goes shopping with her dog at KitsonAlessandra Ambrosio goes shopping with her dog at Kitson (Credit: Ryan / WENN)

The black-and-white ultra-short ensemble she wore was cute and classic, but somehow, the Victoria’s Secret supermodel found a way to spice it up and make it rock’ n’ roll worthy with the help of some red pointy and heavily studded steel-toe booties.

Alessandra Ambrosio with Matheus Mazafera shopping at Kitson in West Hollywood on July 19, 2012Alessandra Ambrosio with Matheus Mazafera shopping at Kitson in West Hollywood on July 19, 2012 (Credit: Ryan / WENN)

The outfit was completed with a Céline luggage tote, Westward Leaning sunglasses, and a Jacquie Aiche horn necklace.

Alessandra Ambrosio wearing studded red bootsAlessandra Ambrosio wearing studded red boots (Credit: Ryan / WENN)

What do you think, ladies? Alessandra in those red metal bedazzled steel toe booties – hot or not?

Now, we know not all of you can appreciate red boots, so how much more if they’re studded, right? But let’s try to be fair and neutral here; seriously, would you say this one’s a hit?

She was going for the statement look, and we can see how the shoes served their purpose, but do you think the choice was a tad too much for the whole outfit?