Alessandra Ambrosio’s Rio de Janeiro Diary
The model touches down in Brazil for her acting debut.
It’s 10 a.m. when I meet Alessandra Ambrosio by the pool of the Hotel Fasano. She’s enjoying a bowl of fresh red berries and a plate of casquinha de siri, the delectable local deep-fried soft-shell-crab appetizer that seems to have no effect whatsoever on her perpetually flat stomach. “Running after my kids keeps me in shape,” she says half-jokingly, as 7-year-old Anja and 3-year-old Noah try to get her attention, splashing around in the infinity pool.
Ambrosio touched down in Rio to participate in TV Globo’s late-night soapVerdades Secretas, in which she plays Samia, a top model-slash-trophy girlfriend of a powerful businessman. And while she exudes great confidence on the world’s most glamorous runways, the iconic Victoria’s Secret Angel is quite shy about her acting debut. “I have a small role, but acting requires a lot of studying and dedication. I was very flattered to be invited to work on this series with such great actors who I grew up admiring.”
Off-screen, Ambrosio has been venturing into the business world herself. Last year she launched her own swimsuit line, Ale by Alessandra. “It’s very Brazil bohemia-meets-Malibu chic,” says the model of her brand. The bikinis, cutout one-pieces, and other beachwear are marked with boho touches like feathers and beads and are, of course, very sexy.
When she is not wearing her own line (or those amazing faded jean shorts from fiancé Jamie Mazur’s denim label Re/Done), Ambrosio is a fan of a few made-in-Brazil brands that translate to her #foreveronvacation lifestyle. Below she shares some of her favorite carioca designers and cool spots.
On shopping:
“I have always loved Osklen, since the beginning of my career. I often shop at its NYC store. The designer, Oskar Metsavaht, just launched a really cool limited-edition sunglasses collection. I got two pairs; one of them is red, and Anja keeps stealing them from me! Lilly Sarti, a São Paulo-based designer, has some cute dresses. I also discovered a costume jewelry brand in Leblon called Virzi + De Luca. I fell in love with this octopus-shaped bracelet.”
On restaurants, activities, and going out:
“Hotel Fasano is my home away from home in Rio. I love this part of Ipanema Beach, and when I have a day off, I do everything around here. I do stand-up paddling on the beach, yoga at the hotel gym, and end up eating more pasta than I should at the restaurant downstairs. I also love sushi and recommend Sushi Leblon on the charming Rua Dias Ferreira, and I also love Naga at the new mall in Barra, Village Mall. Rio is more about enjoying the day, so I don’t go out much; usually I stop by Baretto-Londra, the hotel bar downstairs, after dinner for a drink—the margaritas are the best. My friend Candé Salles just opened this really cool place right at the beginning of the Cantagalo favela called Clubhouse Rio. The view is amazing and the club attracts a fun crowd of local and international people.