India Couture Week 2025 witnessed a dazzling international twist as Bollywood’s beloved couturier, Manish Malhotra, invited none other than Brazilian supermodel and former Victoria’s Secret Angel, Alessandra Ambrosio, to grace his runway. This marked Alessandra's first-ever appearance in India, and she did not disappoint.
Ambrosio captivated the audience in two spectacular looks from Malhotra's latest collection, a sleek, silver saree reimagined with a modern silhouette, and a dreamy pearl-studded lehenga that merged contemporary global elegance with rich Indian heritage. Her presence on the ramp symbolised not just a fashion moment, but also a cultural exchange, as East met West in the most glamorous way possible.
Who is Alessandra Ambrosio?
Alessandra Ambrosio is a name that's in buzz in regards to high fashion, glamour, and international stardom. Born in Erechim, Brazil, Alessandra began her modeling career at the age of 15, rising to fame in the early 2000s as one of the most recognisable faces of Victoria’s Secret. She became a Victoria's Secret Angel in 2004 and quickly turned into a global sensation with her commanding runway presence and enviable poise.
Over her two-decade-long career, Ambrosio has walked for top fashion houses such as Dolce & Gabbana, Chanel, Prada, and Versace, and has graced the covers of Vogue, Elle, GQ, and Harper’s Bazaar. Known for her charismatic aura and effortlessly chic style, Alessandra retired from the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show after a memorable final walk in 2017, leaving behind a legacy of bold, confident, and empowering fashion moments.
The Manish Malhotra magic
Known for pushing boundaries and blending traditional Indian designs with global aesthetics, Manish Malhotra’s ICW 2025 collection stayed true to his signature. The designer’s decision to bring Alessandra Ambrosio to the Indian runway speaks volumes about his vision, one that celebrates inclusivity, fusion, and star power.
Desi internet reacts
Alessandra Ambrosio’s appearance at India Couture Week didn’t just light up the runway, it set social media ablaze. Fashion watchdog Diet Sabya shared a clip of the Brazilian beauty’s showstopping walk, captioning it with cheeky excitement: “The Bolly girlies are in dangerrr.” They didn’t hold back either, adding: “This is the hottest anyone has ever looked in a Manish Malhotra saree.” Manish Malhotra's showstopper throughout years has been a Bollywood celeb, but this transtition has forced netizens to gossip about the fact that Manish Malhotra wanted his special outfit to be worn by a seasoned model who would elevate the look.
The video instantly went viral, sparking a frenzy of reactions from desi fashion lovers and industry insiders alike. One Instagram user gushed, “The way she’s serving the lewk and selling the dress is impeccable,” while another pointed out, “This is what a real supermodel brings to the table.”
