Season after season, the Julien Macdonald show is the most unashamedly glitzy, outrageous and generally larger-than-life fixture on the London Fashion Week schedule. And who better to embody the brand's vibrant, glamorous spirit than Angel-in-Chief Alessandra Ambrosio? The Victoria's Secret pro (who first gained her wings from the lingerie giant way back in 2004) upped the show's star calibre further when she took to the runway in a dramatic finale look: the electric blue CÎROC Utopia dress, designed exclusively for her.
Straight off the catwalk, we caught up with the supermodel to learn more about her long-time love of London Fashion Week (and British accents...), her secret to runway confidence and her pre-Victoria's Secret show plans...
How did you come to walk in the show?
I love wearing Julien’s designs on the red carpet. I’m the face of CÎROC and they asked me if I would like to watch the show, so I was like “No, I want to be in the show!” and so it all came together.
Tell us about your finale dress
Every dress that he makes is amazing, but this one was made especially for me – I love it! I saw it today for the first time. It’s a little different to what Julien usually does, this bold shade of blue, but it was love at first sight. The minute you put his clothes on, it’s all about being strong, confident, sexy and having attitude.
You’ve worn Julien’s designs for a while now. Was this the first time that you’ve met him?
Yes, we just met today. I’ve been a fan for so long, so it’s always nice to meet the designer. He’s a sweetheart – fun and super-talented but humble. It’s always a pleasure to meet people like him, then you understand why they’re so successful.
What was the atmosphere like backstage?
It’s probably the best backstage I’ve been in, because they’re making proper drinks. Usually there’s only champagne in the back which is not bad you know [laughs] but this is one step up. When CÎROC take over the backstage, that’s when it gets fun. Plus, the make-up was gorgeous. I haven’t seen Wendy [Rowe, make-up artist] for a long time and it’s always so nice to catch up your friends.
Do you have a favourite design of Julien’s that you’ve worn?
I wore a beautiful black dress by Julien for the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation Gala last year – such a gorgeous design. I’ll be wearing a cat suit for the after party tonight which is a new favourite. Julien is a master of those, so I can’t wait to wear it.
Do you have a tip for walking in heels?
Practising! Also, I’m from Brazil so I have this tendency to move my hips, it’s who I am. I just think of this Brazilian girl in high heels wearing this powerful dress; then that image goes in my mind and I just go for it…
Do you ever get nervous before walking in a show?
A little bit. That second before I walk onto the runway, I do feel the butterflies a little, but then the minute I step in, it’s all about the music, the lights, having fun. I just got here this morning from LA and I’ve felt jetlag on and off, but when you’re in the show the adrenaline kicks in and you’re suddenly totally awake.
You travel so much for work – do you have a routine that helps you feel fresh when you land?
I love wearing sheet masks. Then I have this gel mask that I can leave on for the night, so sometimes if I’m flying I’ll leave that on for like five or six hours. I try to drink green tea and water to keep hydrated, and if I can, I like doing yoga in the hotel and using the sauna.
Do you find that the younger models come to you for advice?
I feel like the girls who are here, they’re all pros. They’ve been doing shows in New York, shows everywhere by the time they get here. Even at Victoria’s Secret, it won’t be their first time on the runway – they’ll have been practising a lot, the same way I did when I was young. All you have to do is keep practising: you start at the little shows, then you go to the big shows and then you end up at Victoria’s Secret!
How are you preparing ahead of the Victoria’s Secret show?
It’s a year-round thing – I try to work out all year long. September is hard because we’ll be travelling so much for the fashion weeks (I’m straight off to Milan) but in October, I definitely try to amp up my workout and start to do it every day, a little bit harder than usual.
What are you looking forward to most about heading to Shanghai for the show?
I was just in Beijing a few days ago, and the fans there are so sweet – they love Victoria’s Secret so much, so that reaction will be the most amazing part. Everything they do is really big, but I think everything in this year’s show is going to be massive.
We’re used to seeing you in very glamorous looks on the runway. How would you describe your off-duty style?
I like to be comfortable. I’m a jeans and t-shirt girl, or sometimes just sweatshirt and sweatpants.
What do you like best about London Fashion Week?
I love the energy here. I used to come to London all the time for work when I was younger and the humour that English people have, I adore that – it’s my favourite in Europe, so I just love being surrounded by that and hearing the accent too. It’s a really cool city, and you guys know how to party.
What’s your confidence trick?
It’s a combination of things: treat yourself well, eat healthy, work out, be on top of your game, be professional and love what you do. The minute you love what you do and you do it for pleasure, that’s where you find the confidence. Wearing a great designer helps – a great dress, a great shoe…
Alessandra Ambrosio is a CÎROC ambassador. The CÎROC Utopia party dress, as worn by Alessandra, is available on request at sales@julienmacdonald.com
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