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Brazil has a monopoly on top models for the South American continent (Yamila Diaz being the only exception), and as we all know, Brazil is synonymous is sexy. Well, not completely. There are a few bizarre looking Brazilian models like Mayana Moura, Marcelle Bittar and Marina Diaz (instantly recognizable by the huge tattoos on either arm). But here I'm focusing on Brazil's hottest exports. Modeling contests seem to be a big part of Brazilian culture, and have been the entry point for about half of the Brazilian top models.

At first I was surprised by the large number of pale-skinned, European-looking Brazilian models. They come primary from the southern part of Brazil - apparently in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century, 5 million Euros emigrated to this region.

Alessandra Ambrosio

Stats: 86/61/89  Height: 176cm   DOB: April 11, 1981

An excellent name for an excellent model. For a long time I kept confusing Alessandra with the French model Aurelie Claudel - they have similar bodies and faces. Alessandra won Elite's Look of the Year contest in 1996. She seems to do mainly lingerie and swimsuit modeling these days.

Alessandra has the cutest face of any model (cute seems more appropriate for her than beautiful) and an incomparable midsection.

Aaonline.tk - Quite a lot of pictures

Alessandra Ambrosio by Gonzofolio - A top notch effort. Gonzofolio seems to be an afficionado of Brazilian models

URBAN MALE.com Alessandra Ambrosio Worship - Some nice shots of Alessandra from the Victoria's Secret 2002 show

 

Ana Beatriz Barros

Stats: 89/60/89  Height: 180cm   DOB: May 29, 1982

Ana Beatriz was discovered by an Elite bigwig who was vacationing in Brazil and persuaded her to compete in the Elite Look competition for 1996. She ending up placing second at the international level. As a fashion model she's been reasonably successful, making a modest number of catwalk appearances in New York, Milan and Paris these past few years. Her editorial appearances tend to be in the less elitist magazines, like US Elle & Glamour, and she's a Victoria's Secret regular. On television I heard her proclaiming that making the 2002 Sport's Illustrated Swimsuit Edition was the highlight on her career.

Like with Diana Meszaros, her physique melds strength with feminine allure. A rare and devastating combination.

Ana Beatriz Barros by Gonzofolio - The best Ana Beatriz scan archive

 

Adriana Lima

Stats: 84/61/86  Height: 178cm   DOB: June 12, 1981

Adriana is a popular model with the populace at large but tends to be ignored by the fashion industry outside of Brazil. Her career began with an impressive second place in the Ford Supermodel contest in 1996. Sounds much like Ana Beatriz, and they share a similar sort of sexy Latina appeal which is currently so anathema to fashion trendsetters.

She appeared in a major Guess advertising campaign several years ago and more recently in some Armani advertisements. Unfortunately Adriana is only booked for a meager number of catwalk shows, mostly in New York. For several years Adriana has worked regularly for Victoria's Secret, and is rumoured to have recently negotiated a US $4 million contract with them. She was the most in-demand of the Brazilian models during their 2003 Sao Paulo SS fashion week.

I've seen a lot of backstage & interview footage of Adriana. In terms of personality she is very much an extrovert but without the obnoxiousness so often found in such people. Playful, pleasant and thankful for her success - the latter trait in particular is lacking in most models.

Adriana Lima by Gonzofolio - Should please those wishing to fatten their collexion of Adriana images

 

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