Alessandra Ambrosio Confirms the Rumors She's Leaving Victoria's Secret

The iconic Angel addresses rumors that she's leaving the show after 17 years

By
Brittany Talarico
Brittany Talarico

Brittany Talarico is PEOPLE's Deputy Style Director, where she oversees the brand's digital Style and Beauty coverage. This includes running lead on the Met Gala, which is among PEOPLE.com's top-trafficked red carpet events every year, interviewing the industry's top influencers (including all the Kardashian-Jenners), and breaking A-list celeb news (a New Jersey shore native, it is no surprise that her favorite interview ever was with Bruce Springsteen). Brittany is a style contributor to People Every Day Podcast and has represented the brand on national TV programs including Good Morning America and The CW's two TV specials on the British Royals. She joined PEOPLE from Cosmopolitan in 2013, where she was an Associate Editor.

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Published on November 21, 2017 11:25AM EST

For nearly two decades, there’s always been one thing you can count on at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show: Alessandra Ambrosio killing it on the catwalk. But after reports surfaced that the iconic Angel might be retiring from the runway, PEOPLE asked the supermodel backstage about her future with the lingerie giant that she’s worked with for close to half her life.

“I don’t know,” Ambrosio, 36, told PEOPLE when asked if she was retiring. “I can’t even believe that I’m here still. Never in my life would I dream of doing 17 shows, but I’m very happy to be here in China because it’s definitely the biggest show we’ve ever done. We’re on the other side of the world. The venue is so incredible and culturally it’s so different and to be here I feel so fortunate.”

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Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Victoria's Secret

Tuesday, however, she model confirmed via Instagram that this year would be her last walking the runway for the brand.

The model hit the catwalk in two head-turning looks, one of which was very special to her because it marked a collaboration with her close friend Olivier Rousteing of Balmain.

“I have this amazing Balmain look. And I love Olivier. I’m good friends with him. I was very happy when I heard Balmain and Victoria’s Secret were doing a collaboration,” she shared. “I’m wearing this amazing punk rock lingerie look. Then I have a gorgeous outfit, very colorful for my second look.”

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Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Victoria's Secret

RELATED PHOTOS: See what the show looked like 10 years ago!

Alongside Ambrosio, 22 models hit the catwalk in the Punk Angel section of the show, marking the biggest section in VS fashion show history.

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Ambrosio made her Victoria’s Secret Runway debut in 2001 at the age of 20. In 2010, she wore the $2.5 million fantasy bra in 2012 and then again in 2014 alongside Adriana Lima. She also wore 30-pound wings (while pregnant!) in 2011.

“Being on the Victoria’s Secret Runway makes me feel like a real Angel,” she shared.

RELATED PHOTOS: See all the backstage excitement from Shanghai!

So how will the Brazilian Bombshell be celebrating after the end of what could be her last show? Spending time with family (she brought along her 9-year-old daughter — who she called her “favorite angel” on Instagram — to Shanghai!) and eating a big meal, of course.

“I’m dying to eat everything. Everything. Whatever comes to me,” she quipped. “And I’m so excited for Thanksgiving this week!”