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Victoria's Secret model Alessandra Ambrosio toned down the sexy when she was in Singapore recently.

A special guest at the opening of Italian jewellery brand Pasquale Bruni's flagship Asian boutique in Wisma Atria, the Brazilian beauty wore a billowy, off-shoulder short white dress - a chic yet simple outfit clearly meant to let the baubles around her neck and on her ears and finger take centre stage.

Despite all the sparkle, Ambrosio, 35, was the undeniable star of the event.

She is one of lingerie giant Victoria's Secret's select few models called Angels and also among the longest-serving models to walk the annual runway extravaganza, the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, having stomped down the runway in the most outlandish and skimpy lingerie and swimwear pieces since 2005.

Flashing a megawatt smile, she tells The Straits Times: "The brand keeps inviting me back, it's such an honour. As a model, you want to work with the best brands in the world and Victoria's Secret is definitely one of them.

"In the modelling industry, it's like winning the gold medal to be a Victoria's Secret Angel."

Thanks to her long association with the brand, she was ranked No. 8 on the Forbes list of highest- paid models last year, with her earnings estimated at US$5 million (S$6.7 million).

The Los Angeles-based model is engaged to American businessman Jamie Mazur and has an eight-year-old daughter and four-year- old son with him.

Besides modelling, she has also branched out into other fields.

Two years ago, she launched her own boho-chic fashion collection, ale by Alessandra.

Last year, she had a supporting role in a steamy Brazilian soap opera, Verdades Secretas, and followed that up with an acting gig in this year's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out Of The Shadows.

Up next is a television role as NBC's food and culture correspondent at the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

Together with another Brazilian Victoria's Secret model, Adriana Lima, she will be providing an "insider's view" on the country's culture, she says.

"It was a perfect fit for me to do something fun for the Olympics as I'm from Brazil and it is almost like being a host for the country," she adds.

1 This is your first time in Singapore. How do you find it?

I wasn't expecting the country to look like this. It's a big city, but with a lot of greenery too, so it's like a mix of New York and Brazil. I wish I could spend more time here.

2 What's one fun fact you can tell us about Brazil?

In Southern Brazil, we love barbecues as it's all about meat. We love to have barbecues on Sundays and get the whole family together.

3 You will be covering the non- sports affairs at the Olympics. Are you into sports?

I am and I'm more of an outdoor type of girl so I love to surf, swim or play volleyball at the beach.

I'm looking forward to watching the beach volleyball competitions at the Olympics.

Athletes train more than 30 hours a week and models don't do that. I train before a show and try to be healthy, but I can't compare that with being an athlete.

4 How do you keep up with the competition from a younger crop of models?

I think there is a market for everyone. Every brand has its own image and there are so many different ones so there are many models too. It's not like one person is doing everything .

5 You have put on plenty of stunning outfits for the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. Which has been your favourite?

There was an outfit I wore in 2005 that was made completely out of candy. It was something iconic and the only time they created such a look.

I really just wanted to eat the candy and sneaked a bite after the show.

6 You have been engaged for eight years now. Why haven't you set a wedding date?

I have a lot going on right now that I don't have the time to get married. Also, I'm in no rush to do it. When it's the right time, we will do it.

7 What's your top beauty advice for women?

Use sunblock. If I had to put just one thing on my face, it will be that. It's important to protect your skin.

8 How would you like to be remembered?

As a woman who had a family, a career and also helped others and did good for the world. Hopefully, I can pass that on to my kids so they can carry on doing good.