Alessandra Ambrosio Highlights Skinny vs. Curvy Model Debate

March 10, 2010 — -- What do current and former Victoria's Secret models Brooklyn Decker, Tyra Banks, Claudia Schiffer, Gisele Bundchen and Heidi Klum have in common?

Curves.

The lingerie line has long been known for its voluptuous beauties, who, unlike most high fashion models, boast breasts, butts and everything in between.

Now, Victoria's Secret is coming under fire after a shoot in St. Barts revealed a strikingly skinny Alessandra Ambrosio modeling the label's newest swimwear.

Body fat seems all but absent on the Brazilian-born Ambrosio. Her pelvic bones and ribs protrude. Even though she had her first child, Anja, a year and a half ago, in these photos she bears closer resemblance to a pre-pubescent teenager than a 29-year-old mother. A photo of Ambrosio next to two plus-size models emphasizes her slight frame.

Like just about every model in the industry, Ambrosio exercises. Her career -- which, according to Forbes, earned her $6 million last year -- depends on it. She reportedly gets her cardio from dance routines and tones with the trainer who created the Brazilian Butt Lift. And while her pictures tell another story, according to the Daily Mail of the United Kingdom, Ambrosio still sees herself as a curvy girl.

"I'm very lucky to work for a brand that wants women to be healthy," the Daily Mail quoted Ambrosio as saying. "You need to be able to fill out the bra and the panties, so yes, I'm a curvier girl."