Alessandra

Alessandra is the Italian gown of Alexandra, the feminine of Alexander, from the Greek for defender of men. It pours out in four generous syllables, vowels and soft s's tumbling into one another, a name that arrives already dressed for an occasion. Across Italy and Latin America it has been a staple for generations; in the U.S. it has climbed into the mid-400s, buoyed in part by Alessandra Ambrosio's long Victoria's Secret reign. Nicknames multiply: Alessa, Sandra, Allie, Sasha. The full form rewards the full breath. Operatic without being ornate, romantic without fuss, pure Mediterranean poise.