INTRODUCTION
Adriana Lima is widely recognized as one of the most iconic supermodels of the 21st century and one of the most influential figures in modern fashion history. Known globally for her striking blue-green eyes, athletic runway presence, and long association with the lingerie brand Victoria's Secret, Lima became the longest-running Victoria’s Secret Angel, representing the brand from 2000 to 2018 and returning for special appearances afterward.
Born in Brazil and discovered during a teenage modeling competition, Lima rapidly rose from local beauty contests to international fame. Her career has included runway shows for elite fashion houses, major global advertising campaigns, television appearances, and appearances in some of the most viewed commercials in television history.
What makes Lima particularly notable is the longevity of her career. Few fashion models remain relevant across decades, yet Lima has consistently ranked among the highest-paid models in the world. With her mix of Brazilian heritage, strong personality, and recognizable visual signature, she became not only a fashion model but also a global cultural icon.
Beyond fashion, Lima has appeared in television shows, films, and sports-related broadcasts. She has also participated in charity projects, especially those connected to children and social welfare in Brazil. Today she continues to be celebrated as a legendary runway figure and one of the most recognizable faces in the international modeling industry.
PROFILE / BASIC INFORMATION
Full Name : Adriana Lima
Also Known As : Adri, Lima, Victoria's Secret Angel Legend, Brazilian Supermodel Icon
Nationality : Brazilian
Ethnicity : Portuguese, Native Brazilian, African, Japanese, Swiss, West Indian, Afro-Brazilian
Profession : Fashion Model, Runway Model, Supermodel, Television Host, Brand Ambassador
Industry Category : Fashion Industry, International Modeling, Advertising, Entertainment
Years Active : 1997–Present
Agency / Management : The Society Management (New York), Elite Model Management (Paris, London, Milan)
Official Website : adrianalima.com
BASIC INFORMATION
Date of Birth : 12 June 1981
Birthplace : Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
Current Residence : Los Angeles, California, United States
Height : 178 cm (5 ft 10 in)
Measurements : 34-24-34
Dress Size : 4 (US)
Shoe Size : 9 (US)
Hair & Eye Color : Dark Brown Hair, Blue-Green Eyes
Zodiac Sign : Gemini
Blood Type : Private
Languages : Portuguese, English, Italian, Spanish
Children : 3
LATEST NEWS
In recent years, Lima has remained active in global fashion despite previously announcing retirement from the Victoria’s Secret runway. In 2023 she returned to collaborate with the brand for a fragrance campaign and appeared in the documentary-style revival of the fashion show project.
Her return continued in 2024 and 2025 when she participated in Victoria’s Secret runway events again, marking more than two decades connected to the brand. Industry observers described her comeback as one of the most notable returns in modern modeling history.
Lima also continues appearing in global advertising campaigns and high-profile fashion events, reinforcing her status as an enduring icon of the modeling industry.
CAREER
Career Overview : International supermodel, Victoria’s Secret Angel (2000–2018), high fashion runway model, global brand ambassador, television personality
Debut : Runway debut at New York Fashion Week for Anna Sui in 1997
Adriana Lima’s modeling journey began unexpectedly when a friend encouraged her to participate in a modeling contest during her teenage years. At just 15 years old she won the Ford “Supermodel of Brazil” competition and later placed second in the international Ford Supermodel of the World contest.
Shortly after, she moved to New York City and signed with Elite Model Management, launching her international career.
Throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s, Lima quickly became one of the most sought-after runway models in the fashion industry. She walked for major fashion houses including Versace, Christian Dior, Prada, Louis Vuitton, Valentino, Giorgio Armani, and Givenchy.
Her association with Victoria’s Secret transformed her career. After appearing in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in 1999, she became an official Angel in 2000 and remained one of the brand’s central figures for nearly two decades.
During this time she wore several of the brand’s famous Fantasy Bras and opened the fashion show multiple times, achievements reserved for the brand’s most influential models.
Career Highlights : Longest-running Victoria’s Secret Angel, multiple Fantasy Bra appearances, Forbes top-earning model rankings, Models.com Industry Icon status
Awards & Recognition : Fashion Icon Award at Daily Front Row Fashion Awards, Models.com Industry Icon, multiple Forbes highest-paid model rankings
EARLY LIFE / BACKGROUND
Adriana Lima was born in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, and raised by her mother Maria das Graças Lima after her father left the family when she was still an infant.
Her mother worked as a social worker, and Lima spent most of her childhood in the Castelo Branco neighborhood of Salvador. Before entering the modeling world, she originally planned to pursue a career in medicine and hoped to become a pediatrician.
Her multicultural heritage includes Portuguese, Native Brazilian, African, Japanese, Swiss, and West Indian ancestry. Lima often identifies strongly with Afro-Brazilian culture and has spoken about the importance of diversity in global beauty standards.
Growing up in Brazil, Lima participated in several beauty contests during school years, which eventually led to her discovery by modeling agencies.
FILMOGRAPHY / WORKS
Filmography : Pista Dupla (1996 TV series), The Hire: The Follow (2001 short film), How I Met Your Mother (2007 cameo), Ugly Betty (2008 cameo), The Crazy Ones (2013 cameo), Ocean's 8 (2018 cameo), FIFA: A Love Letter to Rwanda (2023 documentary)
Music Videos : Yesterday Is Gone (My Dear Kay) by Lenny Kravitz (2002)
TV Shows : American Beauty Star (2017 host and executive producer)
BRAND COLLABORATIONS / ENDORSEMENTS
Brand Collaborations : Maybelline New York, Puma, IWC Schaffhausen, Desigual, Sportmax, Calzedonia, Marc Jacobs, Vogue Eyewear, Schutz, Mavi Jeans, Chopard
Endorsements : Kia Motors, Teleflora, Maybelline, Puma, luxury fashion campaigns
These collaborations have helped Lima remain one of the most commercially successful models in the world.
MAGAZINE FEATURES / RUNWAY APPEARANCES
Magazine Features : Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, ELLE, GQ, Cosmopolitan, Esquire, Interview, W Magazine, Arena, V Magazine, Garage, French Revue des Modes
Runway Appearances : Versace, Christian Dior, Prada, Louis Vuitton, Valentino, Givenchy, Balmain, Miu Miu, Alexander McQueen, Marc Jacobs, Ralph Lauren, Anna Sui, Vera Wang
Her covers and editorials have appeared in dozens of international fashion magazines, making her one of the most published models of her generation.
TV / MEDIA APPEARANCES
Television Appearances : How I Met Your Mother, Ugly Betty, The Crazy Ones
Media Roles : Host of American Beauty Star reality competition series
Sports Media : NBC Olympics cultural correspondent for the 2016 Rio Olympics
PUBLIC IMAGE / CULTURAL INFLUENCE
Public Image : International supermodel icon, Victoria’s Secret legend, global beauty symbol
Cultural Influence : Fashion icon, one of the most recognizable supermodels of the 2000s and 2010s, influential figure in Brazilian representation in global fashion
Throughout her career Lima has appeared on numerous “Most Beautiful” and “Sexiest Women” lists from magazines and media outlets. She has also consistently ranked among the most searched models on the internet.
Her longevity in the fashion industry and ability to remain relevant across generations have made her a defining figure in modern supermodel history.
PERSONAL LIFE / HOBBIES / INTERESTS
Hobbies : Boxing, Fitness Training, Travel, Reading, Meditation
Special Skills : Capoeira, Runway Performance, Athletic Training
Personal Interests : Spirituality, Charity Work, Children’s Welfare, Cultural Heritage
Personal Life : Married Marko Jarić (2009–2016), Married Andre Lemmers (2024–Present)
TRIVIA / FUN FACTS / BEHIND-THE-SCENES
Fun Facts : One of the longest-serving Victoria’s Secret Angels in history, appeared in multiple Super Bowl commercials, ranked among the highest-paid models for many years
Behind-the-Scenes Notes : Known for intense training routines before fashion shows and athletic fitness preparation
Lesser-Known Details : Initially planned to become a pediatrician before entering the modeling industry
SNS / SOCIAL MEDIA / ONLINE PRESENCE
Official Website : https://www.adrianalima.com
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/adrianalima
X (Twitter) : https://twitter.com/adrianalima
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/adrianalima
TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@adrianalima
Other Platforms : IMDb profile, fashion campaign pages, brand social media collaborations