Adriana Lima is one name that comes to mind when thinking about Victoria’s Secret—a brand that redefined modern beauty and runway allure. From her early days in Brazil to becoming one of the most recognizable Victoria’s Secret Angels, Adriana’s journey is nothing short of iconic. Her career has spanned decades, touching millions around the globe with her presence, poise, and powerful work ethic. In this article, we’ll walk through her rise to fame, her time with Victoria’s Secret, and what makes her such a lasting symbol in the fashion world.

She’s not just a model—she’s a household name. Adriana Lima became a global sensation not only because of her striking looks but also because of her dedication and down-to-earth personality. She’s graced countless covers, strutted on the most prestigious runways, and become a role model for aspiring models everywhere. Whether you're curious about her modeling career, her personal life, or her work beyond the catwalk, this piece will give you a closer look at what makes Adriana so special.

So, if you're a fan of fashion, beauty, or just love a strong, successful woman story, you're in the right place. Let’s dive into the life, career, and legacy of Adriana Lima with Victoria’s Secret, and understand why her name still carries so much weight in the modeling industry.

• David Draiman

Table of Contents

• Biography of Adriana Lima
• Adriana Lima’s Victoria’s Secret Era
• Modeling Career Before Victoria’s Secret
• Personal Life and Background
• Life After Victoria’s Secret
• Frequently Asked Questions

Biography of Adriana Lima

Adriana Lima was born on June 12, 1981, in Salvador, Brazil. From a young age, she stood out—not just for her beauty, but for her confidence and determination. She began modeling at just 15 years old, and it didn’t take long for her star to rise. Her big break came when she won Ford’s “Supermodel of the Year” contest in 1996, which opened the door to international fame.

She’s best known for her long-standing relationship with Victoria’s Secret, where she became one of the highest-paid models in the world. But that’s not all—she’s also worked with Maybelline since 2003 and has appeared in campaigns for other major brands. Beyond modeling, Adriana has dipped her toes into acting and business ventures, proving she’s more than just a pretty face.

Her name has Latin roots and is connected to the ancient city of Adria. It’s a name that’s traveled across cultures and languages, just like Adriana herself. She’s become a symbol of strength, elegance, and authenticity in an industry that often feels overly curated.

• Dorothy Bowles Ford

Quick Bio Facts

Adriana Lima’s Victoria’s Secret Era

Adriana Lima joined Victoria’s Secret in 1999, quickly becoming one of the most beloved Angels. She was part of a golden era for the brand, walking in countless shows and appearing in iconic campaigns. Her blue eyes, Brazilian flair, and warm smile made her instantly recognizable. She wasn’t just a model—she was a brand ambassador, embodying the confidence and allure Victoria’s Secret aimed to sell.

What made Adriana stand out was her energy. She had a natural charisma that shined on stage, and she was one of the few models who could truly command the spotlight. She walked in over a dozen Victoria’s Secret Fashion Shows, a record few have matched. Her runway presence was unmatched—she smiled, waved, and connected with the audience in a way that made viewers feel like she was walking just for them.

She was more than just a pretty face in lingerie. Adriana became a symbol of empowerment for many women. She showed that you could be strong, confident, and feminine all at once. She also used her platform for good, supporting charities like Best Buddies International and Make-A-Wish Foundation. She wasn’t just selling undergarments—she was making a difference.

Modeling Career Before Victoria’s Secret

Before the wings and the runway, Adriana was just a girl from Brazil with big dreams. She started modeling in elementary school, believe it or not. She was discovered at age 15 in a local supermarket, and that chance encounter changed her life forever. She won Ford’s “Supermodel of the Year” in 1996, which gave her the push she needed to break into the international market.

Her early career was full of high fashion. She walked for top designers like Oscar de la Renta, Badgley Mischka, and many others. She appeared in high-profile editorials for magazines like Vogue, Elle, and Harper’s Bazaar. She wasn’t just a runway model—she was a cover girl, a muse, and a global icon in the making.

But it was Victoria’s Secret that truly made her a household name. Before that, she was a rising star. After joining the brand, she became a phenomenon. It’s safe to say that without Victoria’s Secret, Adriana’s name wouldn’t be as widely recognized across the globe as it is today.

Personal Life and Background

Adriana’s name has roots in Latin and is connected to the ancient city of Adria, which is now in modern-day Italy. Her name means “from Adria” or “man of Adria.” She’s the feminine version of the name Adrian, which is used in many languages, including English, German, Polish, Romanian, and Russian. There are at least 42 variations of the name Adriana across different cultures, which shows how universal her appeal is.

Off the runway, Adriana is a mother of two daughters. She’s been married to Marko Jarić, a former NBA player, and later to Andre Lemmers, with whom she shares her second child. She’s known for being down-to-earth, spiritual, and deeply connected to her roots. She often speaks about the importance of family, faith, and giving back.

She’s also been open about the challenges of balancing motherhood with a high-pressure career. She’s shown that it’s possible to be a strong woman, a loving mother, and a global icon all at once. Her authenticity has made her relatable to fans from all walks of life.

Life After Victoria’s Secret

Adriana officially retired from Victoria’s Secret in 2018 after nearly two decades with the brand. But retirement didn’t mean the end—it was more like the start of a new chapter. She continued modeling, returned to the runway, and took on new projects that aligned with her values and passions.

She’s worked with several other brands, stayed active on social media, and launched her own line of beauty and wellness products. She’s also continued her charity work, showing that her mission has always been bigger than just fashion.

In recent years, she’s made surprise appearances on the runway, reminding fans why she was such a fan favorite. She’s not just a former Angel—she’s a forever inspiration. Her legacy with Victoria’s Secret may be in the past, but her influence continues to shape the fashion world today.

She’s proof that you can evolve, grow, and stay relevant without losing your authenticity. Adriana’s post-Victoria’s Secret journey is one of reinvention, resilience, and realness. She’s not just surviving—she’s thriving.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Adriana Lima join Victoria’s Secret?

Adriana Lima joined Victoria’s Secret in 1999 and became one of the brand’s longest-serving Angels. She walked in over a dozen shows and remained a key face of the brand until her retirement in 2018.

What other brands has Adriana Lima worked with?

Besides Victoria’s Secret, Adriana has worked with Maybelline since 2003. She’s also appeared in campaigns for top designers and fashion houses, including Oscar de la Renta, Badgley Mischka, and more.

Is Adriana Lima still modeling?

Yes, Adriana Lima is still modeling. After retiring from Victoria’s Secret, she’s continued to work in the fashion and beauty industries. She’s also expanded into business ventures and wellness projects.

Want to know more about other iconic models who defined a generation? Learn more about supermodels who shaped fashion history on our site.