Hannah Malach
·4-min read
Adriana Lima’s storied career in the modeling industry began when she was just 15 years old. Today, she’s one of the most recognizable names in fashion, having fronted the Victoria’s Secret brand as one of their coveted Angels for nearly 20 years.
In celebration of her 43rd birthday on June 12, WWD looks back at some of her biggest modeling moments.
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Ford’s Supermodel of the World Contest
At the age of 15, Lima entered Ford’s Supermodel of the World contest, where she finished in second place. The competition was established by agency cofounder Eileen Ford in 1980. Ford Models is credited with the discovery of major names like Cheryl Tiegs, Christie Brinkley and Amber Valletta.
Lima went on to score a modeling contract with Elite Model Management.
Runway Debut
Lima walked her first runway in 1997, appearing in Anna Sui’s spring 1998 presentation at New York Fashion Week alongside supers like Naomi Campbell and Alek Wek.
Maybelline Spokesmodel
Lima became a global spokesmodel for Maybelline in 2003, starring in ad campaigns for print and television until her contract ended in 2009. One of her first commercials for the affordable beauty brand, shown above, promoted Maybelline’s Sky High Curves mascara.
Lima would reunite with the cosmetics company, serving as a spokesmodel once more from 2014 to 2019.
Victoria’s Secret Angel
Lima walked in her first Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in 1999, but it wasn’t until 2000 that she was upgraded to Angel. As one of the lingerie retailer’s official faces, she attended promotional events on behalf of the company and fronted several campaigns for both print and television.
In 2008, Lima modeled the coveted Fantasy Bra for the first time. Beverly Hills-based jeweler Martin Katz designed the black diamond piece, which was covered in 3,900 gems including 117 white diamonds and 34 rubies. Lima donned the Fantasy Bra twice more, sporting bejeweled braziers in the 2010 and 2014 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Shows. Other than Heidi Klum, Lima is the only Angel to wear the Fantasy Bra three times.
Adriana Lima’s Fashion Evolution Through the Years, From Victoria’s Secret Runways to RedCarpets
Lima hung up her Angel wings for good in 2018, appearing in her final Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, where she became noticeably emotional on the runway.
Super Bowl Advertisem*nts
Lima appeared in her first Super Bowl advertisem*nt in 2008. Viewed by more than 100 million people, her Victoria’s Secret promotion was the game’s most-watched spot.
In 2012, she became the first celebrity to appear in two Super Bowl ads in one game, starring in commercials for Kia and Teleflora.
High Fashion Return
After years of walking the runway only for Victoria’s Secret, Lima returned to the high fashion realm, appearing in Givenchy’s fall 2009 presentation at Paris Fashion Week.
Rio Olympics Coverage
Lima repped her home country of Brazil alongside fellow Victoria’s Secret Angel, Alessandra Ambrosio, cohosting food and culture coverage on NBC surrounding the 2016 Rio Olympics. Lima even carried the Olympic torch through downtown Rio as part of the Games’ opening ceremony.
“Ocean’s Eight” Cameo
Lima made a cameo in her first feature film in 2018, briefly appearing in the “Ocean’s Eleven” reboot “Ocean’s Eight,” which included an ensemble cast of A-listers like Rihanna, Anne Hathaway, Cate Blanchett and Sandra Bullock.
FIFA Ambassador
Soccer is one of the most popular sports in Lima’s home country, so it’s no surprise that she was tapped as FIFA’s first Global Fan Ambassador in 2023. “In this role, Lima will develop, promote and participate in several global initiatives involving fans from all over the world,” a statement from the federation read.
Below, see more of Adriana Lima’s fashion moments through the years.
Launch Gallery: Adriana Lima's Fashion Evolution Through the Years, From Victoria's Secret Runways to Red Carpets
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