ADRIANA LIMA BIOGRAPHY
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Adriana Lima |
| Date of Birth | June 12, 1981 |
| Age | 43 years old (as of 2025) |
| Place of Birth | Salvador, Bahia, Brazil |
| Nationality | Brazilian |
| Ethnicity | Afro-Brazilian (Portuguese, Native Brazilian, African, Japanese, Swiss, and West Indian descent) |
| Height | 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) |
| Eye Color | Blue-green |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown |
| Eye Shape | Almond-shaped |
| Face Shape | Heart-shaped/Oval |
| Profession | Supermodel, Actress, Producer |
| Years Active | 1996 – Present |
| Languages Spoken | Portuguese, English, Italian, Spanish |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Andre Lemmers (m. 2024) |
| Children | 3 (Valentina, Sienna, Cyan) |
| Daughter | Valentina Lima Jaric (born November 15, 2009), Sienna |
| Son | Cyan (born August 2022) |
| Current Residence | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Famous For | Longest-running Victoria’s Secret Angel (2000-2018) |
| Career Highlight | Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show (walked 20 times) |
| Years as VS Angel | 18 years (2000-2018) |
| Modeling Agency | Elite Model Management (initial), The Society Management |
| Major Brands | Victoria’s Secret, Maybelline, Vogue Eyewear, Marc Jacobs, Puma, Chopard, IWC |
| Career Start | Age 14 – Won Ford’s “Supermodel of Brazil” (1995) |
| Runway Debut | 1997 – Anna Sui’s New York Fashion Week |
| Peak Earnings | $8-9 million annually (2014-2015) |
| Awards | Fashion Comeback of the Year (2025), Most Valuable VS Angel (2017) |
| Social Media | 20+ million Instagram followers |
| Mother’s Name | Maria das Graças Lima |
| Previous Relationship | Lenny Kravitz (2001-2003, engaged) |
| Current Partner | Andre Lemmers (dating from 2021, married 2024) |
| Childhood Dream | To become a pediatrician |
| Acting Credits | Ocean’s Eight, How I Met Your Mother, Ugly Betty, The Crazy Ones |
| Producer Credits | FIFA: A Love Letter To Rwanda (2023), American Beauty Star |
| Special Roles | FIFA Global Fan Ambassador for Women’s World Cup (2023) |
| Industry Ranking | “Industry Icon” by models.com |
| Notable Achievement | 4th on Complex’s “100 Hottest Supermodels of All Time” (2012) |
| VS Show Opens | 5 times (2003, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2012) |
| Retirement from VS | November 2018 |
| VS Comeback | October 15, 2024 |
| Most Recent Show | Victoria’s Secret 2025 (20th appearance) |
ADRIANA LIMA THE ICONIC SUPERMODEL’S JOURNEY FROM BRAZIL TO GLOBAL STARDOM
Who Is Adriana Lima?
Adriana Lima stands as one of the most recognizable faces in fashion history. With a career spanning over three decades, she has graced countless runways, magazine covers, and advertising campaigns that have defined modern beauty standards. But who is Adriana Lima beyond the stunning photographs and glamorous fashion shows?
Born on June 12, 1981, in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, she emerged from humble beginnings to become one of the highest-paid and most celebrated supermodels of all time. Her journey from a Brazilian teenager with dreams of becoming a pediatrician to a global fashion icon is nothing short of remarkable.
Early Life: Where Is Adriana Lima From?
When was Adriana Lima born? She entered the world on June 12, 1981, in Salvador, Bahia—a vibrant coastal city in northeastern Brazil known for its rich Afro-Brazilian culture. Her upbringing was far from privileged. Raised by her single mother, Maria das Graças Lima, after her father left when she was just six months old, she learned resilience early in life.
What makes her background particularly fascinating is her multiethnic heritage. With Portuguese, Native Brazilian, African, Japanese, Swiss, and West Indian ancestry, she proudly identifies as Afro-Brazilian. This diverse genetic tapestry contributed to her distinctive and captivating appearance that would later captivate the fashion world.
Growing up, she originally aspired to become a pediatrician, showing no initial interest in modeling. A testament to her intelligence and ambition, she also developed linguistic abilities that would serve her well internationally—she speaks four languages: Portuguese, English, Italian, and Spanish.
How Did Adriana Lima Become a Model?
How was Adriana Lima discovered? The story begins with a friend’s encouragement. At age 14, she entered Ford’s “Supermodel of Brazil” competition somewhat reluctantly. To everyone’s amazement, including her own, she won. This victory opened doors she had never imagined.
When did Adriana Lima start modeling? Following her national win, she competed in Ford’s international “Supermodel of the World” competition, where she placed second. This impressive showing caught the attention of major modeling agencies, and at 18, she made the bold decision to move to New York City, signing with Elite Model Management.
The year 1997 marked a pivotal moment when she made her runway debut at Anna Sui’s New York Fashion Week. Walking alongside established icons like Naomi Campbell and Alek Wek, young Adriana Lima held her own, signaling the arrival of a new star in the modeling constellation.
Adriana Lima Height and Physical Attributes
How tall is adriana lima? She stands at an impressive 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm)—the ideal height for runway modeling. Her striking features include distinctive almond-shaped eyes and a heart-shaped face structure that photographers and designers have long admired.
What eye shape does Adriana Lima have? Her eyes are characterized by their almond shape with a slightly exotic tilt, complemented by piercing blue-green irises that create an unforgettable gaze. What face shape does Adriana Lima have? Fashion experts typically describe her face as heart-shaped or oval, with high cheekbones and a balanced bone structure that photographs beautifully from every angle.
The Victoria’s Secret Era: Adriana Lima’s Defining Chapter
Becoming an Angel
Adriana Lima Victoria Secret partnership began in 1999 when she made her debut at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. The following year, in 2000, she was awarded her wings and officially became a Victoria’s Secret Angel—a title she would hold for an unprecedented 18 years.
From 2000 to 2018, she served as the longest-running Angel in the brand’s history. She opened the show five times (in 2003, 2007, 2008, 2010, and 2012), a distinction that underscored her status as one of the brand’s most valuable assets. In 2017, analytics company D’Marie named her “the most valuable Victoria’s Secret Angel,” quantifying what fans already knew.
She walked the Victoria’s Secret runway 18 times total, creating iconic moments that defined an era of fashion. Her presence at these shows became legendary—her confidence, her walk, and her ability to command attention made each appearance memorable.
The Emotional Farewell
In November 2018, she announced her retirement from Victoria’s Secret with an emotional farewell that moved fans worldwide. After nearly two decades of defining the brand’s image, her departure marked the end of an era. Little did anyone know that this wouldn’t be the final chapter of her story with the iconic lingerie company.
Adriana Lima Prime: The Peak Years
The 2000s: Adriana Lima 2000s Dominance
Adriana Lima 2000s represented her meteoric rise to supermodel status. During this decade, she became synonymous with Victoria’s Secret while simultaneously building an impressive portfolio with other major brands.
The 2009 Super Bowl commercial featuring her reached 103.7 million viewers and was declared the “Most Watched Commercial in Television History”—a testament to her mass appeal and star power.
The 90s Foundation: Young Adriana Lima
Adriana lima 90s laid the groundwork for everything that followed. Young Adriana Lima possessed a fresh-faced beauty and natural charisma that immediately set her apart. Her early runway appearances and editorial work showcased raw talent that would be refined into polished perfection over the coming years.
Adriana Lima Prime Years
What many consider adriana lima prime spans roughly from the mid-2000s through the mid-2010s. During these years, she was at the peak of her commercial success, physical presence, and industry influence. She consistently ranked among the world’s highest-paid models, earning between $7.3 million and $9 million annually at her peak.
In 2012, Complex magazine ranked her 4th on their “100 Hottest Supermodels of All Time” list, cementing her place in fashion history.
Major Brand Partnerships Beyond Victoria’s Secret
Her success extended far beyond the runway. From 2003 to 2009, she served as a spokesmodel for Maybelline Cosmetics in her first major beauty contract. She returned to Maybelline from 2014 to 2019, demonstrating the brand’s continued confidence in her marketability.
In 2015, she became the face of Vogue Eyewear and Marc Jacobs’ Decadence fragrance. Additional partnerships included Puma, Chopard, and IWC watches, while her high-profile runway work included appearances for Versace, Giorgio Armani, Vera Wang, Louis Vuitton, Prada, and Christian Dior.
She has graced the covers of Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, ELLE, GQ, Cosmopolitan, and Esquire in markets around the globe. Currently, models.com ranks her as one of the “Industry Icons,” acknowledging her lasting impact on the industry.
Personal Life: Adriana Lima Husband, Kids, and Family
Relationships and Marriage
Is Adriana Lima married? Yes, she married film producer Andre Lemmers on December 17, 2024, in a ceremony that celebrated their love story. The couple began dating in 2021, and their relationship has been marked by genuine affection and mutual support.
Previously, from 2001 to 2003, she was in a relationship and engaged to singer Lenny Kravitz, though the couple eventually parted ways.
Adriana Lima Kids: Motherhood Journey
How many kids does Adriana Lima have? She is the proud mother of three children. Adriana Lima daughter Valentina Lima Jaric was born on November 15, 2009. Her second daughter, Sienna, followed, and in August 2022, she welcomed a son named Cyan with Andre Lemmers.
Adriana Lima children have been a central part of her life, and she has successfully balanced motherhood with her demanding career. She often speaks about how becoming a mother changed her perspective and priorities, adding depth to her already impressive life story.
Where does Adriana Lima live? She currently resides in Los Angeles with her family, having established roots in the entertainment capital while maintaining her modeling career.
How Old Is Adriana Lima? Age and Career Longevity
Adriana Lima age is currently 43 years old (as of 2025). What makes her story particularly inspiring is how she has defied industry norms about age in modeling. While many models see their careers decline in their 30s, she has continued to thrive, proving that talent, discipline, and professionalism transcend arbitrary age limits.
The Comeback: Adriana Lima 2023, 2024, and 2025
Adriana Lima 2023: Return to Victoria’s Secret
Adriana Lima 2023 marked the beginning of an unexpected and thrilling comeback. In April, she was announced as the face of Victoria’s Secret’s Heavenly Eau de Parfum relaunch—a nostalgic collaboration that delighted longtime fans. In September, she participated in The Tour ’23, a documentary-style reimagining of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show that represented the brand’s new direction.
Adriana Lima 2024: The Triumphant Return
Adriana Lima 2024 brought the moment fans had been waiting for. On October 15, 2024, she returned to the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show after a six-year retirement. The announcement sent shockwaves through the fashion world and social media exploded with excitement. Her appearance proved that her star power had not diminished one bit—if anything, it had grown stronger.
Adriana Lima Now: 2025 and Beyond
Adriana Lima now continues to defy expectations. In 2025, she walked for Victoria’s Secret again, marking her 20th appearance with the brand—an unprecedented achievement. In April 2025, she earned the Fashion Comeback of the Year award at The Daily Front Row’s Fashion Awards, official recognition of what everyone already knew: she was back and better than ever.
Adriana Lima 2025 represents a new chapter—one where she demonstrates that supermodels can have staying power, that comebacks are possible, and that authenticity resonates with audiences across generations.
What Happened to Adriana Lima? Addressing Speculation
What happened to Adriana Lima? This question has circulated periodically, especially during her brief retirement and when her appearance naturally evolved over the years. The simple answer: nothing “happened” to her in any negative sense. She made deliberate career choices, focused on motherhood, and then returned when the time was right for her.
Did Adriana Lima Get Plastic Surgery?
Did Adriana Lima have plastic surgery? This question frequently appears in online searches, reflecting the public’s curiosity about her changing appearance over three decades. She has not publicly confirmed any surgical procedures. Like anyone aging naturally, her face has matured from her teenage years to her 40s. She has been open about her fitness routines, diet, and self-care practices that help her maintain her appearance.
The speculation often stems from comparing adriana lima young photos with current images, but such comparisons don’t account for natural aging, different makeup techniques, photography styles, lighting, and the natural weight fluctuations that occur over decades.
Media Ventures and Entertainment Career
Beyond modeling, she has explored acting and producing. Her acting appearances include roles in Ocean’s Eight, How I Met Your Mother, Ugly Betty, and The Crazy Ones, showcasing her personality and expanding her professional repertoire.
In 2023, she executive produced “FIFA: A Love Letter To Rwanda,” a documentary that premiered at the Taormina Film Festival. That same year, she was named FIFA Global Fan Ambassador for the Women’s World Cup, combining her global platform with her passion for sports.
She also served as executive producer on the reality show American Beauty Star, further diversifying her entertainment portfolio.
Legacy and Impact on Fashion
Her legacy extends far beyond statistics and earnings. She is known for career longevity, discipline, and a selective approach to work that prioritizes quality over quantity. She has successfully balanced motherhood with a sustained modeling career, proving that women don’t have to choose between family and professional achievement.
As a symbol of empowerment and an advocate for diversity and self-acceptance, she has inspired countless aspiring models worldwide. Her multiethnic background and proud embrace of her Afro-Brazilian heritage have contributed to broader conversations about representation in fashion.
She maintains a significant social media presence with over 20 million Instagram followers, allowing her to connect directly with fans and control her own narrative in the digital age.
Conclusion: An Icon for the Ages
From a young girl in Salvador, Bahia, who dreamed of becoming a pediatrician to one of the most iconic supermodels in history, her journey embodies determination, grace, and evolution. Whether fans remember her from the Adriana Lima 90s, the dominant Adriana Lima 2000s era, or are discovering her through her Adriana Lima 2025 comeback, one thing remains constant: her undeniable impact on fashion and popular culture.
At 43 years old, married to Andre Lemmers, and mother to three beautiful children, she continues to write new chapters in an already extraordinary story. She proves that supermodels can have longevity, that comebacks are not only possible but can be triumphant, and that authenticity and hard work will always have a place in an ever-changing industry.
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