Adriana Lima, born on June 12, 1981, in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, is a globally recognized supermodel and actress. She gained prominence as a Victoria’s Secret Angel, a role she embodied from 1999 to 2018, becoming one of the most enduring and iconic figures in the brand’s history. Beyond her modeling career, Lima is celebrated for her philanthropic endeavors and her dedication to family.
Early Life and Family Background
Adriana Lima was born to Nelson Torres, a carpenter, and Maria das Graças Lima, a social worker. Her father left the family when she was just six months old, leading her mother to raise her as a single parent in the Castelo Branco neighborhood of Salvador. Lima’s diverse heritage includes Portuguese, Native Brazilian, African, Japanese, Swiss, and West Indian roots, and she identifies as Afro-Brazilian. Multilingual from a young age, she speaks Portuguese, English, Italian, and Spanish. Before embarking on her modeling career, Lima aspired to become a pediatrician.
Modeling Career Beginnings
Lima’s entry into the modeling world was serendipitous. At 15, she won Ford’s “Supermodel of Brazil” competition, which propelled her onto the international stage. Subsequently, she secured second place in Ford’s “Supermodel of the World” contest. These achievements led to her move to New York City, where she signed with Elite Model Management and began her ascent in the fashion industry.
Rise to Fame with Victoria’s Secret
In 1999, Lima’s career reached new heights when she became a Victoria’s Secret Angel. Her captivating presence and dedication made her one of the most recognizable faces of the brand. She opened the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in 2003, 2007, 2008, and 2010, showcasing her prominence within the company. Lima’s tenure with Victoria’s Secret spanned nearly two decades, during which she became the longest-serving Angel before retiring in 2018.
Personal Life
In her personal life, Lima has experienced significant milestones. She was in a relationship with American singer Lenny Kravitz from 2001 to 2003. In 2009, she married Serbian NBA player Marko Jarić, with whom she has two daughters, Valentina (born in 2009) and Sienna (born in 2012). The couple separated in 2014, finalizing their divorce in 2016. In 2021, Lima began dating film producer Andre Lemmers. The couple welcomed their son, Cyan, in August 2022.
Recent Career Developments
After a six-year hiatus to focus on her family, Lima made a notable return to the runway. In September 2024, at the age of 43, she walked for Schiaparelli during Paris Fashion Week, expressing excitement about her comeback and the opportunity to work with the esteemed fashion house. She stated, “I am excited to be back on the runway, especially with Schiaparelli.”
Following this, Lima returned to the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in November 2024, captivating audiences with her presence. She expressed her enthusiasm, noting that her career began with Victoria’s Secret and that returning felt like a reunion with long-time colleagues, many of whom are now mothers as well.
Philanthropy and Advocacy
Beyond her modeling career, Lima is known for her philanthropic efforts. She has been involved with an orphanage called “Caminhos da Luz” (Paths of Light) in Salvador, assisting with construction to expand the facility and providing clothing for underprivileged children. In 2009, she participated in the Turkish version of “Deal or No Deal,” donating her prize money to a hospital in Istanbul for children battling leukemia.
Conclusion
Adriana Lima’s journey from a young girl in Salvador to an international supermodel is a testament to her resilience, talent, and dedication. Her recent return to the fashion scene after focusing on her family highlights her enduring appeal and commitment to her craft. As she continues to balance her professional endeavors with her personal life, Lima remains an inspiring figure in the fashion industry and beyond.
