Walk into any room and mention the words "supermodel" and "wings" in the same breath, and one name hits the table before you can even finish your sentence. Adriana Lima. Honestly, it’s kinda wild how one person basically redefined an entire industry's idea of "sexy" for two decades straight.
She isn't just a model. She’s a phenomenon.
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Most people think her story ended when she cried on that runway in 2018, hanging up her wings in what felt like a definitive goodbye. But if you've been paying attention lately—especially with her massive comeback in the 2024 and 2025 Victoria's Secret Fashion Shows—you know that retirement was more of a "see you later" than a "farewell."
Victoria's Secret Supermodel Adriana Lima: What Most People Get Wrong
There’s this weird misconception that Adriana just "lucked out" with good genes and a contract. Sure, the genes are elite. But the longevity? That's pure business. Most models are lucky to get a five-year run at the top. Adriana Lima stayed the face of a multi-billion dollar brand for nearly 20 years.
She signed with the brand in 1999 and became an official Angel in 2000. Think about that timeline. She survived the shift from print catalogs to the Instagram era without losing an ounce of her relevance.
You’ve probably seen the stats, but they're worth repeating because they’re actually insane:
- 18 fashion shows before her first "retirement" in 2018.
- Three Fantasy Bras (2008, 2010, and 2014) worth a combined $9 million.
- The title of "Most Valuable Angel" in 2017, a literal data-backed ranking of her brand power.
But here is the thing nobody talks about: the 2012 show. Adriana gave birth to her second daughter, Sienna, and walked that runway exactly eight weeks later. Eight. Weeks. While the world was debating "post-baby bodies," she was opening the show in a circus-themed outfit like it was just another Tuesday.
The Comeback That No One (And Everyone) Expected
When she stepped into a taxi in that viral 2024 promo clip and told the driver she was "going home," the internet collectively lost its mind. It was a calculated, brilliant piece of marketing. But for Adriana, it seemed personal.
By the time the 2025 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show rolled around at Steiner Studios, it was clear she wasn't just there for a nostalgia tour. She was there to anchor a brand that had struggled to find its identity without her.
Seeing her walk alongside the new generation—models like Alex Consani and Angel Reese—created this weirdly beautiful bridge between the "Fantasy Bra" era and the "VS Collective" era. She’s now 44, a mother of five, and somehow more magnetic than she was at 19.
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She’s basically the Tom Brady of modeling. She just doesn't quit.
Life Beyond the Wings
It’s easy to get lost in the glitter, but Lima’s bank account is built on more than just lingerie. While Victoria's Secret was her "home," Maybelline was her fortress. She was a spokesperson for them from 2003 to 2009 and then again starting in 2014. Brands don't usually hire you back unless you're moving product at a massive scale.
She’s also branched out into things most fans don't see on the runway.
- Airlima: Her production company focused on creating content that explores the industry.
- Wellness Investing: She’s been quietly putting money into health brands and supplements.
- The FIFA Ambassadorship: In 2023, she was named the first-ever FIFA Global Fan Ambassador. It was a polarizing move for some, but it showed her reach goes way beyond the "celebs" category.
Why She Is Still the Blueprint
So, why does Victoria's Secret supermodel Adriana Lima still dominate the conversation?
It’s the "Lima Lean." It’s that specific, intense eye contact she makes with the camera that every aspiring model tries to copy in their bedroom mirror. It’s the fact that she speaks four languages and can talk about boxing and Catholicism in the same breath.
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There’s a nuance to her career that doesn't exist in the "influencer-model" age. She wasn't born into a famous family. She won a "Supermodel of Brazil" contest at 15 and just worked harder than everyone else.
If you want to understand the "Lima Effect," look at the data. Even in 2026, her engagement rates on social media often outperform models half her age with twice the followers. People aren't just looking at her; they're loyal to her.
How to Apply the Lima Logic to Your Own Brand
Whether you're a creator or just someone trying to build a career, there are actual lessons to be learned from her two-decade reign.
- Pivot, Don't Panic: When the industry shifted toward inclusivity, Adriana didn't fight it. She leaned in, spoke about her own journey as a mother, and became a vocal supporter of the "new" Victoria's Secret.
- Own Your Niche: She never tried to be the "girl next door." She owned the high-glamour, high-intensity persona and never watered it down.
- Longevity Requires Discipline: You don't stay at the top of the Forbes list for 10+ years by accident. Her legendary pre-show workouts (boxing at Aerospace in NYC) are proof that the "look" is a byproduct of the work.
Adriana Lima is the rare example of a person who outgrew the very thing that made her famous. Victoria's Secret gave her wings, but at this point, she's the one keeping the brand in the air.
Next Steps for Enthusiasts:
If you're looking to track her current projects, keep an eye on her Airlima production announcements and her recurring "Icon" appearances at major Fashion Weeks like Paris and Milan. Her 2025 runway looks are already being archived as some of the most influential "mature" fashion moments in the modern era. Check out the latest behind-the-scenes footage on the VS Insider platform to see how she’s mentoring the newest class of Angels.