Adriana Lima

Elite Model Management · New York

Early Life / Background

Adriana Lima was born on June 12, 1981, in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. Growing up in a modest household, she was discovered at the age of 13 during a local Ford Models Brazil Supermodel contest in Salvador.

Career Development

Lima's professional modeling career officially launched at age 16 when she moved to New York City, the epicenter of the fashion industry. She quickly signed with Elite Model Management, which propelled her into international bookings.

Notable Work & Campaigns

Adriana Lima's portfolio is studded with iconic achievements, particularly her 18-year tenure as a Victoria's Secret Angel from 2000 to 2018, making her the brand's longest-serving model. She walked in 17 Victoria's Secret Fashion Shows, often closing the show and embodying the label's fantasy allure.

Industry Context

As a leading figure in the fashion industry, Adriana Lima operates within a active world shaped by New York as the global hub for commercial modeling and runway prestige. IMG Models, her agency since 2016, is one of the world's most prestigious, representing supermodels like Kate Moss and Gigi Hadid, and is known for its strategic placements in luxury and mass-market campaigns.

Current Status & Legacy

Today, Adriana Lima continues to thrive with IMG Models, focusing on selective projects that tap into her enduring appeal. After retiring from the Victoria's Secret runway in 2018, she has pursued acting roles, including a cameo in the 2017 film The Follow, and remains active in philanthropy, supporting causes like orphanages in Brazil through her work with Smile Train and the Lima Foundation.