Adriana Lima, born Adriana Francesca Lima on June 12, 1981, is a Brazilian supermodel and fashion industry personality best known for her long association with Victoria's Secret. She began her modeling career after winning the Ford Supermodel of Brazil competition at the age of fifteen and subsequently developed an international career working with designers and brands including Versace, Christian Dior, Giorgio Armani, Prada, Louis Vuitton, and Maybelline. She became a Victoria's Secret Angel in 2000 and remained one of the brand's principal models until her farewell runway appearance in 2018. After returning to the brand in 2023, she walked in its 2024 and 2025 fashion shows. Her career has included international runway appearances, magazine covers, advertising campaigns, television appearances, and philanthropic activities.

Early Life and Family Background

Adriana Lima was born on June 12, 1981, in Salvador, the capital of Bahia in northeastern Brazil. She grew up in the city, which is known for its Afro-Brazilian cultural traditions, music, and historical heritage.

Her parents were Nelson Torres and Maria da Graça Lima. She was raised primarily by her mother, who worked as a social worker.

During childhood, Lima did not initially plan to become a professional model. She was interested in other career possibilities, including medicine, and considered becoming a pediatrician.

Her appearance attracted attention during her school years, and she participated in several beauty competitions before entering the professional modeling industry.

As a teenager, she was encouraged to accompany a friend to a modeling competition. The experience led to her participation in a national model search and eventually changed the direction of her career.

Ford Supermodel Competition and Career Beginnings

In 1996, at the age of fifteen, Adriana Lima entered the Ford Supermodel of Brazil competition, organized by the international modeling agency Ford Models.

She won first place in the Brazilian competition, gaining national recognition and an opportunity to participate in the agency's international model search.

Later that year, she competed in the Ford Supermodel of the World competition and finished second.

The results brought Lima to the attention of international modeling agencies and fashion industry representatives.

In 1997, she moved to New York City and signed with Elite Model Management, beginning her professional international modeling career.

Her relocation to New York placed her within one of the world's principal fashion markets, where she began attending castings, fashion shows, and commercial photography sessions.

New York Fashion Week and Runway Debut

In September 1997, Adriana Lima made her New York Fashion Week runway debut in a show by American fashion designer Anna Sui.

The appearance marked an important early stage in her career and introduced her to major fashion designers, editors, photographers, and modeling agencies.

She subsequently appeared on runways for designers including Christian Lacroix, Valentino Garavani, Giorgio Armani, Donatella Versace, Marc Jacobs, and other prominent figures in international fashion.

Her modeling assignments expanded to include campaigns and runway presentations for Christian Dior, Prada, Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Miu Miu, Balmain, and Bottega Veneta.

These collaborations established Lima as a participant in both luxury fashion and commercial modeling, two sectors that would remain important throughout her career.

Fashion Magazines and Editorial Modeling

During the late 1990s and early 2000s, Adriana Lima began appearing in major international fashion magazines.

Her first significant magazine cover was for the Brazilian edition of Marie Claire in 1998.

In September 2000, she appeared on the twentieth-anniversary edition of Vogue Gioiello, followed by the Brazilian edition of Vogue in October of the same year.

Over the following years, she appeared in international editions of Vogue, Elle, Harper's Bazaar, GQ, and other fashion publications.

Her editorial work included beauty photography, luxury fashion campaigns, designer collections, and photographic features for different international markets.

These assignments helped extend her professional recognition beyond runway appearances and contributed to her visibility in the global fashion industry.

Advertising Campaigns and International Fashion Brands

In 2000, Adriana Lima appeared in an advertising campaign for American fashion brand Guess?. The campaign increased her recognition within the commercial fashion market.

She subsequently worked with brands including Bebe, BCBG Max Azria, H&M, Givenchy, and Bulgari.

Her ability to work in both high-fashion editorials and commercial advertising allowed her to develop a broad portfolio of international clients.

Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, Lima appeared in campaigns for luxury clothing, cosmetics, fragrances, jewelry, and other consumer products.

Her collaborations also included fashion houses such as Elie Saab, Schiaparelli, and Loewe, reflecting her continued presence in the luxury fashion market beyond her work as a lingerie model.

Maybelline and Cosmetics Campaigns

In 2003, Adriana Lima became a spokesperson for American cosmetics company Maybelline New York.

She appeared in international advertising campaigns promoting makeup and beauty products, becoming one of the brand's recognizable faces.

Her association with Maybelline continued through 2009 and contributed to her visibility in markets outside the traditional fashion industry.

In later years, she renewed her association with the brand, participating in additional beauty campaigns and promotional activities.

The collaboration formed part of her broader career as a commercial model and international brand ambassador.

Victoria's Secret: Beginning of a Long Partnership

Adriana Lima first began working with Victoria's Secret in 1998.

She made her debut in the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in 1999, becoming part of the annual runway event that featured internationally known models and musical performers.

In 2000, she became a Victoria's Secret Angel, joining the group of models selected to represent the brand in major fashion shows and advertising campaigns.

Her early years with the company coincided with the expansion of the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show into a major televised entertainment event.

Lima became one of the brand's most frequently featured models, appearing in lingerie campaigns, fashion catalogs, television advertisements, and international promotional events.

She worked alongside other Victoria's Secret models, including Gisele Bündchen, Alessandra Ambrosio, Heidi Klum, Tyra Banks, Karolína Kurková, and Candice Swanepoel.

Victoria's Secret Fashion Shows and Fantasy Bras

During her career with Victoria's Secret, Adriana Lima became closely associated with the company's annual runway productions.

She opened the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show on five occasions, an achievement reflecting her prominent position within the brand's modeling roster.

Her appearances included elaborate runway costumes, theatrical accessories, and the signature wings worn by Victoria's Secret Angels.

In 2008, Lima wore the Black Diamond Fantasy Miracle Bra, a jeweled lingerie creation associated with one of the show's principal promotional features.

She again wore the Fantasy Bra in 2010, appearing in the Bombshell Fantasy Bra.

She subsequently participated in the 2014 show wearing one of two Dream Angels Fantasy Bras, alongside fellow Brazilian model Alessandra Ambrosio.

These high-profile appearances reinforced Lima's association with Victoria's Secret and made her one of the brand's most recognizable international representatives.

BMW Film Appearance: The Follow (2001)

In 2001, Adriana Lima appeared in The Hire: The Follow, a short film produced as part of BMW's advertising film series The Hire.

The film was directed by Hong Kong filmmaker Wong Kar-wai and starred Clive Owen as a professional driver.

The cast also included Mickey Rourke and Forest Whitaker.

Lima portrayed a woman being followed as part of an assignment involving the driver and his client.

The production combined cinematic storytelling with automotive advertising and represented one of her early appearances in a scripted screen project.

Pirelli Calendar and International Recognition

In 2005, Adriana Lima appeared in the Pirelli Calendar, an annual photographic publication known for featuring internationally recognized models, actors, and other public figures.

Her participation reflected her established position in the international fashion industry.

Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, she continued appearing on magazine covers and participating in fashion shows, advertising campaigns, and luxury brand events.

Her long association with Victoria's Secret played a significant role in developing her international public profile, while her editorial and advertising work continued independently of the brand.

Charitable Activities

Adriana Lima has participated in charitable initiatives, including projects supporting children and disadvantaged communities in Brazil.

She has supported the activities of Caminhos da Luz, an organization based in her hometown of Salvador.

Her involvement has included assistance with community projects and activities intended to improve living conditions and opportunities for children.

She has also participated in fundraising and promotional events associated with humanitarian and social causes.

Relationship with Lenny Kravitz

During the early 2000s, Adriana Lima was in a relationship with American musician Lenny Kravitz.

The couple began dating in 2001 and announced their engagement in 2002.

Lima also appeared in the music video for Kravitz's song "Yesterday Is Gone (My Dear Kay)."

The relationship ended in 2003, and the engagement did not lead to marriage.

Marriage to Marko Jarić

On February 14, 2009, Adriana Lima married Serbian professional basketball player Marko Jarić in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, United States.

Jarić had played in the National Basketball Association (NBA), representing teams including the Los Angeles Clippers, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Memphis Grizzlies.

The couple welcomed their first daughter, Valentina Lima Jarić, on November 15, 2009.

Their second daughter, Sienna Lima Jarić, was born on September 12, 2012.

In May 2014, Lima and Jarić publicly announced their decision to separate after approximately five years of marriage.

Their divorce was finalized in March 2016.

Relationship with Metin Hara

In 2017, Adriana Lima began a relationship with Turkish writer Metin Hara.

Their relationship received attention in Turkish and international entertainment media, particularly following public appearances and visits to Turkey.

The couple's relationship ended in 2019.

Farewell to Victoria's Secret in 2018

In November 2018, Adriana Lima made what was then intended to be her final appearance at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show.

After nearly two decades as a Victoria's Secret Angel, she announced her departure from the brand's traditional runway productions.

Her farewell appearance included a special tribute recognizing her long association with the company and her participation in its international fashion shows.

Her departure attracted considerable media coverage because she had become one of the longest-serving Angels in the brand's history.

Although she stepped away from the fashion show, Lima continued working as a professional model, appearing in campaigns, editorial photography, and international fashion events.

Return to Victoria's Secret in 2023

In 2023, Adriana Lima renewed her association with Victoria's Secret by participating in an advertising campaign for the brand's Heavenly fragrance.

The campaign marked her return to the company after her 2018 farewell runway appearance.

Her renewed collaboration reflected the brand's evolving promotional strategy and its decision to reconnect with several models associated with its earlier fashion shows.

Victoria's Secret Fashion Show Comeback (2024)

In October 2024, Adriana Lima returned to the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show runway in New York City.

The event marked the revival of the brand's traditional runway presentation following a period during which the annual show had been discontinued.

Lima appeared alongside established and younger models, including Tyra Banks, Gigi Hadid, Bella Hadid, and Alessandra Ambrosio.

Her return attracted international fashion media coverage because of her long-standing association with Victoria's Secret and her earlier departure in 2018.

Her participation demonstrated that she remained professionally active in major fashion events more than twenty-five years after beginning her international modeling career.

Victoria's Secret Fashion Show (2025)

Adriana Lima returned to the runway again for the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show held in October 2025.

The event marked her twentieth appearance in the brand's annual fashion show.

She participated in the production alongside models representing different generations of Victoria's Secret runway performers.

In September 2025, the brand confirmed her participation in the show and published an interview discussing her experience as a longtime runway model.

Her continued participation in the event represented another stage in her renewed professional relationship with Victoria's Secret.

Marriage to Andre Lemmers and Third Child

In 2021, Adriana Lima began a relationship with American film producer Andre Lemmers.

On August 29, 2022, the couple welcomed their son, Cyan Lima Lemmers.

The birth of Cyan made Lima a mother of three children, alongside her two daughters from her previous marriage to Marko Jarić.

In December 2024, Lima announced that she and Lemmers had married.

The couple have maintained a blended family that also includes Lemmers' children from a previous relationship.

Modeling Career in the 2020s

During the 2020s, Adriana Lima continued working in international fashion despite taking periods away from major runway productions.

Her activities included magazine photography, luxury fashion campaigns, brand partnerships, and appearances at international entertainment and fashion events.

She also maintained commercial relationships with beauty and jewelry brands while returning to selected high-profile runway shows.

Her participation in the 2024 and 2025 Victoria's Secret Fashion Shows extended her relationship with the company across nearly three decades.

In 2026, Lima appeared with her daughters Valentina and Sienna in the Victoria's Secret Mother's Day campaign titled Modeled After Mom. The campaign marked their first professional photo shoot together and introduced the two daughters to a major international fashion advertising project alongside their mother.

As of October 2026, she continues to be professionally active in fashion and commercial modeling.

Personal Life and Languages

Adriana Lima has maintained personal connections with Brazil throughout her international career and regularly speaks about her background in Salvador, Bahia.

In addition to Portuguese, she speaks English, Italian, and Spanish.

Her professional and family life has involved periods of residence in the United States and extensive international travel for fashion campaigns, runway shows, and commercial assignments.

She has three children: Valentina Lima Jarić, Sienna Lima Jarić, and Cyan Lima Lemmers.

Selected Fashion Campaigns and Collaborations

2026 – Victoria's Secret – Modeled After Mom Mother's Day campaign, with daughters Valentina and Sienna
2025 – Victoria's Secret Fashion Show – Twentieth runway appearance
2024 – Victoria's Secret Fashion Show – Runway comeback
2023 – Victoria's Secret – Heavenly fragrance campaign
2018 – Victoria's Secret Fashion Show – Farewell runway appearance
2014 – Victoria's Secret – Dream Angels Fantasy Bra
2010 – Victoria's Secret – Bombshell Fantasy Bra
2008 – Victoria's Secret – Black Diamond Fantasy Miracle Bra
2003–2009 – Maybelline New York – International cosmetics spokesperson
2005 – Pirelli Calendar – Featured model
2000 – Guess? – Advertising campaign
1999 – Victoria's Secret Fashion Show – First runway appearance
1998 – Victoria's Secret – Beginning of modeling partnership
1997 – Anna Sui – New York Fashion Week runway debut

Selected Film and Television Appearances

2009 – Var Mısın Yok Musun (Herself; Turkish television game show)
2001 – The Hire: The Follow (Woman being followed; BMW short film directed by Wong Kar-wai)

Selected Career Milestones

1996 – Winner of the Ford Supermodel of Brazil competition
1996 – Second place in the Ford Supermodel of the World competition
1997 – Signed with Elite Model Management in New York
1997 – Made her New York Fashion Week debut for Anna Sui
1998 – Began her professional relationship with Victoria's Secret
1999 – First Victoria's Secret Fashion Show appearance
2000 – Became a Victoria's Secret Angel
2003 – Began serving as a Maybelline spokesperson
2005 – Appeared in the Pirelli Calendar
2008 and 2010 – Wore Victoria's Secret Fantasy Bras
2014 – Wore a Dream Angels Fantasy Bra with Alessandra Ambrosio
2018 – Concluded her original period as a Victoria's Secret Angel
2023 – Returned to Victoria's Secret for the Heavenly fragrance campaign
2024 – Returned to the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show runway
2025 – Participated in her twentieth Victoria's Secret Fashion Show
2026 – Appeared with her daughters in the Victoria's Secret Mother's Day campaign

Source: Biyografiler.com