About Adriana Lima
Adriana Lima was born on June 12, 1981, in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, to Nelson Torres, a carpenter, and Maria das Graças Lima, a social worker. Raised in a working-class family as an only child, she grew up in the Castelo Branco neighborhood of Salvador. At 15, she was scouted by a modeling agent during a local beauty contest, winning Ford’s “Supermodel of Brazil” competition in 1996. She signed with Elite Model Management in 1997 and moved to New York at 17 to pursue modeling, pausing her high school studies. Lima is of Afro-Brazilian, Portuguese, Native Brazilian, and Swiss descent, embracing her diverse heritage. She often credits her Bahian roots for her vibrant energy and resilience. She is primarily known as Adriana Lima, with no widely used aliases. In the 2000s, she was dubbed “The Queen of Victoria’s Secret” by media for her record-breaking tenure with the brand.
Lima rose to fame in the late 1990s and 2000s as apart of "The Brazilian Bombshell” era of models from 2000-2010 that also featured Fernanda Tavares, Alessandra Ambrosio, Ana Beatriz Barros, Isabeli Fontana, Izabel Goulart, Caroline Trentini, Raquel Zimmermann, Michelle Alves, Gisele Bündchen, Caroline Ribeiro, Lais Ribeiro, Raica Oliveira, Flavia de Oliveira and Emanuela de Paula. She appeared on over 200 magazine covers, including Vogue (U.S., Brazilian, Italian), Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, GQ, and Marie Claire. Her breakthrough came with her 1999 Vogue Italia cover, shot by Steven Meisel. She starred in campaigns for Maybelline (2003–2009), Versace, Armani, and Prada, and was a Victoria’s Secret Angel from 1999 to 2018, the longest-serving Angel in the brand’s history, walking in 18 fashion shows (missing 2009 due to pregnancy) and wearing three Fantasy Bras (2008, 2010, 2014). She walked runways for Balmain, Givenchy, and Alexander McQueen. Notable moments include her 2003 Vogue cover with Gisele Bündchen and her 2017 V Magazine shoot with Kendall Jenner. Lima continues modeling, appearing in Vogue Arabia (2024) and Balenciaga’s 2025 campaign.
Lima signed with Elite Model Management in 1997, later working with The Society Management and Women Management. She maintains ties with global agencies for her ongoing work. Her editorial work includes Vogue (multiple editions), Harper’s Bazaar, W, Elle, Numéro, and Love. A muse for photographers like Meisel, Annie Leibovitz, and Mario Sorrenti, she embodied 2000s sensual glamour. Her work was featured in the 2009 Metropolitan Museum of Art’s The Model as Muse exhibition.
Lima has a robust social media presence, with over 16 million Instagram followers (@adrianalima). She shares modeling shots, fitness routines, and family moments, promoting her advocacy for women’s empowerment and engaging fans with her charismatic persona.
At 5’10” with dark brown hair and blue-green eyes, Lima’s measurements were approximately 34"-24"-34" during her peak, with a 34C bra size. Known for her high cheekbones, full lips, and toned physique, she has not confirmed cosmetic surgeries, crediting her look to intense workouts, boxing, and a balanced diet. She has no known tattoos but has ear piercings.
Lima’s appeal lies in her exotic beauty and fierce determination. Fans and designers, like Donatella Versace, praise her as “a global siren” for her magnetic allure and professionalism. Her piercing eyes, sculpted features, and dynamic runway walk are often highlighted, with her longevity in fashion setting her apart.
Her net worth is estimated at $95 million, earned through modeling, endorsements (Maybelline, IWC), her Victoria’s Secret work, and investments. She was one of the highest-paid models in the 2000s, per Forbes, with peak earnings from campaigns and runway shows.
Lima faced minor controversies, including scrutiny over her strict fitness regimen, which some criticized as promoting unrealistic body standards. She defended her discipline as personal empowerment. Her Victoria’s Secret tenure drew debate amid the brand’s inclusivity critiques, but she remained a fan favorite. No major scandals have marred her career.
Her acting roles are limited, with appearances in The Follow (2001, short film) and Ocean’s 8 (2018, cameo). She starred in music videos, including Lenny Kravitz’s Yesterday Is Gone (2001). Lima appeared on TV in How I Met Your Mother (2007, as herself), Ugly Betty (2008), and The Crazy Ones (2013). She guest-starred on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, The Tyra Banks Show, and Good Morning America, discussing her career and motherhood. She featured in The Super Models (2023, docuseries, as a guest), Victoria’s Secret: Angels and Demons (2022, documentary), and Brazil’s Next Top Model (2009, guest judge).
Lima was married to Serbian basketball player Marko Jarić from 2009 to 2016, with whom she has two daughters, Valentina (born 2009) and Sienna (born 2012). She has been with film producer Andre Lemmers since 2021, and they have a son, Cyan (born 2022). She lives in Miami and Los Angeles, raising her children and supporting their education.
Lima’s legacy lies in her iconic Victoria’s Secret tenure and her role as a 2000s supermodel, redefining Brazilian beauty globally. Her campaigns and runway dominance influenced models like Candice Swanepoel. Her philanthropy, supporting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and orphanages in Bahia, and advocacy for maternal health, enhance her impact.
As of 2025, Lima models selectively, appearing in campaigns for Miu Miu and editorials like Vogue Brasil. She promotes women’s empowerment and fitness via Instagram, engages in philanthropy, and focuses on raising her children. She maintains her status as a legendary figure in fashion.
As of May 2025, Adriana has amassed 19.6 million followers on Instagram and 4.0 million followers on her TikTok platform.
