50 Facts About Adriana Lima

Early Life and Discovery

Adriana Lima's journey to becoming a supermodel is nothing short of fascinating. Her early life and discovery set the stage for an incredible career.

1. Adriana Lima was born on June 12, 1981, in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.
2. She has a diverse heritage, with Brazilian, African, Japanese, and Portuguese roots.
3. At 15, she was discovered while shopping at a local mall in her hometown.
4. Winning the Ford Models' "Supermodel of Brazil" competition at age 15 was her first big break.
5. She placed second in the Ford "Supermodel of the World" competition in 1996.

Rise to Fame

Adriana's move to New York and her association with top modeling agencies catapulted her to international fame.

6. In 1997, she moved to New York City and signed with Elite Model Management.
7. By 2000, she became a Victoria’s Secret Angel, a role she held until 2018.
8. She walked the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show runway a record-breaking 20 times.
9. In 2017, she was named "the most valuable Victoria’s Secret Angel."
10. Adriana has been the spokesmodel for Maybelline cosmetics since 2003, returning to this role in June 2014.

Iconic Campaigns and Appearances

Adriana's face has graced numerous high-profile campaigns and commercials, making her a household name.

11. She has appeared in several Super Bowl commercials, including those for Kia Motors.
12. Adriana made cameo appearances in films like “The Follow” and “Ocean’s 8.”
13. She also appeared in TV shows such as “Ugly Betty” and “How I Met Your Mother.”
14. In 2016, she walked in the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games in Brazil.
15. Adriana became the first brand ambassador of Desigual in April 2014.

Personal Life and Philanthropy

Beyond modeling, Adriana is known for her philanthropic efforts and personal life.

16. She divorced Serbian ex-basketball player Marko Jaric in 2014.
17. Adriana has dated Turkish writer Metin Hara and businessman Emin Uyar.
18. She has two daughters, Sienna and Valentina.
19. Adriana has expressed a love for children and once mentioned she would have loved to be a pediatrician.
20. She is actively involved in various charitable organizations.

Achievements and Recognition

Adriana's achievements in the fashion industry are numerous, earning her recognition and accolades.

21. In 2014, she ranked as the world’s second highest-paid supermodel with earnings of $8 million.
22. She continued to hold this position in 2015 with earnings of $9 million.
23. Adriana has been the face of luxury Swiss watch label IWC.
24. She starred in campaigns for Vogue Eyewear and Marc Jacobs’ fragrance Decadence.
25. In April 2016, she became the face of Italian lingerie brand Calzedonia’s Swimwear collection.

Cultural Impact and Legacy

Adriana's influence extends beyond fashion, impacting culture and promoting body positivity.

26. In July 2016, she was chosen by NBC as a food and culture correspondent for the 2016 Summer Olympics.
27. Adriana practiced Capoeira in preparation for the Olympics, showcasing her cultural heritage.
28. She starred in the ready-to-wear Spring/Summer 2017 campaign for the Italian brand Sportmax.
29. In 2017, she hosted and executive produced the reality competition show American Beauty Stars.
30. Adriana was consistently ranked among the top-paid models by Forbes until 2018.

Breaking Barriers

Adriana has been a pioneer in many aspects of her career, breaking barriers and setting trends.

31. She was one of the first models to be seen on social media without makeup or professional photo editing.
32. Adriana has been a mentor and inspiration to fellow model Sara Sampaio.
33. She has appeared in commercials directed by renowned photographer Herb Ritts.
34. Adriana was featured on the cover of V magazine.
35. She made her debut at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in 2006.

Continued Success

Adriana's career continues to thrive, with new ventures and ongoing success.

36. In June 2014, she became the new face of Jason Wu’s Fall/Winter 2014 campaign.
37. In September 2014, she starred in a campaign for luxury Swiss watch label IWC alongside Karolina Kurkova.
38. In 2015, she became the face of Vogue Eyewear.
39. Adriana was chosen to be the face of Marc Jacobs’ fragrance Decadence.
40. She practiced Capoeira alongside fellow Brazilian model Alessandra Ambrosio for the 2016 Summer Olympics.

Lasting Influence

Adriana Lima's legacy is marked by her lasting influence in the fashion industry and beyond.

41. During the 2016 Summer Olympics, she served as a food and culture correspondent for NBC.
42. In January 2017, she starred in the ready-to-wear Spring/Summer 2017 campaign for Sportmax.
43. In 2017, she hosted and executive produced American Beauty Stars.
44. Adriana was consistently ranked among the top-paid models by Forbes, with earnings of $6 million in 2013 and $8 million in 2014.
45. In April 2014, she became the face of Desigual for the brand’s 30th anniversary.

A Model of Inspiration

Adriana's journey serves as an inspiration to many aspiring models and fans worldwide.

46. In April 2016, she became the face of Calzedonia’s Swimwear collection.
47. In July 2016, she was chosen by NBC as a food and culture correspondent for the 2016 Summer Olympics.
48. In January 2017, she starred in the ready-to-wear Spring/Summer 2017 campaign for Sportmax.
49. In 2017, she hosted and executive produced American Beauty Stars.
50. Adriana Lima’s legacy extends beyond her modeling career, inspiring millions with her dedication to body positivity, philanthropy, and empowering others through her timeless beauty and philanthropic work.

Adriana Lima's Lasting Impact

Adriana Lima's journey from a mall in Salvador, Bahia, to the global fashion stage is nothing short of inspiring. Her career, spanning over two decades, showcases her versatility, dedication, and undeniable talent. As a Victoria’s Secret Angel, she set records and became a household name. Beyond modeling, her philanthropic efforts and advocacy for body positivity have made a significant impact. Lima's roles as a Maybelline spokesmodel, Super Bowl commercial star, and Olympic correspondent highlight her diverse talents. Her influence extends beyond the runway, inspiring future generations in fashion and beyond. Adriana Lima's legacy is a testament to her hard work, passion, and commitment to making a positive difference. Her story reminds us that with determination and a bit of luck, dreams can indeed become reality.