Brief Introduction of Adriana Lima
Adriana Lima, born on June 12, 1981, is a world-renowned Brazilian supermodel and actress, celebrated globally for her captivating presence and extensive career in the fashion industry. She is most famously recognized for her nearly two-decade tenure as a Victoria’s Secret Angel, a role she held from 1999 to 2018, making her the longest-running model in the brand’s history. Her impact on the brand was so significant that she was named “the most valuable Victoria’s Secret Angel” in 2017. Beyond the runway, Adriana Lima has also been a prominent spokesmodel for Maybelline cosmetics since 2003 and is known for her appearances in high-profile commercials, including those aired during the Super Bowl. Her career journey from a humble background in Brazil to becoming one of the highest-paid models in the world underscores her enduring influence and status as a true fashion icon.

Adriana Lima Overview
Attribute | Detail |
---|---|
Full Name | Adriana Francesca Lima (she confirmed her name is only Adriana Lima) |
Date of Birth | June 12, 1981 |
Age (as of August 2025) | 44 years old |
Birthplace | Salvador, Bahia, Brazil |
Nationality | Brazilian |
Height | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) |
Profession | Model, Actress |
Hair Color | Dark Brown |
Eye Color | Blue |
Parents | Nelson Torres (father), Maria das Graças Lima (mother) |
Spouse(s) | Marko Jarić (m. 2009; div. 2016), Andre Lemmers (m. 2024) |
Children | Valentina (b. 2009), Sienna (b. 2012), Cyan (b. 2022) |
Net Worth (as of 2025) | Approximately $90-95 million |
Early Life and Education of Adriana Lima
Adriana Lima was born on June 12, 1981, in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. She was raised predominantly by her mother, Maria das Graças Lima, a social worker, after her father, Nelson Torres, a carpenter, left the family when Adriana was only six months old. Despite this, Lima has expressed appreciation for her time spent with her father before his passing in 2015. Growing up in the Castelo Branco neighborhood of Salvador, Lima’s childhood was far from the glamorous world she would later inhabit.
Interestingly, a career in modeling was not her initial aspiration. Adriana Lima had won numerous beauty pageants during her elementary school years, showcasing an early natural charm, yet she harbored dreams of becoming a pediatrician to care for children, or even a nun, reflecting her devout Roman Catholic faith. Her entry into the modeling world was somewhat coincidental. At the age of 13, a friend who wanted to enter a local modeling contest convinced Lima to join her, as she didn’t want to go alone. Both submitted pictures, and Lima’s striking features quickly caught the attention of the contest sponsor.
This unexpected turn led to her winning Ford Models’ “Supermodel of Brazil” competition at the age of 15. The following year, she secured second place in the prestigious Ford “Supermodel of the World” competition, a significant stepping stone that propelled her towards an international career. Shortly after these successes, around the age of 17, Adriana Lima made the pivotal move to New York City, where she signed with Elite Model Management, officially commencing her professional modeling journey. Her diverse heritage, including Portuguese, Brazilian, African, Japanese, Swiss, and West Indian roots, contributes to her distinctive appearance, and she identifies as Afro-Brazilian. In addition to her native Portuguese, Lima is also fluent in English, Italian, and Spanish.
Adriana Lima’s Career
Breakthrough and Victoria’s Secret Legacy
Adriana Lima’s professional career began to soar after signing with Elite Model Management in New York City. She made her runway debut at Anna Sui’s Spring/Summer 1997 show during New York Fashion Week at just 16 years old. Her first magazine cover was for Marie Claire Brazil in 1998, and she quickly started gracing the covers of numerous international editions of prestigious magazines such as Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, GQ, and W Magazine.
However, it was her association with Victoria’s Secret that cemented Adriana Lima’s status as a global supermodel. She walked in her first Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in 1999 and was officially contracted as an Angel in 2000. Her 19-year tenure with the lingerie giant, from 1999 to 2018, made her the longest-running Victoria’s Secret Angel in history. During this time, she became synonymous with the brand, opening the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show a remarkable five times: in 2003, 2007, 2008, 2010, and notably in 2012, less than two months after giving birth to her second child. She also had the honor of wearing the coveted Fantasy Bra twice, first in 2008, valued at $5 million, and again in 2010, worth $2 million. In 2017, an analytics company, D’Marie, recognized her as “the most valuable Victoria’s Secret Angel,” based on a comprehensive algorithm that factored in social media engagement, followers, and sales conversions. Adriana Lima announced her emotional retirement from the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in November 2018, marking the end of an iconic era.
Major Campaigns and Achievements
Beyond Victoria’s Secret, Adriana Lima has built an extensive portfolio of high-profile campaigns and collaborations. She became a spokesmodel for Maybelline New York in 2003, a partnership that initially lasted until 2009 and was re-established in 2014. Her face has adorned campaigns for major fashion and beauty brands including Guess (starting in 2000), Giorgio Armani, Versace, Christian Dior, Louis Vuitton, Valentino, Prada, H&M, and Desigual.
Lima’s influence extended into mainstream media with her memorable Super Bowl commercial appearances. Her 2008 solo Victoria’s Secret Super Bowl XLII advertisement was the single most-watched ad of the game, reaching 103.7 million viewers. In 2012, she made history by becoming the only celebrity to star in two Super Bowl commercials during the same game, for Teleflora and Kia Motors. The Kia Motors commercial, promoting the new Kia Optima, significantly boosted sales for the brand.
Adriana Lima has consistently been recognized for her earning power, ranking as one of the world’s highest-paid models. Since 2014, she has frequently held the position of the world’s second highest-paid model on Forbes’ top-earning models list, with earnings reaching $7.3 million in 2012, $8 million in 2014, $9 million in 2015, and $10.5 million in 2016. Her versatility is further demonstrated by her roles as an ambassador for luxury brands like International Watch Company (IWC), Puma, and Chopard, and campaigns for Vogue Eyewear and Marc Jacobs’ fragrance Decadence.
Acting and Media Appearances
Adriana Lima has also ventured into acting and television. She appeared in the 2001 short film “The Follow” and made cameo appearances in popular TV series such as “How I Met Your Mother” (2007), “Ugly Betty” (2008), and “The Crazy Ones” (2013). She also had a cameo in the 2018 film “Ocean’s Eight”. Her industry expertise led her to guest judge on shows like ‘America’s Next Top Model’ and ‘The Fashion Show’. During the 2016 Summer Olympics, she served as a food and culture correspondent for NBC alongside fellow Brazilian model Alessandra Ambrosio.
Adriana Lima Personal Life & Family
Adriana Lima’s personal life has seen various significant relationships and the growth of her family. From 2001 to 2003, she was in a relationship with American musician Lenny Kravitz, to whom she was engaged. She even appeared in the music video for Kravitz’s 2002 single, “Yesterday Is Gone (My Dear Kay)”.
In 2009, Adriana Lima married Serbian NBA player Marko Jarić on Valentine’s Day in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Together, they welcomed two daughters: Valentina Lima Jarić, born in November 2009, and Sienna Lima Jarić, born in September 2012. After five years of marriage, Lima and Jarić announced their separation in May 2014, and their divorce was finalized in March 2016.
Following her divorce, Lima was linked to Turkish businessman Emir Uyar in 2019. In 2021, she began dating film producer Andre Lemmers. On February 18, 2022, Lima announced via TikTok that she was expecting her third child, her first with Lemmers. She gave birth to their son, Cyan Lima Lemmers, in August 2022. The name Cyan was chosen to reflect “the beautiful colors of the water across the globe in destinations like the Maldives, Bahamas, and Bora Bora.” On December 17, 2024, Adriana Lima announced on Instagram that she had married Andre Lemmers, officially becoming “Mrs Lima Lemmers.” As of 2022, Lima resides in Los Angeles, having previously owned properties in Miami and New York City.
Adriana Lima is a devout Roman Catholic and has consistently stated that her faith is of immense importance to her, attending Mass every Sunday. In a 2006 interview with GQ, she stated her belief in abstinence before marriage, asserting that “Sex is for marriage.” She has also voiced her opposition to abortion. Lima is spiritual and believes in the power of nature and energy. Her commitment to her faith is so profound that she once considered becoming a nun before her modeling career took off. To maintain her physique, Lima is known for her rigorous fitness routine, which includes practicing boxing, a sport she enjoys and finds fitting for her energetic personality.
Awards and Achievements of Adriana Lima
Adriana Lima’s extensive career is marked by numerous awards and recognitions, solidifying her status as a supermodel and fashion icon.
Key Awards and Honors:
- Ford Models’ “Supermodel of Brazil” Competition: Winner at age 15.
- Ford “Supermodel of the World” Competition: Second place at age 16.
- Longest-Running Victoria’s Secret Angel: Held this title for her 19-year tenure with the brand (1999-2018).
- ”Most Valuable Victoria’s Secret Angel”: Named in 2017 by analytics company D’Marie, based on social media influence and sales conversions.
- Forbes’ Highest-Paid Models List: Consistently ranked among the top, holding the position of the world’s second highest-paid model since 2014.
- Super Bowl Commercials Record: Became the only celebrity to star in two Super Bowl commercials in the same game in 2012 (for Teleflora and Kia Motors).
- Madame Tussauds Wax Figure: The first Victoria’s Secret Angel and second Brazilian figure (after Pelé) to receive a wax figure at Madame Tussauds New York in 2015.
- Fashion Icon Honoree: Recognized at the Daily Front Row Awards in 2019.
- HOLA! USA “Changemakers” List: Included as one of the “Latina Powerhouse Top 100” in 2021.
- Askmen.com’s Most Desirable Women: Ranked among the top 100 for four consecutive years (2002-2005) and again in 2012.
- Forbes’ World’s Best-Paid Celebrity Under 25: Listed in 2005.
- Forbes’ World’s Most Powerful Latino Celebrities: Ranked 8th in 2012 for earning over $7 million.
- FHM’s 100 Sexiest Women: Ranked 7th in 2007.
Adriana Lima Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Adriana Lima’s net worth is estimated to be approximately $90 million to $95 million, solidifying her position as one of the wealthiest supermodels in the world. Her impressive fortune has been amassed over decades through a diverse range of lucrative income streams within and beyond the fashion industry.

Income Sources:
- Modeling Contracts: A substantial portion of her wealth stems from her long-standing and highly remunerated contracts, particularly with Victoria’s Secret, where she was one of the highest-paid Angels, reportedly earning over $10 million per year at her peak. Her ongoing role as a spokesmodel for Maybelline New York also contributes significantly.
- Endorsement Deals and Brand Collaborations: Lima’s strong brand value has attracted numerous high-profile endorsement deals with global companies. These include fashion brands like Guess, Giorgio Armani, Puma, Sportmax, Desigual, Chopard, and luxury watchmaker IWC, as well as beauty brands such as Vogue Eyewear and Marc Jacobs’ fragrances. These partnerships have added millions to her earnings and expanded her global influence.
- Smart Investments and Business Ventures: Adriana Lima has demonstrated astute financial management through strategic investments. She owns luxury real estate properties in Miami, New York, and Brazil, which are valued at millions. Furthermore, she has expressed interest in and hinted at launching her own beauty and fashion lines, indicating entrepreneurial projects that could further diversify her income.
- Television and Acting Appearances: While modeling remains her primary profession, her ventures into television shows and films, including guest appearances and cameo roles, have also boosted her income and visibility as a mainstream celebrity. Her roles as a guest judge and ambassador for major events also fall into this category.
Her consistent ranking among the world’s highest-paid models since 2012, with annual earnings frequently in the multi-million dollar range, underscores her sustained financial success and business acumen.
Legacy and Influence
Adriana Lima’s legacy extends far beyond her captivating beauty and runway presence; she is recognized as a global fashion icon and a powerhouse businesswoman who has significantly influenced the industry for over two decades. Her longevity in a highly competitive field is a testament to her unwavering professionalism, strong work ethic, and ability to continually reinvent herself. Lima has been instrumental in shaping modern beauty standards and challenging conventional norms, inspiring countless aspiring models and fashion enthusiasts worldwide.
She has used her prominent platform to advocate for inclusivity and diversity within the fashion industry, paving the way for future generations of models. Her enduring presence and adaptability in an evolving industry demonstrate that success in fashion is not solely about youth but also about strategic career choices and a long-term vision.
Philanthropic Contributions:
Beyond her professional endeavors, Adriana Lima is deeply committed to philanthropy and social causes, making a tangible impact on communities in need.
- Caminhos da Luz Orphanage: Lima is actively involved with “Caminhos da Luz” (Paths of Light), an orphanage located in her hometown of Salvador, Brazil. She contributes to its construction and expansion efforts and regularly purchases clothes for underprivileged children there. She has shared that she spent time playing with the orphans in her youth and is now dedicated to helping them.
- Children’s Hospitals: In 2009, she appeared on the Turkish version of “Deal or No Deal,” “Var mısın? Yok musun?”, and donated her prize money to a hospital in Istanbul that supports children battling leukemia.
- St. Luke Foundation for Haiti: In 2013, Lima traveled to Haiti to support marginalized communities through the St. Luke Foundation, which focuses on providing medical care, education, humanitarian aid, and employment opportunities. She actively raised awareness and funds for their initiatives.
- Other Charities: She has also supported various other charitable organizations, including the American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR) and the Elton John AIDS Foundation. Her commitment to children’s aid programs and women’s empowerment initiatives further highlights her dedication to giving back.
Adriana Lima’s public image is one of grace, intelligence, and generosity. She balances her demanding career with a strong focus on her family and philanthropic efforts, embodying a role model for women globally. Her continuous involvement in various projects demonstrates her commitment to making a positive difference in the world.
Interesting Facts about Adriana Lima
- Unexpected Career Path: Despite her global success as a model, Adriana Lima never initially aspired to enter the fashion industry. Her childhood dream was to become a pediatrician. She even contemplated becoming a nun due to her devout Catholic faith.
- Multiracial Heritage: Lima has a rich and diverse ethnic background, with ancestors from Portugal, Brazil, Africa, Japan, Switzerland, and West Indies. She identifies as Afro-Brazilian.
- Super Bowl Commercials Pioneer: She holds the unique distinction of being the only celebrity to star in two different Super Bowl commercials during the same game in 2012 (for Teleflora and Kia Motors).
- Martial Arts Enthusiast: To maintain her exceptional physique, Adriana Lima is a dedicated practitioner of boxing and holds a black belt in karate. She has often stated that boxing aligns with her energetic personality.
- Wax Figure Icon: In 2015, she became the first Victoria’s Secret Angel and only the second Brazilian (after legendary soccer player Pelé) to have a wax figure at Madame Tussauds New York.
- Language Proficiency: Beyond her native Portuguese, Lima is fluent in three other languages: English, Italian, and Spanish.
- Love for Cooking: Away from the cameras and runways, Adriana Lima enjoys cooking and experimenting with new recipes in her spare time.
- Dietary Scrutiny: Prior to Victoria’s Secret Fashion Shows, Lima’s highly restrictive diet, which sometimes involved abstaining from water for 12 hours, drew criticism and media attention, highlighting the intense pressures models face.
Controversies
While Adriana Lima’s career has been largely marked by success and a positive public image, she has faced a few notable instances of scrutiny and controversy.
Dietary Practices Criticism:
One prominent controversy revolved around her intense pre-Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show diet and fitness regimen. In interviews, Lima described a strict liquid-only diet and abstaining from water for up to 12 hours before the show to reduce bloating. This drew criticism from some health professionals and the media, who deemed such extreme measures unhealthy and potentially promoting unhealthy body image standards. While Lima defended her practices as professional requirements for a specific event, the discussion highlighted broader concerns about the pressures within the modeling industry.
Recent Appearance Speculation:
More recently, in late 2023 and early 2024, Adriana Lima’s appearance at public events, particularly the Los Angeles premiere of “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes,” drew significant online commentary. Fans and critics alike speculated about visible changes to her face, with some suggesting cosmetic procedures like botox or fillers. Many expressed that she looked “unrecognizable” or showed “clear swelling in certain areas.”
Adriana Lima addressed these criticisms with a dignified response. She took to Instagram, sharing a makeup-free selfie and attributing her altered appearance to the demanding realities of motherhood. She captioned her post: “The face of a tired mom of one teenage girl, two pre-teens, a 1-year-old learning to walk, and three dogs… thanks for your concern.” Her response resonated with many, emphasizing the natural changes a body undergoes, especially for a mother, and offering a subtle rebuke to the harsh judgments.
Social Media Presence
Adriana Lima maintains a significant and influential presence across various social media platforms, allowing her to connect directly with her global fanbase and continue her work as a brand ambassador and public figure.
- Instagram: She is highly active on Instagram under the handle @adrianalima. As of August 2025, she boasts a massive following of approximately 19.5 million followers. Her posts frequently feature professional shoots, personal life glimpses, and advocacy for various causes, maintaining a high engagement rate.
- TikTok: Lima also has a presence on TikTok, notably using the platform in February 2022 to announce her third pregnancy.
- Twitter (X) and YouTube: While specific follower counts for Twitter (X) and subscribers for YouTube were not readily available in the verified sources, her overall digital influence extends across major platforms, reflecting her status as a global icon.
Her strong social media footprint allows her to interact with millions, making her an influential voice for fashion, beauty, and philanthropy, and contributing to her enduring legacy.
Final Words about Adriana Lima
Adriana Lima continues to be a prominent and influential figure in the global fashion and entertainment industries, even after her retirement from the Victoria’s Secret runway in 2018. Her journey from humble beginnings in Brazil to achieving supermodel status is a testament to her resilience, unwavering dedication, and astute business acumen. As of 2025, Adriana Lima remains a symbol of elegance, empowerment, and enduring beauty.
Looking ahead, Lima is focused on expanding her impact beyond traditional modeling. She is deeply committed to philanthropy and social causes, particularly through her work with the Caminhos da Luz orphanage and various women’s empowerment programs. Her future endeavors are expected to include luxury fashion and beauty collaborations, aligning with her sophisticated image, and further expansion into media and digital influence. Having recently married Andre Lemmers in December 2024 and welcomed her third child in 2022, she continues to prioritize her family while maintaining an active professional life. Adriana Lima’s career trajectory underscores her ability to adapt and reinvent herself, ensuring her legacy as a multifaceted personality who inspires through her work, philanthropy, and personal journey. She remains a beloved figure, consistently proving that success in the fashion world can evolve beyond youth, embracing reinvention, strategic vision, and a profound commitment to making a difference.
SEO Keywords: Adriana Lima biography, Adriana Lima wiki, Adriana Lima net worth, Adriana Lima husband, Adriana Lima children, Adriana Lima career, Adriana Lima Victoria’s Secret, Adriana Lima Maybelline, Adriana Lima early life, Adriana Lima personal life, Adriana Lima awards, Adriana Lima controversies, Adriana Lima social media, Adriana Lima family, Adriana Lima philanthropic work.