Adriana Francesca Lima (born June 12, 1981 in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil) is a Brazilian supermodel. She is best known for her work with Victoria’s Secret.
Biography
Adriana Lima was discovered while at a local mall at the age of 13. She finished in first place in a Ford Supermodel of Brazil model search. Lima later followed with a second place finish in the 1996 Ford Supermodel of the World contest. Shortly after, Lima moved to New York City, and eventually moved on from Ford, signing with Elite Model Management. Her early career consisted mostly of fashion editorial work (with early appearances in international editions of Vogue and Marie Claire in 1997/1998), as well as runway work (Christian Lacroix, Valentino, and others). Lima’s first big break came when she was featured in a Vassarette billboard in Times Square. Her print career followed, and like many other famous names (Claudia Schiffer, Laetitia Casta, Eva Herzigova), Lima became a GUESS? Girl in their 2000 Costanoa and has face campaign.
Lima continued to build upon her entry, doing more print work (Maybelline, bebe, Mossimo, BCBG) and gracing the cover and editorials of more high fashion magazines (Harper’s Bazaar, ELLE). Probably best known for her Victoria’s Secret work and Angel status (along with Heidi Klum, Gisele Bündchen, and Alessandra Ambrosio), Lima first graced the VS runway in 2000, and was the show opener for the 2003 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show.
In 2001, Lima starred in BMW Films short, The Follow alongside actors Mickey Rourke, Clive Owen, and Forest Whitaker. In the film, Owen’s character is hired to follow Lima’s, who is suspected of cheating on her famous husband, played by Rourke. The film had a runtime of 8:47 including credits, was written by Andrew Kevin Walker, and directed by Wong Kar-Wai. Lima made it clear that acting is not her priority and that she only did The Follow because it was a short film.
Lima is currently the 3rd highest paid model in the world behind Gisele Bundchen and Kate Moss. She is represented by DNA NY in the United States, Lumiere Models in Brazil and VIVA Models in Europe.
Personal life
Lima is a devout Roman Catholic and had planned to become a nun before she started modeling. Lima was born an only child. She has been romantically linked to celebrities in this past, including a rumored engagement with rocker Lenny Kravitz and Major League Baseball player Derek Jeter. Up until recently, she was known to be dating Prince Wenzeslaus of Liechtenstein. The relationship had been a relatively hot topic for the society spy columns and celebrity watchers, specifically Page 6, New York Post and Hola! online magazine. However, she recently broke up with him for rocker Denny of Timbalada.
Lima has admitted that she was shy around boys when she was younger, and can still to this day freeze when she’s around them. She got her first kiss at 17 years old, and has told reporters that she’s been in 3 relationships not including her current relationship with Denny.
Lima does charitable work helping with an orphanage, “Caminhos da Luz” (Ways of Light), located in her hometown. She helps with construction to expand the orphanage, and buys clothes for poor children in Salvador, Bahia.
Adriana’s best friends are Raica Oliveira, Alessandra Ambrosio and Selita Ebanks.
Lima’s father walked out on her and her mother when Adriana was 6 months old; Lima has met him only once since. When she was about 15 years old, Lima wanted to travel to Miami for a modeling competition but she was not allowed to leave Brazil without certain legal papers that her father owned. Lima has said that she does not hate her father because “there is a reason for everything” and she believes that her life was fine growing up and that the presence of an unhappy father could have resulted in an unhappy home environment.
“I wouldn’t change anything about my life. I am afraid that if I did things might have turned out differently and I am currently living my dream. If that means I had to live a poor [life] and I have to deal with demons then I will do it. I got through everything and I am very proud of myself…Life without a father was confusing at times, I didn’t know if I was to blame and I didn’t know anything about him…I love my mother and I have a bond with her that most people don’t share with their own mothers. It all worked out.”
Facts and Status
Eyes: Blue-Grey (sometimes described as green)
Ancestry: African, Amerindian, Swiss
Languages Spoken: Portuguese, English, Spanish
Ranked #97 in Forbes.com’s Highest Paid Celebrities list (2006)
Ranked #99 in Forbes.com’s 100 Most Powerful People list (2006)
Ranked #57 in Maxim’s Hot 100 (2003)
Ranked #1 in AskMen.com’s Top 99 Women of 2005 [7]
Ranked #4 in AskMen.com’s Top 99 Women of 2006
Ranked #4 in AskMen.com’s Top 99 Women of 2007 [8]
Spokesmodel of XOXO, Armani Jeans, GUESS? [9] and Victoria’s Secret.
Notable work
Runway
Ralph Lauren
Armani
Luca Luca
Baby Phat
Valentino
Christian Dior
Christian Lacroix
Victoria’s Secret
Covers
Brazil: ‘Audi’ – August 2002; ‘Elle’ – November 2002
France: ‘Max’ – September 1999; ‘Photo’ -July/ August 2004; ‘Photo’ – August 2005; ‘Photo’ – August 2006
Italy: ‘GQ’ – June 2006
Mexico: ‘Vogue’ – February 2005
Portugal: ‘GQ’ – June 2003
Spain: ‘GQ’ – December 2002; ‘GQ’ – May 2006
UK: ‘Arena’ – February 2002; ‘GQ’ – November 2002
US: ‘Elle’ – March 2003; ‘American Photo’ – March 2004; ‘GQ’ – April 2006
Print
Anna Sui Jeans
Armani
BCBG
Bebe
Blumarine
BMW
Emporio Armani
Forum
French Connection
Gai Mattiolo
Gasoline
George Rech
Giorgio Armani ‘Emporio Armani White’ fragrance
Guess? Jeans
La Perla
Maybelline
Mossimo
Swatch ‘Skin’ watches
TIM
Vassarette
Victoria’s Secret
Victoria´s Secret ´So in Love´ fragrance
XOXO
She is beautiful!
She’s the best. Way better than Alessandra.
she is the most beautiful woman in the world
She is amazing!! She is special!! She is beautiful, wonderful, powerful.
i love this girl, I never knew she had swiss ancestry in her blood. I was born in Switzerland, and she is stunning. Not only from the outside, but from the inside. I heard that she wanted to become a nun before she was discovered to be a model. I love it that she’s so religious and she is a virgin. She has good moral
values like me, and I too like her; have an amazing
bond with my mother…
Adriana, never change…please
in case your wondering who wrote the message…
“I love this girl, I never knew she had swiss ancestry
in her blood.” It was me…
With all the scantily clad (i.e., immodest) photos of Ms. Lima around the internet, how Catholic can she be? She needs to review what her Church teaches about modesty and start practicing her faith.
well, Sam, God made all of us. Some more beautiful than others. I thank him everyday for life. Sam, you must keep your mind on the beauty that He has created and keep your mind out of the gutter. I enjoy the photography and what better subject than someone who enjoys having their picture taken.
religion is over rated.
it’s not like she does porno videos.. she’s a model with all do respect.
Adriana,
You are a real beauty……
My girlfriend loves the dress on you in the Boots and accessories book…..
Any chance that you can email the designer of this dress??
Yeah,this chick has got it made! I love her with all my heart and I wish her all the best luck. She’s real and seems extremely friendly to talk to. ♥ you adriana!
Amazing woman!!
yeah, she’s a real great girl.
OMG! She’s gorgous!!
she is so perfect when I grow up I wanna be just like her!
LUV ADRIANA! ♥
she is one of the sexiest woman alive today.. she has a beautiful face and a great body.
she is the best model in victoria secret. shes not all skin and bones, just perfect.
love you
wow…………she is so fine but im too good for her
you wished any of these ladies would even look at you for even one sec!!!!!!!!
i so wish i could be a model…
i so wish i could be a model….
i love u
I LOVE ADRIANA LIMA, SHES HOT I LOVE THE SHE WALKS, VERY NICE AND BEAUTIFUL, HOPE SHES STILL PRETTY AND STAY SEXY. I WANT TO BE LIKE HER.. ANDRIANA PLEASE STILL CUTE AND YOUNG,YOU ARE THE BEST AMONG THE REST.I LOVE YOU MWAHH.
i wish i knew how i could grow up to be like that, i want to model sooo badd!
I would take them all!!!
Model??pfff why?? backstage is enough ;p
you’re the best adriana…hope i could work with you in the future…God bless…
Adrianaa, Hi!
Look, i’m brasilian too, and i admire your job, the way you do it!. I’d really want to meet you someday.
Olha, você é meu exemplo, e eu espero que um dia tbm possa fazer parte do time das topmodels brasileiras :] um beijo
i luv her she is so beautiful we ahve lots in commen. one day soon im gonna meet her!!!!
omg i love my best friend she iss soo firce and … sweet =]
love u Adri. =]
I LOVE U ADRIANA LIMA!! I just luv u ur so hot n sexy u should eb the 1st in everythin god bless u mwax cant wait to watch u saturday luv u xoxo.x
Hi, my name is Naraa, I’m female. I’m 24 and i live in Mongolia. Adriana is the best model in Victoria’s Secret. I love you. You are amazing woman. Good Luck
Adriana Lima – The Best Of The Bests!!!She’s wonderful , so beautiful and she has a wonderful face! I’m from Bulgaria , and here she isn’t so famous , but the first time when i saw her i said to myself – “Wow!She’s an Angel!I must see other her photos!”
))
I have a # of Brazilian friends and they are all beautiful, but Adiana is the finest of all. She is also a very special person with all the chrity work she does. I think I can say this for all men WE ALL LOVE YOU. Good Luck in your life and keep being a special woman. I would rather look at your catalog ten at Playboy or any of the other mens mags
ADRIANA I have a number of Brazilian girls i call friends and lovers but you are the finest of all. On top of being so beautiful you are a very special person with the charity work you do I can say this for all your fans WE LOVE YOU! GOOD LUCK IN EVERYTHING YOU DO
we all love you STEVEV C
I love Adrianna Lima!
She is genial!
I wish be like Adrianna..
And wish speak with she maybe :X..
XoXo sweety:*
Omg Your Beautiiful
Srsly ive Never Seen a Girl That EveryThing Is Perfect
Shes Glama Shes eVeyThin
Shes So Lucky God Gave Her Such A Gurjuzz Face Body everyThing
Darliing Keep The Good Work Up Your GLamorous Hun
Never Give Up BELIVE IN your self
X
yer i worte the commment above ahahah well my names Justiine i Live in Australia
Kepp it upx
adriana is the best..you are so beautiful..:)
In my opinion she is ranked number one. And has a certain look about her that makes her different from the rest. She is far prettier than most models above her.
i love adriana lima i want be a model so bad its so hard but im not going to stop trying xoxo Iove u adriana
She’s pretty but not the pretiest.
Just take a look at foto’s where she has no-make up. She’s actually a normal girl.
I like Alessandra better.
btw: i have the same heritage as her
Bye!
AdRiANA iS tHE BEST;;
DEFiNATElY;;
i L0VE HER S0 MUCh
SHE’S My iD0L &&MY iNSPiRATi0N T0 BEC0ME A M0DEL
i L0VE Y0U ADRiANA
she’s the most beautiful woman in the world. She is my role model…
By far my favourite VS model, second being Miranda. Alessandra is probably my least favourite. They’re all gorgeous, of course.
I loved Adriana the moment I saw her in VS modeling, she outshines the other girl by far, in the catalogs you can see her natural love with the camera is beyond all the other models. I absoultly LOVE her, I usually only like to buy the things she models, just because she makes it look so good.
waw you’re the best model i saw her in all my life … i wish 2 be like u ….love u
in my blog plz give me comment
great models u r so sexy
I have never seen a women as striking as you. With every pose there is a captive. Thank you for your beauty and honesty.
when i first saw her i said she is so pretty and blessed every thing about her is perfect
Adriana Lima is the most beautiful woman on this planet. if i would ever want to look like someone i would definitely say i would want to look like her. she’s PERFECT! everything about her.
she is really beautiful, and is veryy lucky to be working for victoria’s secret!..
wow we have the same birthday. you are just so beautiful no words could ever discribe. your face is like an angel.your the goddess of my dreams.i only wish i was older because im only 15 years young that might give me more of chance but i cant speed up the clock but our still my dream girl 4ever that will never change. id trade the world for u, wit all the love in the world
What can I say about Adrian Lima, she is beautiful, and so clean looking, she is gorgeous, strikingly elegant, smooth amazing skin, glowing blue and grey eyes, she is more beautiful then the sunset rise and fall, more gorgeous than the ocean blue, she is my dream woman, she is not just a beautiful model, but she is a beautiful woman and to be looked and viewed as one not as a trophy but a beautiful, elegant woman. I am only 15 but she is the woman of my dreams that I would treat with respect and honor. I know I could never have a woman like her, but I wish that the woman I someday fall inlove with is as gorgeous as she is. Thank you Adrian Lima for the insperation of your beautiful amazing looks and beauty.
Adrian Lima, a Beautiful woman, striking looks, and stunning grey and blue eyes that seem to pierce into your heart. Smooth Beautiful skin gives a radiant glow and covers an amazing body, soul, and mind. She is the definition of Gorgeous and the symbol of beauty. At first glance she is the sun, and then at moments later the moon. Luscious hair provides the essence of her beauty, but does not define it. Her clean elegant looks make her beautiful, but still does not define her, she is a stunning model, but more so a beautiful woman hopefully treated as such. She is smoke you reach to grasp but quickly spreads away in-between you fingers, she is a lady of beauty, style, grace, and mind. She is what I’ve always imagined in my head as the perfect woman, and when I first saw her I thought she wasn’t real, a collage of thousands of other stunning woman made into a perfect one. She is not an object of beauty, she IS beauty. I am only 15, and when I fall in love I hope it is with a woman that at least resembles the likes of not the prettiest Victoria secret model, neither the prettiest woman in a swimsuit or lingerie, but as the most amazingly gorgeous woman of all time that has my heart, Adrian Lima.
I will say to all others dont act like dog to the model and realy not this one .I realy would love the chance to meet her just as the same and prob any man that has his thing hanging .But unlike them i dont go outside the real world to make the fish in the room stop swimming do to a man humping the wind.I realy if gets the chance would treat her good but other than the idea of haveing her around me and the great looking kids her and i would make she has her job and it is to attract people to he and the products she wears the company pays her to get the attention to that .She is a top rate model and realy i see her eyes and i know she can melt my hart It’s her eyes for me that make me pay attention and the rest of her just is a great set like bookends.But realy im a man and i would love to meet her also butlets not over do it she has her picks and she will someday decide on who she wants and even tho i would love it to be with me i know im not the only man in the world and just like she would need to want to be with me she knows it would need to be something her and i would want and as i said she has her pick and we all have dreams hers came true in the modeling world and alot of you and includeing me will only be able to see who the luckyest man in the world will be as we have nothing but the dreams of her.I just know her and i would make gret kids and what made me even look at her is i love her eyes.God bless her and i realy hope she models and can see those eyes for a long time to come .She will find love when she does she will decide if it’s time for family.I know i would work on a family with her for months at a time if she picked me id be bizzy and she would be happy.Adriana Lima is a great draw for the company she works for and the products she models and realy god bless her she has a world of fans keep up the good work as long as you like you have enof people who love seeing you even if it is just modeling.
i love you, your so beautiful, be my wife
hey adriana you are not real beauty.you are only make-up and photoshop i realy hate your voice .you are look like men
hater!!
Love this girl!
Shes one of my Ideals, wish i could meet her.
She beautiful! Theirs only people that i look up too..and Adriana is one of the. One of my ideal wish i coul meet her.
# 1 victoria’s secret model!
i love her! she is the embodiment of what I strive to be
#1 victoria secret model! she’s so beautiful & she ha’s the most sexiest eyes i have ever seen!!!
gisele bundchen is soo much better! adriana is shameful an ver ugly!
Adriana lima es a very sexy woman!