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Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Adriana Lima’s path from a friend’s modeling-contest entry to international runway work began almost by accident. Here are 10 documented details about her early ambitions, career milestones, and life beyond the runway.
1. She entered a modeling contest to accompany a friend
Lima did not initially set out to become a model. Victoria’s Secret’s profile says she entered a contest because a friend did not want to participate alone. At 15, Lima won Ford’s “Supermodel of Brazil” search, then placed second in the 1996 Ford Models Supermodel of the World contest. Victoria’s Secret’s profile recounts those early milestones.
2. She once wanted to become a pediatrician
Before modeling, Lima aspired to work in pediatrics, according to the same Victoria’s Secret profile. It also identifies her as Afro-Brazilian and says she speaks Portuguese, English, Italian, and Spanish.
3. Her first runway show came soon after she moved to New York
Victoria’s Secret dates Lima’s move to New York and signing with Elite Model Management to 1997. That September, she made her runway debut at Anna Sui’s New York Fashion Week show.
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4. Her Victoria’s Secret milestones were spread across several years
Joining a brand, walking its fashion show, and becoming an Angel were separate milestones. Victoria’s Secret dates the start of Lima’s career with the brand to 1998 and her first Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show to 1999. A 2013 brand media kit says she became an official Angel in 2000. The profile and 2013 media kit describe these dates.
5. Her reported earnings figures are historical, not current
Victoria’s Secret’s profile attributes its dated earnings rankings to Forbes: it says Lima ranked fifth among the highest-paid supermodels in 2006 and fourth in 2007 and 2008. It gives $6 million for 2013, when it says she ranked third, and $8 million for 2014, when it says she ranked second. Those figures are historical amounts as reported by the brand profile; the original Forbes lists were not independently verified here, and they should not be read as current income.
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6. She worked with major fashion houses and beauty brands
Lima’s work extended well beyond one runway. Victoria’s Secret lists clients and designers including Fendi, Giorgio Armani, Valentino, Versace, Prada, Louis Vuitton, and Christian Dior. The profile says Maybelline used her as a spokesmodel from 2003 to 2009.
7. She covered food and culture at the 2016 Summer Olympics
NBC selected Lima and fellow model Alessandra Ambrosio as food and culture correspondents for the 2016 Summer Olympics, according to Victoria’s Secret’s profile. The assignment placed Lima in a broadcast role rather than a modeling one.
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8. She returned to the Victoria’s Secret runway in 2024
The brand profile says Lima returned to the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in October 2024 and showcased two looks. In an interview published October 17, 2024, Vogue España also discussed her return.
9. Her 2025 show-count wording has two parts
In a September 17, 2025 Victoria’s Secret Q&A, the introduction welcomed Lima for her “20th walk,” while Lima said, “I have walked 19 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Shows.” The two statements use different wording, so they are best preserved as given rather than treated as identical counts. Asked for advice to aspiring Angels, she said: “Be yourself, don’t be afraid to show your personality, and go for it.”
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.10. She fronted a 2023 Heavenly fragrance campaign
Victoria’s Secret announced on April 4, 2023 that Lima was the face of its Heavenly Eau de Parfum campaign. The company described the fragrance as opening with effervescent fruits, followed by white florals including freesia, lotus, and jasmine, with gold musk, sandalwood, and bourbon vanilla. The campaign establishes a professional connection to the product; it does not establish that Lima personally uses it or currently endorses it. Read the campaign announcement.
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