Adriana Lima, a distinguished Brazilian model and actress, has captivated audiences with her exceptional talents in both realms. Under the zodiac sign of Gemini, I came into this world. June 12, 1981, in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, Lima’s diverse heritage includes Portuguese, Native Brazilian, African, Japanese, Swiss, and West Indian roots.
Raised in the Castelo Branco neighborhood of Salvador by her mother, Maria das Gracas Lima, a dedicated social worker, Adriana faced early challenges when her father, Nelson Torres, a carpenter, departed the family when she was just six months old. Despite these obstacles, Lima’s resilience and unwavering determination propelled her towards a remarkable career in the world of fashion and entertainment.
Adriana Lima Early Life
During the year 1999,, Adriana Lima’s journey from a modest upbringing to international acclaim is marked by resilience and determination. Her parents, Maria, a social worker, and Nelson, a carpenter, played significant roles in her early life. Despite her father’s departure when she was just six months old, Lima was raised with strength and grace by her mother, adopting Maria’s surname.
Before embarking on her illustrious modeling career, Lima harbored aspirations of becoming a nun or a pediatrician. Her entry into the world of modeling was serendipitous, as a friend convinced her to participate in a contest, ultimately leading to her selection as a contender. Demonstrating her innate talent, Lima triumphed at the age of 15 in Ford’s “Supermodel of Brazil” competition and secured the runner-up positionParticipating in the “Supermodel of the World” contest hosted by Ford Models in 1996.
During the year 1999, Lima made a pivotal move to New York City, where she signed with Elite Model Management, setting the stage for her meteoric rise in the global fashion industry. Her story is a testament to her resilience, starting from beauty pageants in her childhood to becoming an international icon in the world of modeling.
Adriana Lima Career
Adriana Lima’s illustrious career soared to new heights with her debut magazine cover for “Marie Claire Brazil” in September 1998, marking the inception of a journey that would see her grace the covers of numerous prestigious publications. Her striking presence has been featured on the covers of renowned editions of “Vogue,” “Harper’s Bazaar,” “Elle,” and “GQ” across various countries.
Notably, Lima’s appearance on the cover of “GQ” in 2006 stands as a milestone, representing the magazine’s highest-selling issue of that year and cementing her status as a coveted cover model. Her magnetic allure and versatility have led her to collaborate with esteemed designers such as Giorgio Armani, Vera Wang, Valentino, Versace, and Christian Dior, among others, as a distinguished runway model. Lima’s runway prowess has left an indelible mark on the fashion world, showcasing her ability to seamlessly embody the visions of some of the industry’s most iconic designers.In 1999, Adriana Lima took her first confident strides down the runway for Victoria’s Secret, marking the beginning of a longstanding association with the renowned lingerie brand. Her exceptional runway presence and undeniable charm quickly earned her the prestigious title of Victoria’s Secret Angel the following year. This official designation solidified Lima’s status as one of the elite models synonymous with the iconic Victoria’s Secret brand, and she continued to play a central role in shaping the image and success of the celebrated lingerie label.Adriana Lima’s influence in the world of fashion and beauty extended beyond the runway, as she seamlessly transitioned into prominent roles with iconic brands. In 2000, Lima took on the role of a GUESS? girl, headlining the brand’s fall ad campaign and further solidifying her status as a fashion luminary.
Her captivating presence and beauty also led her to become the face of Maybelline from 2003 to 2009, serving as a dynamic spokesperson for the renowned cosmetics brand. In 2012, Lima expanded her portfolio by gracing print ads for Donna Karan and taking on the role of a spokesmodel for Mavi Jeans, a Turkish company. Her association with Mavi Jeans proved transformative, with Lima’s involvement contributing significantly to increased sales, prompting the Russian and European branches to appoint her as the global face of Mavi.
The year 2014 saw Lima’s continued success in the fashion industry, as she became the face of Desigual, a Spanish fashion brand, during Barcelona Fashion Week. Her impact was so profound that she was named Desigual’s first-ever brand ambassador in April of that year. Additionally, Lima made a triumphant return to her Maybelline spokesmodel duties in 2014, featuring prominently in print ads and commercials for the esteemed beauty brand. Lima’s multifaceted career showcased her ability to seamlessly blend high fashion with commercial success.Adriana Lima’s diverse and illustrious career continued to flourish with high-profile collaborations and ambassadorial roles. In 2014, she graced ad campaigns for Jason Wu and the esteemed Swiss watch company IWC. The following year, Lima’s elegance and style were showcased in ad campaigns for Vogue Eyewear and Marc Jacobs’ Decadence.
The year 2016 marked another milestone for Lima as she became the face of Calzedonia’s swimwear collection, displaying her timeless appeal in the world of fashion. Simultaneously, she took on the role of a food and culture correspondent for NBC during the Summer Olympics, sharing her insights alongside fellow model Alessandra Ambrosio.
In 2018, Lima’s influence extended to the realm of footwear as both Puma and Schutz named her a brand ambassador, a testament to her enduring impact on the fashion industry. This year also saw Lima walk the runway as a Victoria’s Secret Angel for the final time, concluding a chapter in her iconic association with the renowned lingerie brand.
The year 2019 witnessed Lima’s continued presence in high-profile campaigns, including those for Miu Miu, the Schutz resort, the Palms Casino Resort, and a collaborative effort between Maybelline and Puma. Adriana Lima’s ability to seamlessly navigate the realms of fashion, beauty, and lifestyle solidified her status as a global icon and a sought-after ambassador for renowned brands across various industries.Adriana Lima seamlessly transitioned into the world of acting, showcasing her versatility and charisma on both the big and small screens. Her acting debut was in the 2001 short film “The Follow.” Lima’s television appearances included notable roles, as she portrayed herself on CBS sitcom “How I Met Your Mother,” ABC’s “Ugly Betty,” and the Robin Williams series “The Crazy Ones.” Additionally, she made a memorable appearance in the star-studded film “Ocean’s 8.”
In 2017, Lima took on a new role as the host and producer of the Lifetime reality competition “American Beauty Stars,” further demonstrating her ability to excel in diverse entertainment formats.
Her presence was not limited to traditional acting, as Lima became a familiar face in Super Bowl commercials. Notably, her 2008 Victoria’s Secret ad became the most-watched commercial during Super Bowl XLII, captivating an audience of 103.7 million viewers. Lima continued to make Super Bowl history in 2012 by starring in ads for both Kia Motors and Teleflora during Super Bowl XLVI, becoming the first celebrity to appear in two Super Bowl ads in the same game. This multifaceted career trajectory solidifies Adriana Lima’s standing as a dynamic and influential figure in the realms of both modeling and entertainment.
Adriana Lima Personal Life
Adriana Lima’s personal life reflects a journey marked by relationships, family, and a commitment to philanthropy. Her romantic journey began in 2001 when she started dating musician Lenny Kravitz. The two became engaged in the spring of 2002 but unfortunately parted ways the following year. During this time, Lima notably starred In the music video for Kravitz’s “Yesterday Is Gone (My Dear Kay).” in 2002.
In a new chapter of her life, Lima found love again and married NBA player Marko Jarić on February 14, 2009. Together, they welcomed two daughters, Valentina, born in November 2009, and Sienna, born in September 2012. However, the couple later divorced in 2016.
Beyond her professional achievements, Adriana Lima is known for her commitment to philanthropy and her active involvement in charitable endeavors. Devout in her Roman Catholic faith, she attends Mass regularly and aligns with the teachings of the Catholic Church. Lima has dedicated her time and resources to charitable causes, including her involvement with the Salvador orphanage “Caminhos da Luz.” Her efforts extend to hands-on contributions, such as assisting with the construction of the orphanage’s expansion and providing clothing for underprivileged children in the city.
In 2009, Lima showcased her generosity by winning prize money on the Turkish game show “Var mısın? Yok musun?” and subsequently donating the funds to an Istanbul hospital, specifically to aid children battling leukemia. Adriana Lima’s multilingual abilities, encompassing Portuguese, English, Spanish, and Italian, further contribute to her global impact and connect with diverse audiences worldwide.
Adriana Lima Net Worth and income
Adriana Lima’s remarkable career as a Brazilian supermodel has not only solidified her status as an enduring icon in the fashion industry but has also contributed significantly to her impressive net worth of $95 million. Widely recognized as the longest-running Victoria’s Secret Angel, spanning from 2000 to 2018, Lima’s association with the renowned lingerie brand has been a cornerstone of her success.
In addition to her role as a Victoria’s Secret Angel, Lima has made her mark as a spokesmodel for Maybelline cosmetics, further expanding her influence in the beauty industry. Her modeling journey began at a young age when she emerged victorious in Ford’s “Supermodel of Brazil” competition at the age of 15. Subsequently, she secured second place in the Ford “Supermodel of the World” competition, leading to her signing with Elite Model Management in New York City.
Lima’s portfolio boasts collaborations with esteemed international designers and campaigns, including Vera Wang, Giorgio Armani, Guess, and Versace. Her financial success is evident, with reported earnings of $7 million in 2011 and consistent annual earnings ranging between $10 and $15 million in subsequent years.
Beyond her modeling achievements, Lima has made notable appearances on various 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 film “Ocean’s Eight” (2018), showcasing her versatility beyond the runway. With a combination of longevity, financial success, and a diverse range of professional ventures, Adriana Lima stands as one of the most influential and affluent figures in the world of fashion and entertainment.
