Adriana Lima needs no introduction. From the moment she donned the feathery wings of Victoria Secret in the early noughties, she won our hearts. She is the longest running VS Angel, walking many a confetti-laden runway from 1999 to 2018. There's a reason why she's the supermodel of Brazil. But what she's known for the most, you ask, by the ways of my heart? This quote, which changed the trajectory of my girlhood when I was sixteen: "It's flattering knowing men desire me. But then I remember a man would also have sex with a McChicken." Yet another fact: Lima would lug her copy of the Bible backstage and read it in between shows.
In addition to all that, Lima has conquered the global conscience as one of the termed 'New Supers', classed as one of the most highest paying models since 2014. Apart from a long tenure at Victoria Secret, she's modelled for many. To rattle off a few: Desigual, Calzedonia, Fendi, Bottega Veneta, Vera Wang, Christian Dior, Marc Jacobs, the list continues. Lima is of Portuguese, Native Brazilian, African, Japanese, Swiss, and West Indian descent.
Over a decade and more of gracing pages, Lima has settled into motherhood, raising three children and comfortably giving everyone who offers unsolicited commentary on her changing body a piece of her mind. For her service, Lima is and will always be a fashion maven. To that, we drink. Below, we've assessed some of her most haute (and hilarious) looks. Take it all in.
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Serving Optimus Prime.
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Rugged up in Valentina Fall/Winter 2001.
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In the 2010s, a blazer with a shoulder cut-out was the height of glam. We lived it.
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A silver cowl neck affair paired with a pout.
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We love this madam president number.
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Dress culture for Australian formals would never be the same after that.
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Flanked by Heidi and Giselle. These women ran the world like it was their job.
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A bejewelled black sequin number, paired with a choker and what looks to be a Black Honey dupe.
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Backstage at Emporio Armani Spring/Summer 2001.
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A moment for the Effie Trinket hair.
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A black, furred, hooded cape is what I need to survive the rest of this arctic chill.
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Tube top and a fitted pair of denims. Some things are tight and right.
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2006 Victoria Secret Show, with fellow stargirl Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. I used to pore over the grainy YouTube screenings of the VS Angels Show like I was paid to do it.
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Again, the perfect mall chic dress; which would be replicated across Greater Australia in every boutique.
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Blending suitwear with shapewear. We're taking notes.
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One of Lima's best VS runway looks. White marabou feather trim, studded with pearls. Angel on a cloud.
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We live for cutouts.
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Be your own muse. That's our motto, too.
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Airport off-the-cuff casual never looked better.
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We're Team Australia, and Team Lima.
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I don't have words to convey how much we love this jester-hare Tudor hybrid look, but I'll try. Incrível.
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Backless and sequinned, in a floor-length affair.
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Earth and jewel tones, executed by Lima. I need that floral necklace.
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Lima in a boxy, geometric suit number, quickly followed by a homage trip to the shrine. This is what Instagram dumps were made for.
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Hello shaggy brunette Adriana?
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And finally, a photo that encapsulates girlhood. I'm sure I can find one of me looking the exact same.
