Adriana Lima’s Greatest Runway Moments

Brazilian bombshell Adriana Lima may be best known for hitting the runway with giant wings, but she's no stranger to the classic catwalk without the flashy extravagance of past Victoria's Secret shows. Born in Salvador, Brazil, Lima's career began at a young age. When she was 15, in 1996, she won first place in the Ford Models Supermodel of Brazil competition. Later, the model would take second place in the same competition in its international edition. 

By the age of 16, Lima was all set in New York, signed to Elite Model Management, being on the cover of prestigious magazines such as Vogue and Marie Claire, and walking the runways of luxury labels like Valentino, Christian Lacroix, and Giorgio Armani It was in 1999 that her relationship with Victoria's Secret began. Since then, the model, dubbed "Victoria's Secret's Most Valuable Angel," has managed to stay in the spotlight. In multiple annual lists published by Models.com, she has been considered the world's most attractive model. And, according to Forbes, Lima has been the second highest-paid model in the world since 2014. So, in celebration of the model's birthday, let's revisit Adriana Lima’s Greatest Runway Moments. 

Betsey Johnson Fall/Winter 1998 

It was in a golden leather ensemble with a blonde wig and black lips that Adriana Lima's top fell on Betsey Johnson's show. Rather than displaying panic, she reacted with a genuine and playful laugh that charmed the audience.

Betsey Johnson Spring/Summer 1999

For Betsey Johnson's Spring/Summer 1999 collection, the Brazilian model walked the show in looks such as a butter yellow shirt and capri leggings with a tulle skirt, and a black minidress printed with red flowers, with her hair curled and adorned with red flower pieces.

Balmain Fall/Winter 1999 couture

Adriana Lima stunned in the Balmain Fall/Winter 1999 Couture wearing a blue top, a black beaded jacket with black trousers as well as a voluminous and texturized black evening gown with shimmering embellishments and a pink floral detail.

Christian Lacroix Fall/Winter 1999 couture

For Christian Lacroix's Fall/Winter 1999 couture, Adriana Lima graced the runway in a one-sleeve fresh and vibrant purple dress. 

Emanuel Ungaro Fall/Winter 1999 couture

In Emanuel Ungaro's Fall/Winter 1999 couture, the model wore a royal blue embellished dress paired with a black tulle drape. 

Paco Rabanne Fall/Winter 1999 couture

In Paco Rabanne's Fall/Winter 1999 couture, the model sported a '20s flapper hairstyle, with outfits ranging from a signature Rabanne metallic dress to a brownish orange fringed sleeved top and matching skirt with a carnelian-like necklace.

Vera Wang Fall/Winter 1999

For Vera Wang's Fall/Winter 1999 collection, Lima walked the runway in several sophisticated looks, including a black V-neck gown, a silver fringed bandeau top paired with a black blazer and matching skirt, a shimmering dress, and a tulle gown embellished with crystals.

Betsey Johnson Fall/Winter 1999

For Betsey Johnson Fall/Winter 1999, Adriana Lima graced the runway in looks such as a macabre all-white cinched gown and a beige corset with a pumpkin orange floral ruffled floor-length skirt.

Victoria's Secret in 1999

The 1999 show, which marked the beginning of her Victoria's Secret journey, included the model strutting in a floral ensemble and a tropical headpiece.

Richard Tyler Spring/Summer 2000

In Richard Tyler's Spring/Summer 2000, Adriana Lima wore a brown ensemble and a baby blue shimmery goddess dress, both with Star Wars' Padmé-esque hairstyles.

Ralph Lauren Fall/Winter 2000

Adriana Lima walked in Ralph Lauren Fall/Winter 2000 dressed in leather pants, a chocolate brown turtleneck, and a dark taupe coat. 

Valentino Fall/Winter 2000

For Valentino's Fall/Winter 2000 show, Adriana Lima stepped out in the most elegant-mysterious mood: a head-to-toe black look with a sequined midi skirt, a long-sleeve blouse, a fur headscarf, and sunglasses. To add some color, she had red lipstick.

Victoria's Secret 2000

In 2000, Adriana Lima walked the dazzling Victoria's Secret in Cannes, France show in a glittering gold bikini with gold body chains.

Ralph Lauren Spring/Summer 2001

In Ralph Lauren's graphic and geometric Spring/Summer 2001 collection, Adriana Lima walked the runway in a brown dress with a white ruffled neck. 

Ellus Spring/Summer 2001

At Ellus Spring/Summer 2001 in São Paulo Fashion Week, the supermodel wore glittery brown pants and a loose white blouse with an apparent sea urchin print. 

Victoria's Secret 2001

In the 2001 show, the model turned into a classic Victoria's Secret Angel, strutting down the runway in a beaded corset and a white Body Bare Shimmer bikini. Angels do exist, after all.

Rosa Chá Spring/Summer 2001

Adriana Lima modeled three outfits for Rosa Cha at the Spring/Summer 2001 held in New York Fashion Week: a ruffled baby blue top with a tricolor bottom, an all-black lingerie with apples printed in the panty and a gold chain at the waist, and a trompe l'oeil swimsuit featuring a female figure.

Triton Spring/Summer 2002

At São Paulo Fashion Week in 2001, Adriana Lima brought a daring and ultra-cool flair to the Triton runway. The model wore an upcycled textured top with bold sleeves, a fierce black and white print dress with leather belt and wrist accessories, and an all-white leather motorcycle-style jumpsuit. One could say that Rosalia’s Motomami was inspired by it!

Betsey Johnson Spring/Summer 2002

For Betsey Johnson's Spring/Summer 2002 ready-to-wear collection, Adriana Lima walked the runway in a baby pink crystal-embellished velvet dress with a black lingerie bustline and a hat. This runway moment highlights how models’ runway looks often guide the fashion world, influencing not only high fashion but also the everyday style of ordinary people. Lima’s appearance in this show underscored the significant role of jewelry and accessories in enhancing any look. For those inspired by this approach to fashion, Custom Pendants make a perfect addition. These versatile pieces allow you to design shapes and symbols that resonate with your personality or favorite styles. With options to customize metal materials according to seasons or outfit textures, custom pendants can elevate the overall effect of an outfit while expressing individuality and style.

Baby Phat Spring/Summer 2002

Adriana Lima wore mini denim shorts, black patterned tights, a black bra with pearl chains, and a short-sleeved fur coat at Baby Phat Spring/Summer 2002. 

Ralph Lauren Spring/Summer 2002

The Brazilian supermodel  walked the runway during the Ralph Lauren Ready to Wear Spring/Summer 2002 in a white silk dress and a sand suit.

Alexander McQueen Fall/Winter 2002

Adriana Lima walked the Alexander McQueen Ready to Wear Fall/Winter 2002 show in Paris, France. One of her outfits was a burgundy silk cinched blouse with a matching skirt and the other was a strappy mini dress with long leather boots. Both looks were completed with her hair tied back with a thick band, leaving two strands visible. All while displaying that classic Alexander McQueen theatricality.

Victoria's Secret 2002

In 2002, Lima modeled for the lingerie label in an orange and hot pink bikini with orange wings, emulating a delicate yet still sultry look.

Sean John Fall/Winter 2003

Adriana Lima wore a black corseted bodice with voluminous fur sleeves and a hood at Sean John's Fall/Winter 2003 show.

Christian Dior Spring/Summer 2003

In Christian Dior Spring/Summer 2003,the Brazilian supermodel  joined the catwalk in a pastel yellow leather bra and red bottom, topped with a yellow leather belt with Dior written in crystals behind it, and crowned with a hairpiece made of black glossy plastic strips. 

Atelier Versace Fall/Winter 2003

At Atelier Versace Fall/Winter 2003, Lima donned goddess-like draped tulle gowns in shades of pastel pink and buttery yellow, embellished with sparkling stones. 

Victoria's Secret 2004

For the 2004 Victoria's Secret show held in New York City, the model wore pink lingerie, a silver waistcoat, an avocado green scarf, and a fabulous complement: a princess tiara.

Christian Dior Spring/Summer 2004

For Christian Dior's Spring/Summer 2004 collection, the model wore a white and black leather bikini with leather and pearl chokers and gothic makeup.

Leonard Spring/Summer 2004

In Leonard's Spring/Summer 2004, the Brazilian supermodel wore two tulle floral cutout dresses and a top in the same material paired with shorts and a hat.

Luca Luca Spring/Summer 2005

Emulating the most dreamy flair ever seen, Adriana Lima walked Luca Luca Spring/Summer 2005 in a rose-hued strapless dress embroidered with white flowers and a ribbon in the abdomen. 

Victoria's Secret 2005

At the 10th Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, the Brazilian model graced the runway with two looks that caught the eye: a color-pop lingerie adorned with ribbons, teddy bear prints and beads and a pom-pom scarf, and a cyan blue ribbon-inspired wing, bandeau top and low-rise bottoms.

Zoomp Spring/Summer 2006

During São Paulo Fashion Week in 2006, Lima walked Zoomp Spring/Summer in a green bikini, a matching net shirt, a beach style blue coat and denim capri pants.

Victoria’s Secret 2007

At the 2007 Victoria's Secret show in Hollywood, California, the model walked the runway in candy-print lingerie with a Santa Claus hat, a matching cape and a slit skirt.

Victoria’s Secret 2008

The model graced the runway wearing Martin Kratz’s Black Diamond Fantasy Miracle Bra at the 2008 Victoria's Secret Show in New York.

Givenchy Fall/Winter 2009

For Givenchy's Fall/Winter 2009 collection, the model rocked a black tweed suit with a cinched waist and leather sleeves giving her the ultimate Katniss Everdeen look.

Louis Vuitton Fall/Winter 2010

Model Adriana Lima walked the Louis Vuitton Fall/Winter 2011 ready-to-wear runway in a black embroidered dress. 

Victoria's Secret 2012

It was at the underwear retailer's 2012 show that Adriana Lima turned into a magician on the runway. In the end, she did put a spell in the audience. 

Victoria's Secret 2013

Evoking all the angels in VS New York City's show, the renowned model sported a selection of lingerie in colors such as white and red with matching feathery angel wings.

Victoria's Secret 2014

Matching up with Alessandra Ambrosio, the two Brazilian models donned jewel-encrusted Fantasy bras at the London show.

Bottega Veneta Spring/Summer 2017

During Milan Fashion Week, Adriana Lima walked the Bottega Veneta show in an all-black dress paired with a shiny necklace.

Victoria’s Secret 2018

Shedding her wings for good, the 2018 Victoria's Secret show marked Lima's farewell from the flashy runway of the American lingerie giant. One could say it ended with a flourish. 

Schiaparelli Fall/Winter 2018

At the Fall/Winter 2018 couture show for surrealist house Schiaparelli, Adriana Lima walked at Paris Fashion Week in a chiffon turquoise dress with flouncy sleeves, and a pair of thigh-high glitter embellished boots.

Miu Miu Resort 2019

With a strong cast, Miu Miu's 2019 Resort held at the Hotel Regina blended audacity with casualness. Lima closed the runway in tailored shorts, and a wool shirt that read "Miu."