If you think the era of the "super-supermodel" died when the 2010s ended, you haven't been paying attention to Adriana Lima. Honestly, it's wild. Most models have a shelf life shorter than a carton of milk, yet here we are in 2026, and the industry is still obsessed with her.
She isn't just a face; she’s an institution. For nearly two decades, Adriana Lima lingerie campaigns were the literal heartbeat of Victoria’s Secret. She survived the "Wings" era, the corporate rebrands, and even a brief retirement that didn't actually stick. Because when you’re the most valuable model in the history of the world’s biggest lingerie brand, you don't just leave. You just wait for them to realize they need you back.
The Return of the Icon (and those 2025/2026 Runways)
Most people thought her 2018 exit was the end. You remember the video—the tearful goodbye, the standing ovation, the "Greatest Angel of All Time" title card. It felt like a funeral for an era. But then 2024 happened. The brand brought the show back, and who was the first person they called? Obviously, Adriana.
Walking the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in late 2024 and again in October 2025 wasn't just a nostalgia trip. It was a power move. While the "new" VS tried to pivot away from the Angel aesthetic, they realized something crucial: people miss the theater. They miss the walk. And nobody—literally nobody—walks like Lima.
In 2026, she’s still doing it. But the vibe has shifted. It’s less about the "bombshell" trope and more about the "boss." She’s currently fronting campaigns that mix high-end silk with athletic recovery gear. It's a weird niche, but it works because she sells the idea that you can be 44 and still be the most intimidatingly beautiful person in the room.
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Beyond the Wings: Intimissimi and Global Dominance
If you only associate her with one brand, you’re missing half the story. Adriana has been quietly (or not so quietly) taking over the European market again. Her work with Intimissimi and even recent capsule collaborations have shown a more refined side of the Adriana Lima lingerie legacy.
- The Signature Style: It’s always been about the contrast. Blue eyes, dark hair, and that predatory Brazilian strut.
- The Longevity: She started in 1999. Think about that. She was modeling before Instagram existed. Before iPhones. Before most of her current runway peers were born.
- The Business: She isn't just a body for rent. She’s an ambassador who brings a built-in fanbase of millions.
What People Get Wrong About the "Retired" Supermodel
There’s this weird misconception that Adriana "aged out." It’s a pretty toxic narrative that the fashion industry loves to push. But look at the numbers. In 2017, analytics company D’Marie named her the most valuable Angel because her social media engagement and "brand pull" were higher than models half her age.
She’s basically the Tom Brady of the catwalk.
She actually did take a break. She had her third child, Cyan, in 2022. She dealt with the same body-shaming nonsense every woman in the public eye deals with. But instead of hiding, she just... showed up. She walked the Alexander Wang show while pregnant. She showed the world that a supermodel’s body changes and that "sexy" isn't a stagnant 24-inch waistline.
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Why She’s Still the Blueprint in 2026
The reason Adriana Lima lingerie searches still trend is because she represents a level of discipline that's rare now. She famously worked out like a pro athlete—boxing for hours, skipping rope, doing the "no liquids" prep that made headlines (and caused controversy) years ago.
While the industry has moved toward a more relaxed, "authentic" look, there’s still a massive audience that craves the high-octane glamour Adriana provides. She’s a performer. When she hits the end of the runway and does that "heart" gesture or the cross-sign, she’s not just posing. She’s winning.
The 2026 Lingerie Landscape
Right now, the market is split. You’ve got the comfy, "anti-bra" movement on one side and the "ultra-glam" revival on the other. Adriana is firmly the queen of the latter.
Recent 2026 campaigns have seen her move into more sustainable luxury. We're talking recycled lace, organic silks, and brands that focus on ethical manufacturing. It’s a smart pivot. She’s pairing her legacy with the values of a younger generation without losing the "wow" factor that made her famous.
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"I want to show that women can be anything. We are mothers, we are workers, we are beautiful at every stage." — This has been her unofficial mantra lately, and you can see it in her choice of projects.
How to Channel the "Lima" Energy (Actionable Insights)
You don't need a multi-million dollar contract to borrow her vibe. If you're looking at the Adriana Lima lingerie aesthetic for your own wardrobe or confidence boost, here’s how she actually approaches it:
- Prioritize the Fit, Not the Trend: Adriana has always worn pieces that emphasize her structure. If it’s not comfortable and supportive, it’s not "sexy."
- The "Model Off-Duty" Balance: She pairs high-end intimates with oversized blazers or masculine tailoring. It’s about the peek-a-boo effect, not showing everything at once.
- Invest in Quality Silk: Most of her 2025/2026 work features heavy-weight silk. It lasts longer, feels better, and looks expensive under any light.
- Confidence is the "Accessory": Sounds cheesy, but watch her 2018 final walk again. She wasn't wearing much more than anyone else, but she owned the air around her.
The takeaway here is pretty simple: Adriana Lima isn't a relic of the past. She’s a blueprint for how to build a brand that survives trends, ageism, and industry shifts. Whether she's wearing wings or a simple black slip, she’s still the one everyone is looking at.
Next Steps for Your Wardrobe:
To emulate the modern Lima look, start by auditing your current collection. Toss anything that pinches or doesn't make you feel powerful. Look for "power lingerie"—pieces with architectural lines and bold colors like emerald, deep navy, or the classic "Lima Black." Check out the 2026 sustainable collections from brands like Intimissimi or the revamped VS "Icon" line for pieces that mirror her current aesthetic.