She walked onto that 2024 runway in Brooklyn and the room basically exploded. It had been six years. Six years since we saw Adriana Lima, the undisputed G.O.A.T. of the Victoria’s Secret era, hang up her wings in tears back in 2018. People thought she was done. Retired. Moving on to the "soccer mom" phase of life in Miami with her kids.
They were wrong.
Honestly, seeing her back for the 2024 and 2025 shows wasn't just about nostalgia. It was a reality check for the industry. While the "new era" of lingerie focuses on being inclusive—which is great, don't get me wrong—there is a specific, high-voltage energy that only the OG Angels like Lima bring to a room. She doesn’t just walk; she hunts.
The Brazilian Girl Who Didn't Want to Model
It sounds like a cliché, but it’s actually true. Growing up in Salvador, Bahia, Adriana wanted to be a pediatrician. She wasn't the girl staring in the mirror dreaming of Vogue covers. In fact, she kinda hated having her picture taken as a kid.
So how did she end up as the longest-running Victoria's Secret model in history?
A friend. A shy friend, specifically. Her buddy wanted to enter a modeling contest but was too scared to go alone. Adriana tagged along to be the wingwoman, and—surprise, surprise—the judges ignored the friend and signed Adriana. By 15, she was the "Supermodel of Brazil." By 18, she was living in New York, and by 19, she was a contracted Angel.
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Why the "Lima Energy" Still Rules the Runway
You’ve probably heard people talk about the "Lima Energy." She mentioned it herself in an interview before the 2025 show. It’s not just about being pretty. There are a thousand pretty girls in New York.
It’s the boxing.
Adriana famously trains like a middleweight fighter. She’s been a regular at the Dogpound gym for years. If you look at her walk, it’s all in the core and the eyes. Most models glide; Adriana marches with a rhythm that feels athletic. She’s spoken openly about how she uses boxing for mental clarity, not just to fit into a bra.
The 2024 Comeback and the Critics
When she returned for the 2024 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, the internet was... well, the internet. Some people were cruel about her face or her weight after she had her third child.
It was exhausting to watch.
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But here’s the thing: Adriana didn't hide. She showed up at the 2024 show in a black set with sheer panels and killed it. Then she did it again in 2025. She proved that a 43-year-old woman with a life, a family, and a changing body can still command the most famous runway in the world.
She isn't trying to look 19 anymore. She looks like a woman who has survived two decades in the most cutthroat industry on earth and came out the other side as the boss.
The Controversy You Might Not Know
If you’re a deep-dive fan, you remember the 2011 "no solids" controversy. Before the show that year, Adriana told The Daily Telegraph that she didn't eat solid foods for nine days before the runway, drinking only protein shakes, and stopped drinking water entirely 12 hours before the cameras rolled.
The backlash was massive.
Looking back, it was a glimpse into the "old" Victoria's Secret—the era of extreme pressure and unattainable standards. Today, she talks much more about "nourishing" her body. Her current routine is way more balanced:
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- Intermittent fasting: She usually sticks to a 16:8 window.
- Whole foods: Lots of blueberries, kale, and lean protein.
- Supplements: She’s big on collagen and omega-3s for recovery.
- Recovery: She swears by lymphatic drainage massages to deal with inflammation.
It’s a more sustainable approach, and frankly, she looks healthier for it.
What Adriana Lima is Doing in 2026
She isn't just a face on a poster anymore. Adriana has transitioned into a "Legacy" phase of her career. She’s an ambassador for FIFA, a global icon for brands like Adanola, and a savvy investor.
She's also leaning into being a mentor. At the 2025 show, she was seen backstage giving advice to the "new" Angels like Devyn Garcia and Gigi Hadid. She told them something simple: "Don't be afraid to show your personality."
It’s funny, because for years, the industry tried to make models into blank canvases. Adriana was the one who broke that mold by blowing kisses, punching the air, and actually having a personality on the catwalk.
Actionable Takeaways from the Lima Playbook
If you want to channel a bit of that supermodel discipline without, you know, having to walk in your underwear in front of millions of people, here’s how she actually does it:
- Find your "Combat" Sport: You don't have to box, but find a workout that requires focus. It changes your posture and your confidence level.
- Consistency > Intensity: She’s been training with the same intensity for 20 years. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.
- Ignore the "Expiration Date": The fashion world tried to retire her at 35. She’s 44 now and still the main event. Define your own timeline.
- Prioritize Lymphatic Health: If you feel sluggish or bloated, look into lymphatic drainage or infrared saunas. It’s her "secret weapon" for staying snatched.
Adriana Lima didn't just survive the era of the "Supermodel"—she defined it. And as we move through 2026, her influence is only getting stronger as she proves that "Angel" status is a mindset, not just a pair of wings.
Next Steps for Your Own Routine:
To get started with a Lima-inspired wellness plan, focus on adding one "high-focus" workout like kickboxing or Pilates to your weekly schedule. Simultaneously, shift toward a 16:8 intermittent fasting window for three days a week to see how your energy levels respond. Focus on hydration and anti-inflammatory foods like fatty fish and leafy greens to support long-term skin health and muscle recovery.