Adriana Francesca Lima (born June 12, 1981 in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil) is a Brazilian supermodel, best known for her work with Victoria’s Secret. She is currently the 3rd highest paid model in the world behind Gisele Bundchen and Kate Moss. She is represented by DNA NY in the United States, Lumiere Models in Brazil and VIVA Models in Europe.

Adriana was discovered when at the age of 15, she finished in first place in a Ford Supermodel of Brazil model search. This got her a ticket to the 1996 Ford Supermodel of the World contest. She didn’t win and placed second, but it still got her noticed. Shortly after, Lima moved to New York City, and eventually moved on from Ford, signing with Elite Model M

anagement. Her early career consisted mostly of fashion editorial work (with early appearances in international editions of Vogue and Marie Claire in 1997/1998), as well as runway work (Christian Lacroix, Valentino, and others). Lima’s first big break came when she was featured in a Vassarette billboard in Times Square. Her print career followed, and like many other famous names (Claudia Schiffer, Laetitia Casta, Eva Herzigova), Lima became a GUESS? Girl in their 2000 campaign.

Lima continued to build upon her entry, doing more print

work (Maybelline, Bebe, Mossimo, BCBG) and

gracing the cover and editorials of more high fashion magazines (Harper’s Bazaar, ELLE, Vogue). Probably best known for her Victoria’s Secret work and Angel status, Lima first graced the VS runway in 1999, and was the show opener for the 2003 and 2007 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Shows.

• Birth name: Adria na Francesca Lima
• Date of birth: June 12, 1981
• Place of birth: Flag of Brazil Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
• Height: 178 cm; 5′10″
• Hair color: brown
• Eye color: blue/grey
• Measurements: 33-28-33 (US); 89-71-86 (EU)
• Dress size: 4 (US), 34 (EU)
• Shoe size : 41 (EU), 9 (US)
• Ethnicity: African, Swiss, Amerindian.
  

• Languages Spoken: Portuguese, English, Spanish
• Ranked #97 in Forbes.com’s Highest Paid Celebrities list (2006)
• Ranked #99 in Forbes.com’s 100 Most Powerful People list (2006)
• Ranked #57 in Maxim’s Hot 100 (2003)
• Ranked #1 in AskMen.com’s Top 99 Women of 2005
• Ranked #4 in AskMen.com’s Top 99 Women of 2006
• Ranked #4 in AskMen.com’s Top 99 Women of 2007