Lima was one of the brand’s most iconic models.
In 2000, she received the coveted title of Victoria’s Secret Angel.
Was it just one thing that made Lima hang up her VS Angel wings?
Did she leave Victoria’s Secret to explore other opportunities?
Or was it a combination of things that made Adriana Lima quit Victoria’s Secret?
“I plan to be at 20,” the then-36-year-old toldPeoplein 2017.
“Two more years.
Maybe more, I don’t know.”
She continued, “It’s nature.
But I enjoy it.
So let’s say 20.”
She added, “I feel very emotional to be part of it, in a good way.
I loved walking the runway.
It was always the highlight of my life.
Knowing that it was my last time wasn’t easy to take in.
It was very emotional.
I broke down in tears because I was sad, but also because of the love expressed.
It’s not just the brand but the girls, my dressers, the makeup artists.”
Lima explained that she had turned down a request to film “a sexy video” for social media.
Lima explained that she had begun to question the pressures put on women.
“‘Was I going to be accepted in my job?’
Was there a rift between Adriana Lima and other Victoria’s Secret models?
Did beef between Lima and otherVictoria’s Secret modelshave something to do with her leaving the brand?
Or were there perhaps creative difference between the model and the brand’s executives?
If there’s bad blood between Lima and her fellow VS models, she’s not telling anyone.
“I still see the girls all of the time at shoots or events,” she toldPeoplein 2019.
“I was just with Josephine [Skriver] the other day for a Maybelline campaign.
It’s a little family.
Once you’re an Angel, you’re always an Angel.”
Did Adriana Lima’s desire for a more inclusive industry lead her to leave Victoria’s Secret?
Victoria’s Secret has gotten a lot of flack for its lack of inclusivity.
“It’s big t*ts, tiny waist, tall skinny legs.
Since leaving VS, Lima has been very outspoken about her desire for more inclusivity in the fashion industry.
“My hope is that the industry sends a message of representation.
Did Alessandra Ambrosio inspire Adriana Lima to quit Victoria’s Secret?
Ambrosio’s reason for leaving the brand was more clear-cut than Lima’s.
A couple years before Ambrosio retired, another VS model unexpectedly left the brand.
In 2019, Karlie Kloss finally revealed why she decided to leave VS in 2015.
She noted, “I am still happy that I am part of Victoria’s Secret this year.”
Lima’s desire to empower women isn’t new.
In 2019, she received the Daily Front Row’s Fashion Icon of the Year Award.
And created space and opportunities for me to become who I am today.”
Upon accepting her award, she said, “It isn’t over yet.”
Lima has gotten plenty of work since leaving Victoria’s Secret.
According toPeople, she starred in a 2019 commercial for Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas.
Other projects after leaving Victoria’s Secret include landing on the covers ofVogue ArabiaandVogue Spain.
Twelve hours before the show, she’d cut out liquids, too.
The goal now, though, is health not being slim for the runway.
“I plan to live a long time,” she said.
Those brands Lima believes in include Puma.
In November 2019, Lima announced the launch of her activewear lineon Instagram.
“Besides a quality, it has to be fashionable.
I need to feel sexy in it.”
Lima was also part of BCBGMAXAZRIA’s campaign in fall 2019.
Life is just as busy as it has always been and I love it that way.”
Lima toldUs Weekly’sStylishthat her daughters are taking after her.
“My daughters are definitely girly girls,” she said.
I’ve definitely come home to find little makeup fingerprints around my bathroom!”
Lima has a close relationship with her girls.
Will Victoria’s Secret model Adriana Lima build up her acting career?
She also appeared in films likeOcean’s Eight.Lima has said in the past that she wants to continue acting.
“I’m just waiting for someone to see me,” she toldPage Sixin 2016.
“I’m like, ‘Hello, I’m here.’
My dream role is with Quentin Tarantino, fingers crossed.
I haven’t had a chance to tell him that directly.”
It looks like Lima may have had that chance after leaving Victoria’s Secret.
In 2019, she was spotted at the Hollywood premiere of the Tarantino filmOnce Upon a Time in Hollywood.
“I’m living a dream right now,” she toldScenester.
In an industry where older women are often valued less, Lima is defying outdated standards ofbeauty.
“I want to continue modeling!”
she said in 2019 whenThe Daily Front Rowasked how much longer she planned to continue with her career.
I use fashion as a tool to inspire women to take care of themselves.
Age is not important.
It’s all about how you carry yourself."
Lima also wants to shatter stereotypes.
“But I want to shatter the perception that I’m just a pretty face.
I want to be remembered for more than that.
