Adriana Lima Returns to the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show: A Triumphant Comeback After Six Years
Adriana Lima, the iconic Brazilian supermodel, made her highly anticipated return to the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show on October 15, 2024, after a six-year hiatus. At 43 years old, the legendary Angel took the stage once again, leaving fans and fashion enthusiasts in awe. Lima, who had retired from the show in 2018, came back stronger than ever, showing the world that age is no barrier to brilliance on the runway.
In her return, Lima stunned the audience in a dazzling outfit that featured a sparkling bra and underwear set, plaid sleeves, matching pants, and the signature VS pink wings that have been a hallmark of the brand. With grace and poise, she closed out the first segment of the show by making a heart with her hands, as the crowd erupted in cheers. The segment kicked off with an electric performance by K-pop star Lisa, followed by a runway appearance by Gigi Hadid.
Victoria’s Secret Celebrates the Return of Its “Guardian Angel”
Victoria’s Secret officially announced Adriana Lima’s return through a heartwarming Instagram reel collaboration. In the clip, Lima re-enacted a famous scene from the movie How to Be Single, telling a taxi driver, “Home. I’m going home,” before asking to be dropped off at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. Fans were ecstatic to see the supermodel reclaim her wings after more than half a decade away from the runway.
The last Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show took place in 2018, where Lima had her emotional farewell. Her return in 2024 was nothing short of spectacular, marking a new chapter in her long-standing relationship with the brand. Lima first walked in a Victoria’s Secret show back in 1999, and over the years, she became one of the brand’s most recognizable faces, participating in 18 shows and wearing the coveted Fantasy Bra three times.
Adriana Lima on Her Return: “It Feels Like a Family Reunion”
Ahead of her grand return to the Victoria’s Secret runway, Lima shared her excitement and nerves with PEOPLE, explaining how much this moment meant to her. “I’m so excited and nervous and anxious,” Lima admitted. “The nervousness and anxiety don’t come from a bad place. It’s something really big for me and that I love. I’m really happy to be in the Victoria’s Secret show because this is where everything started for me.”
Lima reminisced about her first show with the brand in 1999, also in New York City, where she now returns to close out the 2024 event. “It’s incredible. I seriously did not think that I would be back, and it feels awesome,” she said, expressing her joy at reuniting with her fellow Angels.
For Lima, walking the runway again was akin to a “family reunion,” as many of the models she once worked with have also returned to the show. “Some of these models have been my fellow angels and partners for a while,” she explained. “A lot of them are moms now like I am. We have a lot of things to talk about.”
Victoria’s Secret Show Marks a New Era of Inclusivity
Victoria’s Secret has undergone significant changes since 2019, shifting towards greater inclusivity and diversity in both its campaigns and runway shows. This shift came after the brand faced criticism for its lack of body diversity, which ultimately led to the cancellation of the fashion show for several years. Since then, the company has made conscious efforts to showcase models of different body types and backgrounds, aiming to be more inclusive and welcoming.
Lima praised Victoria’s Secret for its new approach, celebrating the brand’s commitment to empowering women at all stages of life. “I feel that as a woman, and still being in fashion — I’m 42 years old and a mom with five kids, so I feel that I’m still being celebrated in this stage of my life,” she shared with PEOPLE in a previous interview. “It’s great to see that no matter what stage you are [in life], for my kids and the new models coming up, it’s uplifting.”
Adriana Lima’s Iconic Farewell in 2018
Adriana Lima’s last appearance in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show was in 2018, when she bid an emotional farewell to the brand after nearly two decades of service. Wearing a halo of feathers and a shimmering silver top, Lima shed tears as she made her final walk down the runway. She paused at the end of the catwalk, placing her hands over her heart in a gesture of gratitude toward the audience.
Reflecting on that moment, Lima described it as the highlight of her career with Victoria’s Secret. “I always love to be on runways and being part of the Victoria’s Secret show. It’s my favorite to do,” she told PEOPLE at the time. She also took to Instagram to express her gratitude to the brand, writing, “Thank you, Victoria’s Secret, for not just giving me wings but teaching me to fly.”
Lima’s New Projects: Empowering Women
Although Adriana Lima took a step back from the runway after her retirement in 2018, she has remained active in the fashion industry and focused on new projects that empower women. She is passionate about using her platform to uplift and inspire others, especially as a mother and role model for the next generation of models.
Lima continues to be a powerful figure in fashion, proving that age and motherhood are not barriers to success. Her return to the 2024 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is a testament to her enduring influence and legacy in the fashion world.
Adriana Lima’s return to the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is a monumental moment in the world of fashion. After six years away, the Brazilian supermodel reclaims her wings, reminding everyone of her iconic status. With Victoria’s Secret embracing a more inclusive approach, Lima’s return signifies a new era for the brand and its commitment to celebrating women at all stages of life.
For fashion enthusiasts and Victoria’s Secret fans, this year’s show is one to remember, with Adriana Lima leading the charge in an unforgettable performance that marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for both the model and the brand.
Source : People.com