Adriana Lima made a triumphant return to the 2024 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show six years after announcing her retirement.
The supermodel, 43, strutted down the catwalk in New York City on Tuesday, October 15. Lima closed out the first section of the show in a crystal embellished bra and matching underwear with cutout plaid tights and a pair of iridescent wings. She completed the look with a high pony and bold black eyeliner, blowing kisses to the camera.
She later returned to the stage for Cher’s performance, where she rocked bold red lingerie and a pair of matching coiled red wrings. She could be seen singing along to the singer’s song “Believe” and waving to guests in the audience.
Lima is one of the brand’s most recognizable faces, with a history dating back to 2000. She announced her retirement from Victoria’s Secret in November 2018 after walking in 18 fashion shows.
“Dear Victoria, Thank you for showing me the world, sharing your secrets, and most importantly not just giving me wings but teaching me to fly,” she wrote via Instagram at the time. “And all the ❤️ to the best fans in the 🌎! Love, Adriana 💖.”
After her retirement announcement, Lima reflected on her lengthy journey with the brand. “I think this year is going to be the highlight of my career,” she told People. “This has been my 18th fashion show and I am still as excited as I was from the first day. I always love to be on runways and being part of the Victoria’s Secret show. It’s my favorite to do.”
Earlier this week, Victoria’s Secret revealed that Lima would be making her return to the fashion show. In an Instagram video, she told a taxi cab driver, “I’m going home.” When the driver reminded her that he didn’t know where she lives, Lima apologized before asking, “Can you drop me off at the Victoria’s Secret show?” She then faced the camera and confirmed, “I’m back!”
The brand captioned the post, “Hey, we’ve been keeping a secret, but we just can’t do it anymore! @adrianalima is returning to the runway — phew, it’s out there, we feel SO much better.”
This year marks the first Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show since Lima’s final appearance in 2018. The previously annual event was canceled in 2019 after backlash surrounding a lack of inclusivity. The company has since revamped its approach, insisting in an August 2023 brand values statement, “We have moved from promoting an exclusionary view of what’s sexy to celebrating all women throughout every phase of their lives.”
Since her retirement, Lima’s family life has kept her busy. She shares daughters Valentina, 14, and Sienna, 12, with ex-husband Marko Jarić and son Cyan, 2, with partner Andre Lemmers. (Lemmers is also the father of Miah and Lupo from a previous relationship.)
However, Lima dipped her toe back into the modeling world in September, walking her first runway in six years during the Schiaparelli spring 2025 show amid Paris Fashion Week.
