Adriana Lima has put her wings back on for the first time in six years!
The Brazilian supermodel and veteran Angel, 43, appeared in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show on October 15. She impressed the crowd in a glittery bra and pants, checkered sleeves and matching leggings, and VS pink wings.
Lima drew a heart with her hands as she wrapped up the first half of the concert, which began with Lisa’s performance and included an appearance by Gigi Hadid.
Victoria’s Secret announced the “Guardian Angel’s” return to the show via an Instagram clip in cooperation with her. Lima informed the cab driver her destination was “home.” “I’m going home,” quoting a scene from the film How to Be Single. “Can you drop me off at the Victoria’s Secret show?”
The show last aired in 2018, when Lima retired. When she walked down the runway on Tuesday night’s event, the audience reacted with applause.
The Brazilian model made her Victoria’s Secret debut in 1999 and walked in 18 shows before retiring in 2018.
During her stint at Victoria’s Secret, she wore the Fantasy Bra three times, among many other eye-catching ensembles.
“I’m so excited, nervous, and anxious,” Lima told PEOPLE before the concert. “The worry and anxiety do not stem from a terrible place. It’s a significant and enjoyable experience for me. I’m thrilled to be in the Victoria’s Secret show since that’s where it all began for me. My first performance occurred in 1999 in New York City. My final gig in 2018 was also in New York City, and I’m back there. It’s fantastic. I really didn’t expect to be back, and it feels great.”
Lima noted that returning to the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show felt like “a family reunion.”
“Some of these models have been my fellow angels and partners for a while,” she informed us. “It’s pleasing to see them. Many of them have become mothers, just like me. We have a lot to talk about. I’m confident that everyone at home and all Victoria’s Secret admirers will be happy and impressed by what they see.”
Lima completed the 2018 show, the brand’s last before a six-year sabbatical, in a halo of feathers and a shirt with silver accents. Lima had tears in her eyes on the runway, and at the end of the show, she clasped her hands over her chest and thanked the crowd.
Before her final walk, she said that it would be the pinnacle of her career with the business.
“Walking the runways and performing in the Victoria’s Secret show has always been my dream.” Lima stated, “It is my favorite thing to do.”
The model stated that her focus will be on new ventures that empower women. She thanked Victoria’s Secret on Instagram for “not just giving me wings, but teaching me to fly.”
In 2023, Lima praised Victoria’s Secret’s commitment to diversity.
Victoria’s Secret’s emphasis on inclusiveness began in 2019, when the business received criticism for a lack of body diversity, prompting the cancellation of the fashion show. The brand began advertising greater body diversity and attempted to make stores more pleasant with brighter lighting and soft pink walls.
“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,” Lima said to PEOPLE at the time. “Seeing that no matter your stage in life, for my kids and some new models, is uplifting.”