"I'll never be 16 again." Adriana Lima starred for Harpers's Bazaar and responded to criticism of her appearance
Adriana Lima became the heroine of a cover story in the December issue of Harpers' Bazaar Arabia magazine. The model spoke about returning to the fashion industry, criticism of her appearance and raising five children.
2023 has become something of a comeback year for the supermodels of the 90s and 2000s. They became the heroines of documentaries, magazine covers, walked on catwalks and starred in advertising campaigns. Adriana Lima, 42, who claims her "real comeback will happen in 2024" - one of them.
“It seems to me that there has been a comeback of the supermodels,” says Adriana. “Lately I’ve been seeing a lot of models not only from the 2000s, but also from the 80s and 90s, and I think it’s wonderful.”
The former Victoria's Secret angel notes that such attention to models of the past is attracted by their bright personalities and character. "I don't think we're moving away from 'thin, young and beautiful' entirely; I think the world creates space for everyone - and everyone with their uniqueness is recognized."
Changes in the industry in relation to older models also please Adriana because her eldest daughter, 14-year-old Valentina, wants to become a model. “And I would be very sad that she, as a model, will only be famous during a certain period of her life. I think every stage is a great time and I love that fashion is now embracing that."
Adriana recently faced scrutiny and criticism for her appearance when she appeared at the premiere of The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. Netizens suggested that her face "looks changed." Later, the model responded to criticism on social networks by posting a photo without makeup with the caption: “This is what the face of a tired mother of three teenagers, one year-old active boy who is learning to walk, and three dogs looks like... Thank you for your concern.”
“It doesn’t bother me at all,” Lima replies. “I'm very strong, and to be honest, I looked at myself before going out and felt great. I was with my children, and they looked at me and said: “Mom!” You look so beautiful!"
But the model notes that she was very surprised when she looked at the photos from that evening. "I was shocked when I saw them. I thought: “This is not me.” But I wasn’t offended—I found it funny. The thing is, I'm not 16 years old. I started modeling at 16, but I'll never be 16 again. I'm 42 and I'm the happiest I've ever been, the happiest I am with myself. “I accept my age and I’m not going to change for anyone.”
In addition to resuming her career, Adriana is raising five children: daughters Valentina and Sienna from ex-husband Marko Jaric, one-year-old son Cian from partner Andre Lemmers, and his two children from previous relationships. The model admits that she likes to lead a “regular” life. life.
“I live a completely ordinary life and do everything that an ordinary person does. When you're a model, people think you'll always be wearing hair and makeup and designer clothes, but that's not true. When I go to the supermarket or take my kids to school, people see me but aren't sure if it's really me. They get confused,” she laughs. “I like my everyday life, I do everything that someone “normal” does: take the kids to school, pick them up, go to the supermarket, walk the dog. Simple things, and I like it."
At the same time, Lima notes that she has practically no free time for herself, and she can only relax to watch a movie on the plane. “I used to meditate a lot, but now I don’t have time for it. I barely have time to go to dinner with Andre. So I meditate by going to the bathroom for five minutes, locking myself in there and praying that my kids don’t knock on the door and ask me for something they need.”
Despite the lack of rest, Adriana is determined to return to modeling next year. “A lot has happened for me this year, but I wouldn’t call it my return yet. You guys will see this. That's all I can say for now!'