Adriana Lima Responds to Appearance Criticism in Harpers`s Bazaar Arabia

Adriana Lima graces the cover story of Harpers's Bazaar Arabia's December issue, discussing her return to the fashion industry, handling criticism of her appearance, and raising five children.

The year 2023 marks a resurgence of supermodels from the 90s and 2000s, with many featuring in documentaries, magazine covers, fashion shows, and ad campaigns. Adriana Lima, 42, asserts her "true comeback will happen in 2024."
Adriama Lima for Harpers's Bazaar Arabia
Adriama Lima for Harpers's Bazaar Arabia
Adriana reflects on this trend: I’ve been seeing not only supermodels from the 2000s but also from the ’80s and ’90s who have been working a lot lately and I think it’s wonderful to see. The former Victoria's Secret "Angel" believes this renewed interest in past models is due to their vibrant personalities and character.
I don’t think we’re moving away from ‘thin, young and beautiful’; I think that the world is creating space for everyone – and everyone with their uniqueness is being celebrated. I think there is beauty in every stage of a woman and man’s life and it’s wonderful to see that there can be space for everybody.
Adriana is particularly pleased with the industry's evolving attitude towards aging models, especially since her 14-year-old daughter Valentina aspires to be a model: And I felt very sad that she, as a model, would be celebrated for only a certain time frame of her life. I think that every stage is a beautiful time and I’m loving that fashion is now embracing that.
Adriana Lima
Adriana Lima
Recently, Adriana faced intense scrutiny and criticism about her appearance at the premiere of "The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes." Speculations arose online about her face looking "altered." In response, she posted a makeup-free photo on social media, captioned: "The face of a tired mom of one teenage girl, two pre-teens, an active one-year-old boy learning to walk, and three dogs looks... Thank you for your concern."
Adriama Lima at the premiere of The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
Adriama Lima at the premiere of The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
Adriana is unfazed by the criticism: "I am very strong. Honestly, I looked at myself before going out and felt beautiful. I was with my children, and they told me, 'Mom! You look so beautiful!'" She admits being shocked by the photos from that evening, thinking, "That's not me." But she wasn't offended, just amused. I am not 16 years old. I started modelling at 16 but I will never be 16 again. I’m 42 and I’m the happiest I’ve been; the happiest with myself. I embrace my age and I will not change for anyone.

Besides reviving her career, Adriana is raising five children: daughters Valentina and Sienna with ex-husband Marko Jarić, one-year-old son Cian with partner Andre Lemmers, and his two children from previous relationships. She enjoys leading a "normal" life, though she barely has time for herself, relaxing only to watch movies on planes.
I used to meditate a lot but now there’s no time. I barely have time to go out for dinner with my husband. So my meditation is going to the bathroom for five minutes and locking myself in and praying that my kids are not going to be knocking at my door and asking me for something they need.