Adriana Lima Closes Out 2023 with a Throwback of Her First Modeling Polaroid at Age 15

Adriana Lima is ushering in the new year with gratitude for her early career.

The Victoria's Secret model and mom, 42, shared a photo on her Instagram story on New Year's Eve of her first modeling polaroid.

The picture was taken when she was 15 years old, just as she began her modeling career. In the snap, a young Lima is beaming in a white t-shirt with her long dark hair swept to one side.

Underneath the photo, there's cursive handwriting that reads "Adriana," and then additional text that can be seen on her story indicating her age.

Lima spent nearly 20 years modeling for Victoria's Secret before announcing her retirement from the company in 2018.

Fast forward five years, and Lima reunited with the brand as the face of its new Heavenly Eau de Parfum campaign in 2023.

Beyond modeling, Lima also shares two daughters with ex-husband Marko Jarić and a son with boyfriend Andre Lemmers, and is also helping raise Lemmers' two children from a prior relationship.

Lima's holiday season throwback comes on the heels of her opening up to Harper's Bazaar Arabia about a recent red carpet appearance that she said "shocked" her.

While attending the Los Angeles premiere of The Hunger Games: The Ballad Of Songbirds & Snakes, Lima drew criticism for her appearance, and while she said the criticism itself didn't bother her — she didn't feel like she looked like herself after the fact.

“It did not bother me at all,” Lima told the outlet of the negative attention she got. “I’m very strong that way, and honestly, I looked at myself before I stepped out and I was feeling great. I was with my children, and they looked at me and were like, ‘Mom! You look so beautiful!’”

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She walked the red carpet in a black minidress with red accents and pointy-toe heels with Lemmers and daughters, Sienna, 11, and Valentina, 14, whom she shares with ex Jarić. They were also joined at the event by Lemmers' two children, Miah and Lupo.

Her appearance prompted some negative comments, including suggestions that she had recently undergone cosmetic procedures. She admitted to Harper’s Bazaar Arabia that it felt "strange" looking back at the photos.

“I was like ‘that’s not me,’“ the model recalled. “Everything was strange because I don’t see myself like that. I still don’t see myself like that… you can see yourself differently.” 

“I didn’t get offended or anything, though – I was laughing,” she continued. “The point is, I am not 16 years old. I started modeling 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.”