An angel lands in Singapore
A global American lingerie brand known for its supermodels flies in one of their most popular faces to promote the brand.
AT 9.28am on March 9 an “angel” descended the luxurious black and silver staircase at the Victoria’s Secret flagship store at Mandarin Gallery in Singapore to meet the press.
Conservatively dressed in a chic halter neck mini and stilettos, her posture was demure and graceful as she leisurely made her way to a podium.
Lima, 35, was in Singapore to celebrate Victoria’s Secret’s two-storey flagship store along Orchard Road and promote the new Body by Victoria lingerie collection (the lingerie is not available locally).
The store facade is bathed in a striking pink while the interior of the store is dramatically dark. It offers a wide assortment of the brand’s signature bras, panties and sleepwear, along with beauty products.
What’s remarkable is a largescale video screen spanning two floors playing footage from the brand’s fashion show, and its cosy black and pink fitting rooms with velvet finishing.
The new Demi bra under Body by Victoria offers a comfortable fit, with smoother and sexier lace, along with Spring prints of warm and sandy neutrals mixed with pops of blue and green.
Joining the Body by Victoria lineup are the new Flutter Bralette, Unlined Demi and Triangle Underwire Bralette.
Lima’s favourite from the new collection are the Bralettes “because it’s lace and you can actually wear it everyday. They’re super comfortable, feminine and you feel sexy wearing them.” At 1.78m (5ft 10in) the leggy supermodel looked lithe and toned, just like any other model.
But her pale blue eyes are so stunningly mesmerising that you can’t look away.
Lima, who was born in Salvador, Bahir in Brazil, says “I think for every model it’s a dream to become a Victoria’s Secret Angel.”
“The brand has international exposure and after becoming an Angel the whole world knows you. It also opens many doors professionally.”
Victoria’s Secret was founded in San Francisco, California, in the early 70s. In 1982 L Brands acquired Victoria’s Secret, a boutique with a small catalogue business.
Today, it is a lingerie, lounge wear and beauty products retailer, known for its supermodels branded as The Angels and its annual fashion show that draws global attention.
Victoria’s Secret is the only fashion retail company with its own network television special and it’s much anticipated fashion show is now held ahead of Christmas.
Lima, who has been modelling for Victoria’s Secret for 18 years, says “the brand is conquering the world! Now we have stores in Singapore, Shanghai, Canada and around the world.”
“Our fashion show has become a part of the Christmas culture. The whole world basically stops to watch.”
“The Victoria’s Secret show is not only about fashion. It’s entertainment. There are models, musicians, performances, so we basically bring cheer and a positive message during Christmas.”
You’ve worn the Fantasy Bra three times, how do you get picked? “I really don’t know. I’ve been lucky and it’s a pleasure because every Angel wants that opportunity. The design takes months to put together so it’s the highlight of the show,” Lima says.
“Wearing the Fantasy Bra feels really special, like millions and millions of dollars. It’s not heavy and such an honour, like getting a trophy!”
In an interview with The Telegraph Lima says she undergoes intense training and nine days before the show she avoids solid food and consumes only protein shakes. Then 12 hours before the show she stops drinking entirely.
While Lima was gracious and ready to respond to any question, some questions were surprisingly off limits.
So, Lima was unable to comment on her pre-show diet claims, offer her thoughts on the new Angels or what her edge was in being named the most valuable Angel for online influence by analytics company D’Marie.
Being an Angel is not easy, requiring hardwork and discipline, especially when some models return to walk weeks after giving birth.
To keep her body runway-ready Lima says she’s obsessed with workouts and has been boxing for over 10 years.
Even with over a decade’s experience Lima says she still gets nervous “because the whole world is watching you not wearing much! I get butterflies in my tummy and my heart is pounding, but the moment I’m out on the runway it goes away.”
Lima who has two daughters, Valentina, 8, and Sienna, 5, with ex-husband former Serbian NBA player Marko Jaric, says, “Motherhood is the greatest. I found my centre. I feel more beautiful, confident and wiser than ever.”
“Through my work I’m showing my girls that a woman should be independent. And I believe they are proud of me.”
“What’s important is I want my daughters to learn to be humble, honest, lovable, respectful, to believe in themselves and follow their dreams.”
On what it takes to be a Victoria’s Secret model Lima says, “You have to have attitude and a personality. Be sweet and put out a positive message.”
To aspiring Victoria’s Secret models, she says “you have to believe in yourself, and not only as a model but in any business and whatever you choose to be, you need that belief.”
Lima’s fans will be thrilled to know that she has that unwavering belief in herself when she says, “I plan to be a Victoria’s Secret model till I’m 40. Maybe more, why not?”