It's not every day you're invited for lunch by a Victoria's Secret Angel so when Adriana Lima asked Grazia Daily to be her dinner guest, we were there with wings bells on. Clad in curve-hugging black leather trousers and a creamy blouse under a tweed jacket, Adriana greeted us at the The Connaught Hotel in London. 'Welcome!' she cooed with her impossibly glossy ponytail swishing around her shoulders. Hostess with the mostess indeed.
The Brazilian stunner is in our fair city to launch the lingerie giant's new Christmas collection and that evening, she would strike a pouty pose at Victoria's Secret flagship on Bond Street. But for now, Adriana was here to regale us with tales of catwalking fun and her plans for Christmas. Sitting at the head of a VS-tastic table (pink bows, white roses and a LOT of sparkling undies), we enjoyed a delicious meal of scallops and chocolate pudding - and yes, she ate! We know!
As the longest serving Angel of the Victoria's Secret crew (she began working with the brand in 1999 and has worn the Fantasy Bra twice), Adriana has come to see them as a second family. 'Everybody is so passionate about what they do and the team are very considerate of us,' she said. 'During fittings for the show, they'll ask whether we feel comfortable and if they can adjust anything. We're actually very involved in the process and are asked what we think about the outfits, the themes and who should perform.'
Has she ever requested to change outfits? 'Trust me, the designers know what my favourite styles are and what suits me so I'm always happy with the result.' In fact, plans for next year's show are already underway and costumes are being tested and approved.
We wonder whether Adriana pulls a 'Sasha Fierce' and channels a particular character when she's stomping the runway. 'It's not a different character because it's still a part of myself,' the 32-year-old says. 'We're encouraged to show our own personalities so we're not pretending, it comes naturally. What you see is who we are. That's what makes it so exciting and different to regular fashion shows.'
Speaking of personality, Adriana beams when we mention a certain Cara Delevingne. 'She's so fun. I love her! The new girls do get nervous, but everyone's so nice backstage and we have so much fun that they're soon put at ease'.
Ms Lima's favourite outfit from this year's show was the red lace ensemble with ginormous feathered wings, but when it comes to her own style she's a tad less extravangant. 'I don't spend a lot of time shopping because I've learned what I like. I don't need to try anything on so if something doesn't fit when I get home, I'll wear it when I've lost a few pounds.' And if she finds something she likes, she gets one in every colour. Who knew VS stars were so fuss free? 'You have to be when you have kids!' she laughs.
Yes, Adriana is the mother of two daughters Valentina and Sienna who, she tells us, are hugely excited about the festive season (although they're scared of Santa). 'I've lived in America for fifteen years so we celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas with pumpkin pie and turkey.' And mince pies, right? 'Mince? In pies?!' She looks aghast. We assure her they're sweet - and very delicious. 'Ooh, I'll have to try those'.
