Models. Whether you love them or hate them, you must admit that they are extremely attractive and in shape. This is especially true if they are Victoria’s Secret models, as they are literally some of the most beautiful women in the world. On top of being physically beautiful, the Victoria’s Secret company even does checks to make sure that their models are engaged in healthy behaviours and have a healthy mindset. That being said, these women still have to train an outrageous amount and eat clean almost 100% of the time. But it pays off because, honestly, just look at them! We are going to spotlight 20 supermodels on our list of 20 Insane “Where Are They Now” Stories About Retired Victoria’s Secret Models.
These models were once braving the Victoria’s Secret catwalks and runways wearing the tiniest pieces of lingerie known to womankind. Now, some of them are still modeling, while others have retired from modeling completely, or are acting, singing, or working in business. While these ladies may no longer be Victoria’s Secret models, that hardly makes them any less successful. So let us take a closer look and see what happened to some of the most gorgeous Angels and supermodels of the iconic lingerie brand. You won’t be disappointed, because we have included models of varying ages, supermodel eras, and ethnicities. We have black, white, European, Caribbean, mixed races…women in their 20s and through to their 40s. We love that Victoria’s Secret is becoming more diverse, so why not do a list that reflects that. Enjoy!
1. Joan Smalls
Finally, a Puerto-Rican model on the Victoria’s Secret runway! Joan Smalls is a 27-year-old superstar that we can’t wait to see more of. Her look is gorgeous, and others are noticing. In 2014, she was involved in Elle magazine’s “Return of the Supermodel” cover. Estee Lauder signed her on as a spokeswoman, and MTV signed her and Karlie Kloss on for the TV series House of Style. She is often prancing around with other models, new and seasoned (Karlie, Cindy Crawford). Even Beyonce included Joan in one of her music videos! Expect to see much more of this hot Boriqua!
2. Lily Donaldson
Another model that we have our eye on is Lily Donaldson. The 29-year-old Victoria’s Secret model is a Brit who was discovered when she was a young teenager. She has worked internationally in North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia. During the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London, Lily was one of the high-fashion models who showed off British designs. She recently celebrated 100 years of British Vogue with other top models. Right now she is staying in the UK and is being favored by many in the modeling industry. It is easy to see why so many insiders are eager to work with her and see where her career goes. Thanks, Victoria’s Secret!
3. Chanel Iman
We are including Chanel Iman here because she is super fine, a Victoria’s Secret wunderkind, and we can’t wait to see where else she goes. As far as her modeling goes, she is mostly known for being a Victoria’s Secret Angel, but she has also worked with other fashion designers and photographers. She started acting in TV and film, as well as activism for various causes. She seems to have an affinity for celeb boyfriends, and dated rapper ASAP Rocky for a year and half. Now she is in a romantic relationship with NBA player Jordan Clarkson. Her half-Korean, half-black culture is utterly unique and makes her one of the most intriguing models out there.
4. Marisa Miller
Marisa Miller is a 37-year-old California native and is predominantly recognized as a Victoria’s Secret Angel and a regular covergirl for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition. The sexy siren smashed records and broke barriers for models, and partnered up with the NFL and Harley-Davidson in some high-profile business contracts. She is also a humanitarian and serves as an ambassador for the USO and American Cancer Society. In 2013, she delved into film for the first time. Even today, she is still ranking on lists of top models according to established companies like FHM. In more recent times, Marisa can be found supporting charities.
5. Jessica Stam
Jessica Stam is still in her 20s (well, she is 29) and she has become one of Forbes’ 15 Top-Earning Models. The Canadian model has been working her stuff since 2002, appearing on runways, in publications, advertisements, and even in film. She was named the face of brands such as CoverGirl and Nina Ricci, and became an “Industry Icon” according to Models.com. She continues to model and is now working as an ambassador for a Korean makeup brand. They launched a new line of products in 2015. It looks as though her career is still going and we can expect even more from her!
6. Selita Ebanks
Selita Ebanks is from the Cayman Islands and she lent some much-needed diversity to the Victoria’s Secret runway. She was with the company from 2005 to 2009. Selita was a favorite for brands such as Ralph Lauren and Neiman Marcus. As well as this, the model has appeared on numerous magazine covers, included the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition. She was also the ex-fiancee of Nick Cannon! Selita has spent the past few years making random television appearances, such as her stint on Celebrity Apprentice and South Beach. She also dabbled in music and appeared in videos for The-Dream and Kanye West.
7. Karolina Kurkova
Karolina Kurkova had her claim to fame as a Victoria’s Secret fashion model as well as an actress. The Czech superstar is now in her 30s and is still shining brightly. In fact, Forbes has named her one of the highest-earning models. The Victoria’s Secret runway shows helped to catapult Karolina into other ventures, such as modeling for Chanel and Vera Wang. Perhaps as a result to all this exposure, she was named a top model by VH1, E! Entertainment, and People magazine. Karolina now works on her fragrance line, as well as in charity work for children’s welfare. In late 2015, she had her second son with her hubby Archie Drury.
8. Gisele Bundchen
35-year-old Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bundchen is perhaps one of the most famous models in the modern fashion industry. She helped to change the trend of the stick-thin model (even though she is super-petite). Gisele’s fitness and nutrition patterns have been the source of subject interviews and publications about her. She continues to model, but also acts and works in business and music. She is one of the famous faces of Chanel No. 5 and Under Armour. She is married to Tom Brady and has a family of her own. And, she is also a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations.
9. Ines Rivero
Now a 40-year-old hottie, Ines Rivero got her start in modeling when she was 14 years old. Thanks to the exposure she received as a Victoria’s Secret Angel, she rose through the modeling ranks to become a recognizable success. She also worked in television a bit by starring on reality show Model Latina South Beach. Besides that, she released an album called Hasta Siempre and she had a cameo appearance in The Devil Wears Prada. Nowadays, Ines lives in Miami with her family. Rivero is one of the former models who have spoken out about the industry, body image, and women’s health.
10. Daniela Pestova
Another stunning Czech model is 43-year-old Daniela Pestova, who was a regular model for Victoria’s Secret and L’Oreal. She was also widely featured on various magazines, such as Marie Claire, Elle, and GQ. She participated in Joanne Gair’s high-profile bodypainting project, too. While her life is much more low-key now, she still does some modeling work while she takes care of her family. So her life is pretty boring in comparison, but that’s better than tragic. While we don’t see her as often anymore, we can always look back to the archives of when she appeared in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition nine times.