Meet Victoria's Secret newest Brazilian Angel: Lais Ribeiro
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Lais Ribeiro walks the runway at the 19th annual Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in London on December 2nd, 2014. (Thomas Concordia)
New Angels got their wings on Tuesday when Victoria’s Secret revealed its new set of promoted supermodels to heavenly status.
Ten sexy ladies will be joining the lingerie line’s exclusive club that already includes divas Lily Aldridge, Alessandra Ambrosio, Adriana Lima, Behati Prinsloo and Candice Swanepeol.
Among the new beauties is Brazilian swimsuit model Lais Ribeiro, who told Us Weekly that joining Victoria’s Secret was “truly a dream come true.”
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“Anything I’ll say will completely downplay how incredibly excited and honored I am to be representing this iconic brand,” the 26-year-old model said. “VS has supported me from the beginning. They have instilled confidence, hope and a strong business sense. When you work this closely with a brand you get a chance to understand a completely different side of the business; it’s inspired me to look at my opportunity differently.”
According to the press release, Ribeiro stays active by doing boxing, playing volleyball and soccer – and she has a passion for salsa dancing.
Previous model experience includes walking for Marc Jacobs, Jean Paul Gaultier, Robert Gavalli and Ralph Lauren.
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Joining Ribeiro to the Angels roster are Kate Grigorieva from Russia; Taylor Hill, Martha Hunt and Jasmine Tookes from the United States; Elsa Hosk from Sweeden; Jac Jagaciak from Poland; Stella Maxwell from the United Kingdom; Sara Sampaio from Portugal; and Romee Strijd from Holland.
Many have already been models for the company before being appointed an “Angel.”
“This is the biggest single addition of contract models in the history of the industry,” Ed Razek, president of Victoria’s Secret told the NY Daily News. “(We now have the) most powerful Angel lineup in history.”
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Of the Angels past and present, Ribeiro said her favorite by far are her fellow countrywomen Lima and Gisele Bundchen.
“They are both Brazilians who have accomplished so much in their careers, and it all started with Victoria’s Secret,” she told Us Weekly. “They are determined businesswomen, role models and icons.”