Lifestyle Style See Adriana Lima at Her First Victoria's Secret Runway Show in 2000 The Victoria's Secret veteran just announced her retirement, so we're look back at her very first fashion show for the brand By Colleen Kratofil Published on November 8, 2018 06:34 PM Share Tweet Pin Email After 20 years as a Victoria’s Secret Angel, Adriana Lima hung up her wings after the 2018 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. The veteran model announced her retirement on Instagram before she took her final walk down the runway on Thursday. The Brazilian model, 37, signed with the lingerie brand in 1998, but made her runway debut at the 2000 show at just 19 years old. Pool BENAINOUS/DUCLOS/Gamma-Rapho via Getty The then-newcomer modeled gold body chains at her first VS show with a tiny gold bikini. Adriana Lima Is Retiring from Victoria’s Secret After 20 Years: ‘Thank You for Teaching Me to Fly’ Splash News Online “Dear Victoria, Thank you for showing me the world, sharing your secrets, and most importantly not just giving me wings but teaching me to fly. And all the ❤️ to the best fans in the 🌎! Love, Adriana 💖,” the model wrote in her retirement announcement on Instagram, with a sweet montage of her past looks. Bella Hadid Defends Slim Frame with Sexy Snaps from Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show Fittings Backstage before her final show, pictured above, she reflected on her tenure with the company to PEOPLE. “I think this year is going to be the highlight of my career,” Lima told PEOPLE. “This has been my 18th fashion show and I am still as excited as I was from the first day. I always love to be on runways and being part of the Victoria’s Secret show. It’s my favorite to do.” To celebrate Lima’s impressive career, we’re looking back at some of her very early VS moments. KMazur/WireImage In 2001 she made her next VS runway appearance modeling a red bra with a matching micro fringe skirt. Theo Wargo/WireImage In 2002 she attended the revealing of the “Secrets” fragrance by Victoria’s Secret Beauty at a store appearance. Sylvain Gaboury/FilmMagic She posed with fellow Victoria’s Secret veterans, Oluchi Onweagba, Heidi Klum, Gisele Bündchen and Daniela Peštová at a store event in 2003 all modeling the fashionable look of the moment — tiny tanks and low-rise jeans. J. Countess/WireImage In 2004, she matched with Gisele Bündchen, Alessandra Ambrosio, Heidi Klum and Tyra Banks at a VS Angels event. Peter Kramer/Getty And in 2005, she modeled in a cotton candy-striped lingerie set with fluffy stole.