Can a small-town girl from Brazil truly conquer the glamorous world of high fashion and become a Victoria's Secret Angel? Lais Ribeiro's journey is a resounding testament to the power of dreams, hard work, and an undeniable spark of talent.

From the sun-drenched beaches of Sumba Island, where she was captured by the lens of James Macari, to the vibrant runways of the world's fashion capitals, Lais Ribeiro has become a name synonymous with beauty, grace, and success. Her story isn't just about strutting down a catwalk; it's a narrative of resilience, transformation, and the unwavering pursuit of a dream, a journey that began in a small town in Brazil and propelled her to the pinnacle of the modeling industry.

Category	Details
Full Name	Lais Pereira de Oliveira
Born	October 5, 1989 (sources vary, some cite 1990) in Teresina, Piau, Brazil (sources also cite Miguel Alves, Brazil)
Nationality	Brazilian
Occupation	Model, Television Presenter
Known For	Victoria's Secret Angel, appearances in the SI Swimsuit Issue
Husband	Joakim Noah (married 2022)
Children	Alexandre (son, with a previous partner), a newborn daughter (with Joakim Noah)
Career Highlights	Victoria's Secret Angel, walked for numerous high-fashion brands (Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, Versace, etc.), SI Swimsuit Issue appearances, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace
Agency	Elite Model Management (discovered by John Casablancas in 2009)
Advocacy	Autism Awareness (for her son, Alexandre)
Reference Website	Models.com

The trajectory of Lais Ribeiro's career is a testament to her innate abilities and the opportune moments that shaped her destiny. Discovered in 2009 by John Casablancas, the visionary founder of Elite Model Management, she embarked on a journey that would see her grace the runways of the world's most prestigious fashion houses. Initially, she might have been heading towards a career in nursing, but fate intervened, and the world of high fashion beckoned.

Her career gained momentum the following year, with her first significant runway appearance for Rag & Bone. Quickly, Lais began to walk for the world's most prominent designers, including the likes of Dolce & Gabbana, Givenchy, and Gucci. Her career truly took off, opening doors to campaigns and editorials in leading fashion magazines. Her versatility and stunning beauty quickly made her a sought-after figure in the industry.

One of the most defining moments of her career was her entry into the world of Victoria's Secret. Becoming an Angel is a milestone for any model, and Lais Ribeiro's presence on the runway elevated her status to that of a global icon. Her journey to the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, and becoming an Angel, is a narrative of perseverance, a dream materialized through sheer determination and the perfect amount of stardust.

Her four appearances in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue in Indonesia (2017), the Bahamas (2018, captured by Ben Watts), Costa Rica (2019), and Sacramento (2021) (photographed by Anne Menke along with Marquita Pring and Emily DiDonato) showcase her versatility and ability to captivate an audience. The images speak volumes about her work ethic and her ability to constantly redefine herself and the art of modeling.

Beyond the glittering lights of the fashion world, Lais Ribeiro's life has been marked by personal milestones. Her marriage to NBA star Joakim Noah in 2022 marked a new chapter, adding depth to her already compelling narrative. Their family life has brought the joys of parenthood. The couple recently welcomed their first child together, a newborn daughter, further enriching their lives.

Lais is also a devoted mother to her teenage son, Alexandre, and her commitment to autism advocacy demonstrates her compassionate nature. Its an aspect of her life that highlights her commitment to family and to raising awareness for an important cause. The model has opened up about the challenges and joys of raising a child with autism, bringing a much-needed perspective to the subject.

Her story also has moments of vulnerability, she has shared details of her journey through the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, and the challenges along the way. During rehearsals, she revealed her nerves and excitement before walking the runway. As she shared, she realized the magnitude of her role on the runway and how it all required a great deal of work and practice.

Lais Ribeiro's journey is not just an individual success story, but a source of inspiration, a beacon for those aspiring to achieve beyond what is expected. It is a testament to the enduring power of fashion and the enduring impact of a life lived with authenticity and purpose. Her impact goes beyond mere appearances; she inspires others to believe in their dreams and to never give up, even when the road ahead seems challenging.