From a small town in Brazil’s Piauí state to the world’s most prestigious runways, Lais Ribeiro built a career defined by quiet strength. She commands attention through presence rather than noise.
The Brazilian model transitioned from nursing school to international fashion without losing sight of what matters most. Her story spans continents and decades, shaped by early motherhood and steady work.
She became a Victoria’s Secret Angel, wearing the $2 million Fantasy Bra in 2017. Yet she describes herself as a mother first and model second. Her family remains the anchor in a life filled with glamour and grit.
Married to former NBA player Joakim Noah in 2022, she blends two families into one. The years reveal a person who balances runway lights with real-life challenges, including raising a child with special needs.
This is not a rags-to-riches fairy tale but a grounded account of choices and sacrifices. Lais Ribeiro turned a girl from rural Brazil into a global name in fashion through persistence and perspective.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
The birth of her son Alexandre in 2008 fundamentally reshaped her priorities. It steered Lais Ribeiro away from a predictable future.
She grew up in Miguel Alves, Piauí. Fashion careers felt like a distant dream there. Her full birth name, Laís Pereira de Oliveira, reflects deep family roots.
From Nurse Training to Modeling Discovery
Nursing school represented stability. It was a practical choice for a young mother. Then, a chance encounter in 2009 changed everything.
Someone saw her potential. At just 18, she trusted that vision. She began modeling in Brazil before making a bold move.
Growing Up in Miguel Alves, Brazil
Leaving for the United States meant trading familiar rhythms for uncertainty. She took her young son to pursue a new life.
Those early years were a demanding balance. She learned the modeling industry while raising kids far from home. Her drive came from providing a better future for her family.
| Year | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Birth of her son, Alexandre | Brazil |
| 2009 | Discovered as a model | Brazil |
| 2010 | Began international career | United States |
Lais Ribeiro’s Impact in the Fashion World
Her partnership with Victoria’s Secret began in 2010, marking the start of a decade-long relationship that would define her career trajectory. The brand became her primary platform for reaching global audiences.
Breakthrough Moments with Victoria’s Secret
She walked in five consecutive Victoria’s Secret fashion shows from 2010 to 2015. In April 2015, the company named her an official secret angel.
The pinnacle came in 2017 when she wore the $2 million Fantasy Bra. This Champagne Nights creation featured diamonds and precious stones set in gold.
Strutting on International Runways and for Top Brands
Beyond Victoria’s Secret, she worked with luxury fashion houses. Her runway credits include Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, and Versace.
Magazine appearances spanned Elle, Vogue, and Sports Illustrated. In 2020, she hosted Born to Fashion, a Brazilian show promoting transgender models.
| Year | Event | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | First Victoria’s Secret fashion show | International debut |
| 2015 | Named Victoria’s Secret Angel | Brand ambassador status |
| 2017 | Wore $2 million Fantasy Bra | Career peak moment |
| 2020 | Hosted Born to Fashion | Industry inclusion work |
Personal Life and Family Insights
The demands of raising a child with special needs brought a depth to her life that fashion could never provide. This personal journey shaped her identity beyond the catwalk.
Experiences of Motherhood and Family Dynamics
Her son Alexandre’s autism diagnosis in 2013 transformed her understanding of parenting. She became an advocate for children with similar needs.
Ribeiro shares openly about their relationship through social media. She describes her son as having a pure and happy spirit.
A tattoo of the autism symbol shows her commitment. It represents support for families navigating autism.
Relationships, Marriage, and Navigating Parenthood
After a previous relationship ended, she met Joakim Noah in 2018. The NBA player proposed a year later.
They married in Brazil in 2022, blending their families. She became stepmother to Joakim Noah’s two children.
In 2024, they welcomed their first child together. This expanded their family to include four children.
Motherhood remains her primary identity. She calls herself a mum first, model second.
Final Reflections on a Storied Career
What distinguishes this career from typical fashion narratives is the seamless integration of professional ambition with personal priorities. Lais Ribeiro built success not through transformation but through expansion, proving glamour and grit can coexist.
As a Victoria’s Secret Angel, she used her media platform for advocacy, hosting shows for transgender models and speaking openly about autism. Secret angel Lais demonstrated that a model’s influence extends beyond the runway.
Her name carries weight in fashion history, but her lasting impact may be how she navigated motherhood while maintaining a career. The person behind the fame prioritized children and family, creating a legacy that transcends any magazine cover.
