© Fabiana Santana
Whether we like to admit it or not, a part of high school always remains with us. Back then there were girls who—for whatever reason—were the most popular, the most noticeable, and the most talked about. In real life those girls are the Victoria’s Secret Angels, and with exceptional attributes and standout personalities, it’s easy to see why these seven women reign supreme, or shall we say, superlative.
Heidi Klum—Class President
For every group, there is a leader. For the Victoria’s Secret Angels, that leader is Heidi Klum. The model nabbed her wings in 1999, but has been walking for VS since 1997. Over a decade and four children later, the German powerhouse still looks incredible. Of course, modeling is not the only arena Heidi has conquered. The model mogul currently sits atop a veritable media and merchandising empire, encompassing fragrances, clothing, and jewelry collections, producer credits, and yes, even her own Barbie. With an indomitably positive outlook on life and a seemingly effortless balance of career and family, archangel Heidi sets a wonderful example for her sexy little cherubs. Long live the Klum!
Adriana Lima—Drama Queen
Model fans are no strangers to Adriana Lima’s enigmatic presence, but it seems film and television producers are catching on quickly. In 2001, just a year after she became an Angel, the Brazilian model starred alongside Forrest Whittaker and Mickey Rourke in The Follow, a short film in the BMW series The Hire. In addition to a guest spot on How I Met Your Mother, Adriana also flexed her comedic bone on Ugly Betty in 2008. What’s next for the pouty-faced supermodel? Whatever it is, one thing’s for sure: She’s screen siren gold.
Alessandra Ambrosio—Biggest Flirt
When it comes to the runway, no one has more winks, smirks, and hair flips than Alessandra Ambrosio. Since 2001, the Brazilian stunner’s tantalizing gaze has made her a favorite of many in the flock of Angels. In 2004, Alessandra became the face of Victoria’s Secret Pink collection, and the tongue-and-cheek ads only solidified the model’s allure. And though she’s now settled down with a daughter and a handsome fiancé, motherhood and matrimony are far from deterrents. It’s what you can’t have that you crave most, after all.
Marisa Miller—The All-American
Like a vision from a Beach Boys song, California girl Marisa Miller is the sole American Angel. Given her tight, toned physique, it’s no surprise the bombshell is also a natural athlete. Marisa was a volleyball star in high school and (outside of strutting full-force down the mile-long Victoria’s Secret runway) stays active by surfing and boxing. She became an Angel in 2007, and though her career as a model shows no signs of slowing down, the self-confessed sports fanatic has her sights set on becoming a sportscaster. “I can pick up any sport pretty quickly,” the Angel once boasted. “Believe me, I know how to throw a football.”
Miranda Kerr—Best Smile
Sure, a great smile is requisite for any Angel, but Miranda Kerr’s is particularity outstanding. Maybe it’s those adorable dimples or beaming blue eyes, but when Miranda takes the stage she ignites the runway with irresistible effervescence. Her girl-next-door looks have garnered praise and scored Miranda lucrative deals with brands like Clinique, and it didn’t take long for Victoria’s Secret to come calling. So what’s got Miranda smiling so brightly? It could be all the career success, but we wouldn’t be surprised if it also has something to do with fellow sexy Aussie Orlando Bloom, whom the model has been dating since 2007 (the same year she got her wings!).
Doutzen Kroes—The New Girl
Doutzen Kroes is the latest in a line of girls to make the jump from high-fashion darling to mainstream superstardom. Since gracing the cover of French Elle at 19, the Dutch wunderkind has walked virtually every designer runway, from Valentino to Christian Dior couture. Vogue even named her one of the world’s Next Top Models and she was featured on the cover of the May 2007 Model issue. With full lips and charming demeanor, Doutzen—who earned her wings in 2008—is the perfect addition to the international cast of beauties.
Behati Prinsloo—Most School Spirit
Some girls are too special to not get wings. Though she doesn’t jet set around the world with the others, Behati Prinsloo serves as a titular Angel for her gig as the spokesmodel for Victoria’s Secret Pink collection. The South African beauty surely has all the credentials for Angeldom, as she’s been a fashion favorite since she debuted as an exclusive at the Prada and Miu Miu shows in Milan and Paris in 2005. Behati signed on as the face of Pink in 2008, and her first appearance on the Victoria’s Secret runway also came that same year. Now Behati is primed to take her spot alongside fellow supermodels as a winged wonder to behold. ~ Tim Mitchell
