Who is Sara Sampaio? Victoria’s Secret model and university graduate – here’s what we know
THIS brunette beauty has been crowned Best Female Model at the Portuguese Golden Globes five times, and her impressive journey shows no signs of slowing down.
Sara Sampaio has won the award every year since 2011 - with the exception of 2013.
The Victoria's Secret Angel, who recently walked in the 2016 Paris show, was also the first Portuguese model to appear in the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue.
The magazine labelled Sara Rookie of the Year, after featuring her in the 2014 selection.
Here we tell you everything you need to know about the 25-year-old beach babe.
What was her journey to the VS catwalk?
Stunning Sara was born to strict parents - who would not allow her to drop out of school to pursue a career in modelling.
She was spotted when she was just 15 years old, but was made to wait another year until she could enter competitions.
At the age of 16, Sara won a hair modelling competition contest, which led to her starring in an advert and becoming signed to an agency.
But Sara's parents made her finish high school before going professional, which she did alongside a part-time degree at University of Lisbon.
Sara's dream was always to work for Victoria's Secret. Her agency sent head shots to the brand's bosses, but Sara didn't get picked.
Finally, in 2013, Sara was asked to walk the infamous runway - and she earned her Angel wings last year.
What are her other career achievements?
Sara has appeared on the cover of Portuguese Vogue, as was labelled the 'eighth wonder of the world' in the launch issue of Portuguese GQ.
She has also graced the covers of Vogue, Marie Claire, Maxim, Elle, Harper's Bazaar and GQ magazines.
While last year, Maxim included her in a list of 'the 20 most beautiful Angels of all time'.
This year alone, Sara has modelled for Jean Paul Gaultier, Balmain, Miu Miu, Tommy Hilfiger, Marc Jacobs, Moschino, Dolce & Gabanna and Missoni.
Anything else we should know?
Sara grew up in the outskirts of Porto, Portugal, before making the big move to New York City to start her career.
The model has been snapped naked in the past - and has said in the past that she considers nudity empowering, and a form of artistic expression.
In an interview with Vogue, she said: "At the end of the day, we were born naked, and that's the way we are gonna go."
Sara feels passionately that people should be comfortable in their own shape and size, and has spoken out against skinny shaming of VS models in the past.
She is currently dating British millionaire businessman Oliver Ripley, the 33-year-old founder of tech firm Black Ocean.
Oliver was previously married to Brazilian supermodel Jeisa Chiminazzo.
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