Candice Swanepoel: Where is South African expat supermodel now – and what’s next?
From Mooi River to the world, South Africa’s own Candice Swanepoel is redefining success – as a mother, model, and founder of her sustainable swimwear brand.
There’s something undeniably special about Candice Swanepoel.
Maybe it’s the calm confidence that comes with years of experience, or the grace of a woman who’s built an international career without ever losing her South African warmth.
Whatever it is, at 37, she’s as radiant and relevant as ever.
Born in Mooi River in KwaZulu-Natal, Candice’s story reads like a modern fairytale.
Discovered by a model scout at just 15 while browsing a flea market in Durban, she was walking international runways before most of us had finished high school.
Her long blonde hair, piercing blue eyes, and effortless stride made her stand out instantly – a rare blend of strength and softness.
Becoming a Victoria’s Secret Angel
Candice Swanepoel’s big break came when she joined the Victoria’s Secret family in 2007, just a few years after being discovered.
Her first runway appearance for the brand quickly set her apart – not just for her striking beauty, but for her graceful, almost ethereal walk that seemed to glide down the runway.
By 2010, she had officially earned her Victoria’s Secret Angel wings, becoming the only South African to ever achieve that status.
Over the next decade, she became one of the brand’s most recognisable faces – starring in countless campaigns and walking in every major show.
Her crowning moment came in 2013, when she was chosen to wear the coveted Royal Fantasy Bra, valued at an astonishing $10 million.
Encrusted with rubies, diamonds, and yellow sapphires, it was a career-defining moment that solidified her place among the most iconic Angels of all time.
A Model, a Mother, and a Muse
Fast forward to today, and Candice is no longer just one of the world’s top supermodels – she’s a businesswoman, a philanthropist, and, perhaps most importantly, a proud mom.
She shares two sons, Anacã (9) and Ariel (7), with her former partner, Brazilian model Hermann Nicoli.
Motherhood, she’s said, changed how she viewed beauty and success: “Becoming a mother makes you stronger and more confident – you appreciate your body for what it can do.”
This year, she made headlines once again with her stunning return to the 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, where she glided down the runway in a golden ensemble that drew cheers from the crowd.
It wasn’t just a comeback – it was a celebration of experience, resilience, and timeless allure.
Building Her Brand: Tropic of C
When she’s not walking international runways, Candice Swanepoel pours her energy into her sustainable swimwear brand, Tropic of C, which she launched in 2018.
Inspired by her love of the ocean and her South African roots, the label focuses on ethical production and sleek, minimalist designs that mirror her personal style – understated yet undeniably powerful.
Staying Grounded in Her South African Roots
Though she divides her time between New York and Brazil, South Africa remains close to her heart.
Candice often speaks fondly of her childhood on a dairy and beef farm in Mooi River – a place that taught her humility, hard work, and a deep connection to nature.
That groundedness continues to shape who she is today – a woman who has conquered global catwalks but still finds peace in simplicity.
She may be one of the world’s most recognisable supermodels, but her story is still, at its heart, a South African one – rooted in grace, grit, and the courage to keep evolving.