A flea market encounter in Durban at age 15 transitioned Candice Swanepoel from a farm upbringing in Mooi River, South Africa, into an international modeling career. She achieved global recognition through her long-standing collaboration with Victoria's Secret, eventually becoming an official Angel in 2010 and wearing the 10 million dollar Royal Fantasy Bra during the 2013 runway show.
Professional Trajectory
Swanepoel attended boarding school at St. Anne's Diocesan College in Hilton before pursuing professional modeling. Her portfolio includes editorials for major international editions of Vogue, Elle, GQ, and Harper's Bazaar. She has walked runways for high-profile fashion houses including Chanel, Fendi, Givenchy, Christian Dior, and Versace. Beyond editorial work, she has featured in campaigns for brands such as Tom Ford, Miu Miu, and Ralph Lauren.
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Her association with Victoria's Secret began in 2007. By 2010, she was a featured model in the brand's SWIM catalog and opened their inaugural retail store in Canada at the West Edmonton Mall. Her 2013 selection to wear the Royal Fantasy Bra, a piece crafted by Mouawad featuring over 4,200 precious gems including diamonds and rubies, marked a significant milestone in her commercial career. In 2018, she expanded her professional scope by launching her own swimwear line, Tropic of C.
Economic Impact and Recognition
Forbes consistently tracked her professional growth, placing her on their list of top-earning models starting in 2010. She moved from 10th place with 3 million dollars in earnings to 8th place by 2016, with annual earnings reaching 7 million dollars. Her public profile has been marked by inclusions in various industry polls, including Maxim's 2014 Hot 100 List, and she received the Woman of the Year award from Revolve in 2019.
Philanthropic Engagement
Swanepoel serves as a patron and global ambassador for mothers2mothers, a non-profit organization focused on eliminating HIV transmission to infants. Her involvement includes designing denim products for the charity to support their objective of achieving an HIV-free generation for mothers and children across Africa.
Fast facts
- Born: 20 October 1988, Mooi River, South Africa
- Citizenship: South Africa
- Languages: English, Portuguese, Afrikaans
- Victoria's Secret Angel status: 2010
- 2013 Royal Fantasy Bra value: 10 million dollars
- Own label launch: Tropic of C, 2018
- Primary charity: mothers2mothers
Questions readers ask
What languages does Candice Swanepoel speak?
She is fluent in Afrikaans, English, and Portuguese.
When did she launch her own swimwear brand?
She launched her swimwear collection, Tropic of C, in 2018.
Achievements
- Worked as model
