Candice Swanepoel’s journey from a small-town girl in South Africa to an international modeling icon is nothing short of inspiring. Born on October 20, 1988, in Mooi River, she grew up on a dairy farm with her parents, Willem and Eileen, and her older brother, Stephen. Her early years were filled with ballet lessons and dreams of dancing professionally. At the age of 15, her life took a dramatic turn when a modeling scout discovered her at a flea market in Durban. This chance encounter led her to Europe, where she began her modeling career, walking for renowned designers like Tommy Hilfiger and Dolce & Gabbana.
Candice’s rise in the fashion industry was meteoric. In 2007, she made her debut at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, and by 2010, she had earned her wings as an official Victoria’s Secret Angel. Her career reached new heights in 2013 when she was chosen to wear the $10 million “Royal Fantasy Bra,” adorned with over 4,200 precious gems. Beyond Victoria’s Secret, Candice graced the covers of international editions of Vogue, Elle, and Harper’s Bazaar, and walked the runways for luxury brands such as Chanel, Fendi, and Versace.
In 2018, Candice ventured into entrepreneurship by launching her own swimwear line, Tropic of C. The brand reflects her commitment to sustainability, offering eco-friendly designs that blend fashion with environmental consciousness. Tropic of C’s success was recognized when it won the Launch of the Year award at the 5th Annual Daily Front Row Awards. Candice’s business acumen and dedication to ethical fashion have solidified her status as a savvy entrepreneur.