Candice Susan Swanepoel first saw the world on October 20, 1988, in Mooi River, South Africa. Her journey began far from the fashion runways she would later command.
Her path to becoming a top model started with her distinct look. Standing 5 ft 10 in tall, with blonde hair and blue eyes, she possessed the physical attributes that quickly caught the industry’s attention at a young age.
The cornerstone of her career arrived in 2010 when she earned her wings as a Victoria’s Secret Angel. This role propelled her to global recognition and cemented her status in the fashion world.
Her success translated into notable commercial achievements. In 2016, she ranked 8th on the Forbes list of top-earning models, a testament to her industry standing.
Fluent in Afrikaans, English, and Portuguese, her multilingual skills showcase an adaptability that serves her well across international markets. This profile traces her remarkable path from farm girl origins to international supermodel.
Early Life and the Journey from Farm Girl to Runway
Growing up surrounded by cattle and farmland, her childhood was far removed from fashion runways. The dairy farm in Mooi River, South Africa, grounded her in practical work and family values.
Growing Up in Mooi River, South Africa
Her family roots blended diverse backgrounds. Father Willem came from Zimbabwe with Dutch Afrikaner heritage. Mother Eileen brought British origins. Together they raised two children on the farm.
Life involved hands-on chores from dawn to dusk. She helped with milking and even delivered calves. This farm girl upbringing built resilience and work ethic.
Education came at St. Anne’s Diocesan College in Hilton. The boarding school provided structure away from rural life. Her older brother Stephen shared this formative journey.
Early Interests: Ballet and a Passion for Modeling
Ballet training offered artistic expression during her youth. The discipline of dance contrasted with farm work. Yet modeling never entered her mind as a career path.
Veterinary medicine seemed the logical future for an animal-loving farm girl. The discovery at age 15 changed everything. A scout spotted her at a Durban flea market.
| Aspect | Farm Life | Modeling Career |
|---|---|---|
| Environment | Rural South Africa | International runways |
| Daily Focus | Animal care, chores | Photoshoots, fittings |
| Skills Used | Physical labor, patience | Posing, walking, expression |
| Career Vision | Veterinary medicine | Fashion industry |
The transition from Mooi River to global fashion was dramatic. Candice Swanepoel’s early life prepared her for unexpected success. Farm discipline became runway confidence.
Career Milestones as a Victoria’s Secret Angel
At just fifteen years old, a chance encounter at a Durban flea market would redirect her life’s path from rural South Africa to global fashion runways. This discovery marked the beginning of an extraordinary modeling career.
Breaking into the Fashion Industry at 15
That pivotal moment at age fifteen launched her into local shoots. By her late teens, she worked with elite fashion houses like Dolce & Gabbana and Tommy Hilfiger.
Her editorial presence expanded across Vogue editions worldwide. This global reach established her as a versatile model ready for major campaigns.
The Iconic Victoria’s Secret Breakthrough
Her relationship with Victoria’s Secret began in 2007. Three years later, she earned the coveted Victoria’s Secret Angel status.
This promotion cemented her position in the fashion industry. The brand’s campaigns and TV spots became central to her career during these years.
Memorable Runway Moments and Signature Looks
The 2013 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show delivered her career’s defining moment. She wore the $10 million “Royal Fantasy Bra” featuring over 4,200 gems.
That same year, she graced the cover of the Victoria’s Secret Swim Catalogue. Her athletic physique and signature look made her a fan favorite.
| Career Phase | Key Achievements | Time Period |
|---|---|---|
| Early Modeling | Editorials in international Vogue editions, runway shows for luxury brands | 2006-2009 |
| Victoria’s Secret Angel | Fantasy Bra wearer, Swim Catalogue cover, global campaigns | 2010-2017 |
| Entrepreneurial Shift | Launched Tropic of C swimwear line, maintained industry relevance | 2018-present |
Her return to the Victoria’s Secret runway in 2025 after a seven-year gap demonstrated lasting power. Candice Swanepoel’s career continues to evolve while maintaining her fashion icon status.
Candice Swanepoel: A Look at the Model’s Personal Life
Her fluency in Portuguese hints at the deep personal connection that would define much of Swanepoel’s life off the catwalk. This linguistic skill came directly from her relationship with Brazilian model Hermann Nicoli.
Relationships and Life Beyond the Runway
She met Hermann Nicoli in Paris when she was just 17. Their relationship spanned over a decade, culminating in an engagement announcement in August 2015.
The couple welcomed their first son, Anacan, in October 2016. His name carries indigenous Amazonian roots from Nicoli’s native Brazil. Their second son, Ariel, arrived in June 2018.
Their relationship ended acrimoniously in November 2018. Since then, Candice Swanepoel has focused on co-parenting her two sons with Nicoli. She splits her time between Brazil and New York City.
Brief rumors connected her with Harry Styles in 2023, but these faded quickly. She confirmed her single status in a 2019 Instagram Q&A.
Navigating Motherhood and Family Life
Motherhood transformed Swanepoel’s perspective completely. She described her life as “starting over” when she met her first baby.
Raising two children under two was “pretty intense” but “amazing,” she told PEOPLE. She cherished watching the bond between her sons develop.
On Ariel’s fourth birthday, she celebrated his “cool, strong, carefree” personality. Her children remain her priority amid modeling commitments.
The model balances work in New York with family time. Her journey as a mother continues to shape her life beyond the fashion world.
Legacy and Impact on the Fashion World
Her impact on modeling extends far beyond the Victoria’s Secret catwalk, shaping business and charitable endeavors. This model’s career demonstrates how modern professionals balance commercial success with meaningful work.
Global Recognition and Earnings Milestones
Candice Swanepoel’s financial achievements tell a story of steady growth. She debuted at No. 10 on Forbes’ earning models list with $3 million in 2010-2011.
By 2016, she reached No. 8 with $7 million annually. Public recognition came through FHM’s “Sexiest Women” polls and Maxim’s No. 1 ranking in 2014.
Recent honors include Revolve’s Woman of the Year in 2019. Her Tropic of C swimwear line earned Launch of the Year awards.
| Year | Forbes Ranking | Earnings | Key Recognition |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010-2011 | No. 10 | $3 million | FHM Sexiest Women (No. 61) |
| 2013 | No. 9 | $3.3 million | Maxim Hot 100 (No. 1) |
| 2015 | No. 8 | $5 million | FHM Sexiest Women (No. 36) |
| 2016 | No. 8 | $7 million | Top South African Model |
Influence on Modern Fashion and Modeling Trends
The Victoria’s Secret Angel helped shift industry standards. Her athletic physique became celebrated in fashion circles.
Swanepoel paved the way for models building business ventures. She showed how personal brands could extend beyond modeling work.
Her charitable work with mothers2mothers demonstrates platform use for social good. As a global ambassador, she supports HIV-free generations in Africa.
This model’s legacy redefines success in the fashion industry. It combines commercial achievement with entrepreneurial spirit and social responsibility.
Reflections on a Storied Journey in Modeling
From milking cows on a South African farm to walking international runways, her path was anything but predictable. This journey began when a scout spotted the fifteen-year-old girl at a Durban flea market.
That chance encounter required a family leap of faith. Her brother Stephen and parents supported her entry into an unknown world. Her farm upbringing provided the resilience needed for modeling’s demands.
Candice Swanepoel’s story resonates because it remains authentic. The South African roots kept her grounded through global fame. Her journey proves that seizing unexpected opportunities can redefine a life.
