Candice Swanepoel, one of Victoria’s Secret’s most iconic Angels, opens up about the powerful impact of the fashion show, confessing that even after years, she still gets nervous but finds strength in the sisterhood and the opportunity to feel “gorgeous.”
For over a decade, Candice Swanepoel has graced the runways and campaigns of the fashion world, but her association with Victoria’s Secret remains one of her most defining roles. Known globally as a Victoria’s Secret Angel since 2010, Swanepoel recently offered a refreshingly honest glimpse into the glamorous yet high-pressure world of the iconic fashion show, revealing a profound sense of empowerment despite lingering nerves.
Speaking to Us Weekly, the supermodel admitted that even after numerous appearances, the anticipation never fades. “I don’t think [nervousness] ever goes away,” she stated, adding, “I always want to do my best, and each year I get more nervous, to be honest.” Yet, she approaches the spectacle with a powerful personal mantra: “Just breathe through it and try to have fun.” Her reflections highlight the dual nature of her role—both a challenging performance and a source of deep personal strength.
The Angel’s Honest Confession: More Than Just Glamour
What truly sets Swanepoel’s perspective apart is her candidness about self-perception. In a world that often projects an image of unattainable perfection, she confessed, “Like today, we’re these powerful, gorgeous women, and in my day-to-day life, I don’t feel like that. It really represents, like, reminding myself of my power.” This statement resonates deeply, offering a humanizing insight into the experience of being a supermodel and underscoring the empowering aspect of stepping onto the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show stage. Her transparency transforms the runway from a mere spectacle into a platform for personal affirmation.
From Mooi River to Global Catwalk
Born on October 20, 1988, in Mooi River, Natal, South Africa, Candice Susan Swanepoel grew up on a farm, far removed from the dazzling lights of international fashion. Her early life included ballet, a discipline that perhaps honed her graceful runway presence. Her journey into modeling began at the remarkably young age of 15 when she was discovered by a model scout in a Durban flea market. This unexpected encounter paved the way for a career that would transform her into a global icon.
The Victoria’s Secret Journey: Wings, Glamour, and the Fantasy Bra
Swanepoel made her debut on the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show runway in 2007, solidifying her status as an Angel in 2010. Over the years, she became one of the brand’s most recognizable faces, starring in numerous campaigns, including the coveted “Swim” catalog. A pinnacle of her VS career came in 2013 when she was chosen to wear the illustrious “Royal Fantasy Bra.”
This legendary garment, created by Mouawad, was valued at a staggering $10 million. It featured over 4,200 precious gems, including rubies, diamonds, and yellow sapphires, set in 18-carat gold, with a spectacular 52-carat pear-shaped ruby at its center. Swanepoel recalls this moment as her top favorite memory, telling Us Weekly, “Opening the show in the Fantasy Bra is probably [my] top [favorite memory].” The intricate details of this magnificent piece are chronicled on Mouawad’s official site, confirming its extraordinary craftsmanship and value. Her performance in the Royal Fantasy Bra remains an iconic moment in Victoria’s Secret history.
Beyond the Lingerie: A Diversified Career
While synonymous with Victoria’s Secret, Swanepoel’s career extends far beyond lingerie. She has walked for illustrious designers such as Fendi, Chanel, Dolce and Gabbana, and Versace. Her face has graced the covers and editorials of major fashion publications like American, Italian, British, and Japanese Vogue, as well as Harper’s Bazaar and Elle across various international editions. She has also fronted campaigns for high-profile brands including Tom Ford, Givenchy, and Chanel.
In 2018, Swanepoel leveraged her expertise and passion for swimwear to launch her own collection, Tropic of C. The brand quickly gained recognition, earning her the “Launch of the Year” award at the 5th annual Daily Front Row awards. Her entrepreneurial success further cemented her influence in the fashion industry.
Her financial achievements are equally impressive. Candice Swanepoel consistently ranked among the top-earning models globally. In 2016, she was listed 8th on the Forbes Top-Earning Models list, with estimated earnings of $7 million, as detailed in reports from Forbes.
A Life of Impact: Personal Endeavors and Philanthropy
Away from the cameras, Swanepoel leads a rich personal life. She is fluent in Afrikaans, English, and Portuguese, the latter learned from her former partner and father of her two sons, Hermann Nicoli. The couple, who met when she was 17, were engaged in 2015 before their split in 2018.
Philanthropy is also a significant part of her life. Swanepoel is deeply involved with Mothers2Mothers, a charity dedicated to creating an “HIV-free generation” for children and mothers in Africa. She has designed denim for the cause and, in May 2019, became a patron and global ambassador for the organization. More information about her work and the charity’s mission can be found on the Mothers2Mothers official website.
Sisterhood of the Angels
The bond between the Victoria’s Secret Angels is a source of strength and support, as revealed by Swanepoel. She described a genuine “sisterhood” among the models, emphasizing that they “are always catching up with each other.” Despite demanding schedules, they find opportunities to connect, whether at jobs or through dedicated group chats.
These chats, Swanepoel humorously revealed, have distinct themes. For the Angel mothers, there’s a group aptly named “Mamas.” For more lighthearted, candid conversations, another chat carries the memorable title, “B****, what the f***?” This glimpse into their camaraderie underscores the real connections forged behind the scenes of one of fashion’s most iconic events.
Candice Swanepoel’s Enduring Legacy
From a farm in South Africa to a global supermodel, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, Candice Swanepoel’s journey is a testament to dedication and authenticity. Her candid reflections on the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show provide a powerful reminder that even in the most glamorous of professions, true strength and empowerment often come from within, and from the bonds forged with others. As she continues to evolve, her legacy as an Angel who brought both beauty and profound honesty to the runway remains firmly established.
