IN CONVERSATION WITH CANDICE SWANEPOEL

interview by JANA LETONJA

South African supermodel, entrepreneur and philanthropist CANDICE SWANEPOEL is a familiar face in the worlds of both fashion and entertainment. Renowned for her distinguished tenure as one of the iconic Angels of VICTORIA’S SECRET, she has graced the pages of numerous magazines, starred in major campaigns, and walked down countless runways. In 2018, she ventured beyond modelling and unveiled her brand, TROPIC OF C, offering ethically sourced eco-lifestyle swimwear. Two years later, the brand would expand into activewear, drawing inspiration from Candice’s own ballet and dance background. Recently, Candice served as a guest judge on the swimwear challenge episode of Netflix’s acclaimed fashion design series, NEXT IN FASHION. 

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You were the first South African model to walk the VICTORIA’S SECRET FASHION SHOW. What are some of your favourite memories from the years of being a VS ANGEL?
Reflecting on the past 12 years I’ve spent with VICTORIA’S SECRET, there are countless memories that stand out to me as a VS Angel. One of the major highlights for me was definitely our annual swim trips. On these trips, I was given the opportunity to explore some of the world’s most stunning beaches and locations with the VICTORIA’S SECRET team. It was such an unforgettable experience. And of course, I treasure all of the relationships I built with the VS team. Working closely with the same crew for years, we became like a tight-knit family. The bonds formed during those shoots and shows are something I value immensely. I’ve made friendships and shared beautiful moments with individuals who have continued to be a part of my life even beyond my career with VICTORIA’S SECRET. 

What inspired you to launch TROPIC OF C, your own brand and an eco-lifestyle one at that?
The vision of TROPIC OF C began to take shape in between me having my two sons, at a time when I was contemplating the mark I wanted to leave on the world beyond my modelling career. As the industry shifted and evolved, so did my aspirations, and I recognised an opportunity to channel my creativity and aesthetic into something deeply personal that I could share with everyone. 

Having experienced the ins and outs of the modelling world for years, I felt a strong urge to explore new ventures and challenge myself by entering the realm of business. I wanted the freedom to make decisions that reflected my values and showed my unique perspective at every step, from designing to shooting to customer interactions. 

Sustainability has always been a core value for me, rooted in my upbringing in South Africa and my deep connection to nature. Witnessing the environmental impact of the fashion industry first-hand, I was determined to create a brand that not only resonated with my aesthetic, but also aligned with my commitment to sustainability. 

As a result, TROPIC OF C emerged as a labor of creative love, driven by a deep-seated passion to make a positive contribution on the world. For me, TROPIC OF C is not solely existent for the sake of profitability, but for the sake of crafting a brand that embodies my values and allows me to leave a meaningful legacy for future generations. 

How has motherhood changed your perspective on balancing personal and professional life? 
Motherhood changes everything. It has completely shifted my viewpoint on finding the balance between my personal and professional life. It’s like a whole new lens through which I view everything. Once you’re a mother, you really begin to make decisions from a different place. Balancing my career, running a business and caring for my children isn’t easy, but there’s a certain intuition I’ve found that kicks in amidst it all. I’ve learned to listen to my instincts and prioritise accordingly, knowing when my children need my undivided attention and always putting them first.

Being a mother has also highlighted the importance of setting a positive example for my children. They see up-close and first-hand the dedication and hard work I put into my endeavours, and I believe it’s crucial for them to witness the values of perseverance and determination. 

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READ FULL INTERVIEW IN OUR #10 ISSUE
PRE-ORDER HERE

TEAM CREDITS:

talent CANDICE SWANEPOEL
photography AGATA SERGE
video direction AGATA SERGE
dop SZYMON GOSLAWSKI
styling SARAH GORE REEVES at ALTERED AGENCY
producer JEAN JARVIS at AREA1202
hair HESTER WERNERT RIJN for AUTHENTICBEAUTYCONCEPT at WSManagement – UKYSAH, MOGEEN, BEAUTYSOURCENL
makeup CAROLINA GONZALEZ at A-FRAME using ARMANI BEAUTY
photography assistant SZYMON GOSLAWSKI
senior fashion assistant DANIEL ZEPEDA
hair assistant NIKA PEARL-EDWARDS at ROBPEETOOMNYC
makeup assistant MELANIE TORRES
production coordinator DEVON JARVIS
studio UNTITLED NYC
photo lab ART LAB
editor TIMI LETONJA
interview JANA LETONJA
cover design ARTHUR ROELOFFZEN
production and pr UPRISING PRODUCTIONS and OLGA LEVENTIS