Numéro Netherlands proudly features Candice Swanepoel on our latest cover, photographed by Agata Serge. Candice, known for her tenure as one of Victoria’s Secret’s iconic Angels, has left an indelible mark in the worlds of fashion and entertainment. In 2018, she launched Tropic of C, an eco-conscious swimwear brand that later expanded into activewear. Recently, she showcased her expertise as a guest judge on Netflix’s fashion design series, Next in Fashion. Dive into her full feature in our upcoming #10 issue, hitting stores this May.
photography AGATA SERGE
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 FORWARD ARTISTS 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
The magazine previewed her interview on their website:
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.
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.
RELATED LINKS
Photoshoots> > Agata Serge
RELATED LINKS
SCREEN CAPTURES > VICTORIA’S SECRET > COMMERCIALS > BOMBSHELL (2024)
VICTORIA’S SECRET > 2024 > BOMBSHELL
Candice Swanepoel is the Celia Kritharioti Haute Couture Bride pic.twitter.com/X7hu4LFM1c
— LOUIS PISANO (@LouisPisano) January 23, 2024
Candice Swanepoel at Celia Kritharioti Haute Couture pic.twitter.com/i8zwnfzaeu
— LOUIS PISANO (@LouisPisano) January 23, 2024
FASHION SHOWS > 2024 > SPRING/SUMMER > CELIA KRITHARIOTI (HAUTE COUTURE)
Candice Swanepoel is Miss January on the new Rhode campaign inspired by the Pirelli calendars.
Bieber also stars in the cleanser’s launch campaign, which includes Candice Swanepoel, Ajok Daing and Bianca Blakeney. “I thought for a long time about doing a Rhode calendar; I’ve always loved the vintage Pirelli calendars and was very inspired by that,” Bieber said. “This felt like the right time because this cleanser is for every day, every week, every month of the year. It works in every climate.”
You can join the wait-list of the new Rhode pineapple refresh cleanser at Rhode Skin website.
RELATED LINKS
ADVERTISEMENT & CAMPAIGNS > 2024 > RHODE
SCREEN CAPTURES > CAMPAIGNS > 2024 > RHODE
“Dive into a world of wonder” is an invitation to dive into a world full of mystery and wonder, where the grace of the unknown is found in every detail of the pieces, with unique designs and vibrant colors inspired by the transformative power of the mushroom kingdom.
Agua Bendita announces its collaboration with Top Model Candice Swanepoel‘s brand Tropic of C to present a special collection that embodies the creative vision of its designers and co-founders, Catalina Alvarez and Mariana Hinestroza.
“Dive into a world of wonder” the new Tropic of C x Agua Bendita collection is inspired by the magical enchantment of nature and the power of femininity, with unique designs and vibrant colors.
“Dive into a world of wonder” is an invitation to dive into a world full of mystery and wonder, where the grace of the unknown is found in every detail of the pieces, with unique designs and vibrant colors inspired by the transformative power of the mushroom kingdom.
The Tropic of C x Agua Bendita collection features a wide variety of swimwear, ready-to-wear and accessories, including silhouettes for men, boys and babies, with delicate handmade details that highlight the Colombian brand’s heritage.
The United States remains a market of maximum interest for the Colombian firm, a market it now reaches through its own stores, collaborations, alliances and retail presence. However, Agua Bendita is present in 60 countries around the world and is close to marketing one million garments annually.
Agua Bendita is a brand that was created in 2003, as a result of the friendship between Catalina Alvarez and Mariana Hinestroza. At first, they started selling swimwear to family and friends. The response was so good that four years later, in 2007, they made their first export. Most of the employees of this brand are women. In addition to the craftsmanship and manual work, there is another element: an interest in sustainability. For this reason, they work with suppliers that comply with environmental legislation and also seek to reduce their impact on and care for nature.
Sources
RELATED LINKS
TROPIC OF C > COLLECTIONS > AGUA BENDITA
GNP Seguros released their Christmas campaign starring Alessandra Ambrosio and Candice Swanepoel under the title «Celebrar Es Vivir y Vivir Es Increíble»
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJkSajEcpqE
RELATED LINKS
Candice Swanepoel hosted on December 04 a joint event for Tropic of C with Kimberly Drew and Vogue.
For the event she wore the new mesh sleeveless top in henna ($125), mesh skirt in henna ($125) and rio top in henna ($90) from their last collection available to shop.
RELATED LINKS
Public Appearances > 2023 > Dec 04 – Candice Swanepoel and Kimberly Drew host an intimate Basel luncheon with Vogue 100
