Divine Candice

Candice Swanepoel dishes on Tropic of C and quarantine.

The Daily Front Row released a new interview with Candice for their Summer issue, now avalaible at issuu.

Candice Swanepoel has spent a good part of her career wearing bathing suits, so it’s only fitting that eventually she’d bank on her killer bod and start her own line. The 31-year-old supermodel became an instant entrepreneur when she launched Tropic of C, an ecologically responsible swimwear line that women can’t get enough of. Here, she tells THE DAILY all about this hit venture and what got her to stop and smell the roses.

How have you spent the past few months in quarantine?
I’ve been spending a lot of time in nature, outside with my boys. It’s been a blessing not having to travel like I normally do.

What did you learn about yourself?
I focused a lot on myself and my kids, and took a break from social media. I’ve been thinking about the things that are most important to me. And the things that aren’t necessary. The quarantine has been a time of rest and reflection.

What did you miss about working?
I miss traveling to new places, and I miss the teams of incredible people that I work with.Your swimwear brand, Tropic of C, is a favorite at The Daily. How has it evolved over the years, and how do you describe it to new customers?
The brand keeps evolving, and it’s so rewarding to see that every day we reach more women in all corners of the world. We have a solid swimwear presence and have connected with customers via some of our best sellers, like the Mama Africa collection or the C Collection, while introducing new fashion styles and diversifying our offerings. For example, this season we collaborated with a female artisan group in Peru and made beautiful hand-knitted crochet tops. We also introduced our first collection of knit separates in stripes and organic cotton T-shirts that can be worn to the beach and beyond. Tropic of C is a brand for conscious consumers; I wanted our customer to wear the pieces because they love the look and feel but also what we stand for.

The brand is ecologically responsible, which is tough in the swimwear category. Tell us how you’re accomplishing this.
Since the beginning when I was creating branding, I really wanted to create a brand that was conscious of its impact on the planet and use new innovations to create products that continually aim to reduce the environmental impact of our production through ongoing sustainable fabric development and refining our manufacturing processes. We focused in two areas—our fabrics and our packaging. Most of our fabrics used upcycled or regenerated nylon. This means we bring very little virgin nylon, closing the loop by participating in a circular economy. Also our prints are done digitally, drastically reducing water usage and electricity but also waste. In the case of our packaging, we are proud our bags and mailer are made out of bioplastics that are biodegradable and compostable. Our main labels also use recycled polyester, and our hang tags are made from bamboo, while our envelopes use stone paper. We spent a lot of time on these details, and we do pay a premium, but we know our customer cares and it fulfills the promise we made on our mission as a brand and a team.

Where does your passion for the environment come from?
I grew up on a farm in South Africa, where I was always playing outside with my brother. Appreciation for nature is something that was instilled in me from a young age, and I continue to have a great passion and appreciation for the environment.

What have some of your best sellers been over the years?
Some of our best sellers are our most classic and simple silhouettes and our favorites from the beginning. The C Collection is very identifiable because we use extra thin cording, and our stitching all around is quite difficult to execute. We wanted to create these styles with minimal seams to be very delicate and feminine. South Pacific—in both black and in leopard—resonates with customers all over the world; it has a retro corset look that is flattering, making it an instant classic. Our Mama Africa print grew into a collection of numerous styles. This classic leopard print is quite iconic and continues to be a favorite. We’re growing it even further for Resort.

Where are you selling the line?
We sell via our own e-commerce, tropicofc.com, where we have the collection in full. We have partnered with an amazing set of multibrand retailers around the world—Selfridges in the U.K., Moda Operandi, My Theresa, and Luisa Via Roma as luxury online retailers, and Holt Renfrew in Canada as part of their sustainable Holt project presentation. We recently launched at Bandier and will be opening a pop-up at Fred Segal in Los Angeles for two months to give our customers a chance to shop the collection in person.

What’s your favorite part of working on the line?
Fittings are definitely my favorite part, and when all my creative input comes to life. We transform styles and create new ways of finishing, adding details, and making sure my ideas are executed. It also triggers my fantasies on how to shoot the styles, what location, and with who.

You also model your own designs. Is there anything different about modeling your own creations?
Yes, I’m not only the model but also the art director on our shoots, so I get to apply all I learned working with so many amazing photographers, stylists, and creatives. My work in front of the camera is only a piece. I’m very involved in the planning of the photo shoots and campaigns, creating mood boards, casting other models, editing the images, and how we present and launch the collections on our channels.

Any fun plans for this summer?
Depending on the situation, I hope that I am able to spend some time at the beach with my boys.

Quarantine was a time for self-improvement for a lot of people. What did you accomplish during the experience?I’ve had a couple of different stages during this quarantine. At first I was cooking like a maniac and impressed myself with my talents in the kitchen, then I started gardening and spending more time outside. Now I’m in an organizing period, going through my home and throwing out things I don’t need and clearing my space for new energy to flow. I’m all about minimalism and thinking about my goals for the future. I definitely needed a break from the fast pace of the world and have enjoyed having this moment to stop and smell the roses.

Tropic of C avalaible now at Bandier

Tropic of C shared via Instagram Stories that they sell now on a new stockist, Bandier.

Check out now the pieces avalaible.

Photos from Bandier’s web:

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Tropic of C avalaible now at LUISAVIAROMA

Exciting news! Tropic of C keeps growing and now is avalaible on a new e-commerce, LUISAVIAROMA.

Currently they have 16 pieces avalaible including coco in red, the C in mama africa and equator in hibiscus/poppy.

TROPIC OF C is a brand with purpose, partnering with like-minded people to make a positive impact on the environment & beyond. this vision is realized through our core values of sustainability, empowerment, community and quality. The brand focuses on sustainable production practices and materials, as well as supporting programs and organizations for female empowerment throughout the world. TROPIC OF C also concentrates on the quality of its product, picking timelessness over trends. The brand has created a growing community of empowered women who feel confident in their TROPIC OF C swimwear.

Shop now at LUISAVIAROMA.

Candice Swanepoel for British Vogue July 2020

Some of Vogue’s favourite models dressed up in treasured pieces from their own wardrobes to share lockdown selfies, donating part or all of the featured looks to an online auction in aid of NHS Charities Together. The event will begin on Vogue.hardlyeverwornit.com at 2pm on 9 June and end at 2pm on 12 June. Prints of these images will also be available to buy, for £50 each.

RELATED LINKS

Magazines & Publications > 2020 > British Vogue – July

Candice Swanepoel photographed by Max Papendieck for V Magazine

Josh Otten shared a new photo of Candice’s upcoming work for V Magazine.

She was photographed by Max Papendieck and styled by Elizabeth Sulcer.

Candice Swanepoel featured in a new interview to Logan Hollowell.

Online magazine Bode Magazine featured Candice Swanepoel and Elsa Hosk in a new interview to Logan Hollowell.

Making Jewels For the Modern Goddess
Logan Hollowell has had her hands in the jewelry making business since childhood. Today, that personal connection to her prized and praised gemstones makes her a very sought-after woman.

Jewelry designer, writer, and alchemist, Logan Hollowell spent most of her childhood in nature raised on the outer banks of North Carolina. Instead of plastic Barbie dolls, Hollowell opted to entertain herself with gemstones and crystals. Evidence reigns true that at a very young age Hollowell loved jewelry more than any other craft. “My parents would have to drag me out of jewelry stores and crystal shops,” says Hollowell. Obsessed with the raw beauty and power of jewelry, Hollowell often fell victim to its emanating healing power. “As a child, I would sometimes sneakily dip my hands into mom’s jewelry — and sometimes get in trouble for it. I just couldn’t help myself. I needed jewelry on my body,” says Hollowell. Spending countless hours in jewelry stores, Hollowell not only took personal inventory, but expressed her interest in the various stones and impeccable craftsmanship. From that experience only, Hollowell’s intrigue has since become a part of her. “I have always been obsessed with the beauty and power of jewelry — and will always be. To this day I sleep in my jewelry,” laughs the designer. Ingesting the world around her, Hollowell sought after the life of a designer. Experienced with gems and crystals, collecting and reworking vintage pieces to make into her own, Hollowell’s jewelry designing endeavor officially took off. “[In 2014], I started designing for myself because I struggled to find jewelry on the market that I felt a connection to — pieces that held meaning, healing energy, empowerment, and tangible value,” shares Hollowell.

Displaying her original designs on herself first, fulfilling her desire to fully connect to the accessory she loves most, Hollowell’s exclusive designs continuously became the must-have in public outings. Interested in the stories behind the pieces, Hollowell set up shop and started placing her first round of orders. “At that point, I started to get busy simply through word of mouth and bloggers posting organically — this being at the beginning of the blogger era. So, I knew that there was a market for women desiring jewelry that meant something. Something that could trigger a change inside of them for the better,” explains Hollowell. She coined the name Instant Heirlooms, jewelry backed by magic and intention. Officially launching in 2015, the line started out with just a few pieces that still remain bestsellers today. From the Big Dipper Constellation Earrings, Bull Skull Necklace and the Star Set Rounded Rings, there is no coincidence that the very first designs symbolize freedom, as Hollowell credits for setting her free and inspiring the vision of the brand seen today. Hollowell’s crafted pieces are much more than what meets the eye. Whether a piece has been inscribed with a thoughtful meaning or made with a gemstone, the designer personally selects each piece, design, and gem for its energy and beauty. She designs for the modern goddess.

The modern goddess is evolving. Reaching higher and raising her standards. She is thoughtful and elegant, yet adventurous. She is wise, yet playful. She honors herself and her worth. She cherishes her past, present, and future. “My muse is my customer,” says Hollowell and continues to explain, “Today’s woman deserves to have it all. I make pieces embedded with meaning to remind women of their dreams, loved ones, and memories.” Among her extensive list of influences, the designer credits Mother Nature, the moon, a rose, and the ocean. Constantly inspired by the modern goddess muse, Hollowell believes in the creative process of a muse. “Her evolution and aim to create for her and add value to her life, both physically and metaphysically. It is both challenging and exciting to have a muse that is so dynamic, which is why I am always creating something new for her,” explains Hollowell. Made in Los Angeles, pieces use 14k or 18k recycled gold, ethically sourced gemstones, and diamonds. Pieces that tell stories — created with quality metals, precious and semi-precious stones — every item can be passed down through generations. Designed to last, Hollowell’s take on the origins of the past, present, and future honors ancestry. “I always envisioned creating instant heirlooms,” says Hollowell. Admired by many celebrities — Jenna Dewan, Jennifer Lawrence, and Behati Prinsloo — Hollowell’s name and talents visually rang through high-fashion publications, paparazzi shots, and even among the geniuses at Marvel Studios. The process of Alchemy sparks inspiration for Hollowell. The story of Alchemy is found within a diamond. “Diamonds begin as black coal — through the right amount of pressure — they become light-filled diamonds, unbreakable. I believe we are all diamonds just waiting to discover our selves,” beams Hollowell. Passionate about wellness and self-healing, expression, and empowerment, the designer has since discovered the immediate connections to fashion. Hollowell continuously makes it a point to encourage women to purchase the quality over quantity — to invest in pieces that make them look and feel their best. Going beyond jewelry and spilling into one’s personal life, Hollowell invests in quality relationships and experiences that make them memorable.

“I make jewelry that speaks to experiences and feelings common in every woman’s life, so I don’t see designs favored in certain places. When we do pop-ups in new cities, most customers are excited to see moonstones or use their intuition to find a gemstone they connect with,” explains Hollowell. Inspired by a dream, realizing the divine energy of women, The Queen Collection was created. “In their own right, women deserve the best in every area of life,” says Hollowell as she describes the collection. Pieces within this collection feature gemstones, including moonstones, opals, rubies, emeralds, and diamonds, symbolizing different sources of power and healing properties — for a queen. “Our classic design from this collection is the Queen Water Drop Moonstone Ring. It features a pear-shaped moonstone and hand-set white diamonds in a 14k gold naturally textured halo,” says Hollowell. “The great thing about making fine jewelry is that gold lasts forever and can be worn over lifetimes and that in itself is sustainable. I only connect with partners that honor the principles of my core values as a creator, valuing both quality and sustainability equally.” Says Hollowell. Infusing each piece with meaning — while many pieces in the industry were designed strictly for trend — the designer understood that that approach missed any form of purpose. “Jewelry to me is a physical manifestation of the stories we tell. Since I was little, I’ve believed that jewelry has a healing power when it is attached to something meaningful,” says Hollowell. Her next meaningful step will be launching a bridal collection this Summer. Having done custom engagement rings in the past, the upcoming collection will include a full line of engagement bands, rings and custom options to create the ring of any bride’s dreams. Also in the works is the launch of a capsule collection with WildAid — a wildlife conservation group dedicated to reducing the global consumption of wildlife products. The collection features diamonds, moonstones, and opals while honoring the world’s most endangered species including pangolins, sharks, elephants, lions, and rhinos.

Riding on the revolving evolution of the fashion circuit, Hollowell covets her works to draw new inspiration when a new collection calls. “Right now, I am wearing the 18k Eye of Protection Coin on our Alchemy Charm Necklace with Diamond Hoop Closure. It represents strength and protection and is with the times,” describes the designer as she points out each piece with pride. Continuing, “Above that, I am wearing my Baby Unity Necklace with Pave Diamonds. I feel very connected to its meaning of the sacred balance of feminine and masculine energy,” the designer explains. Drawing inspiration from fashion trends, Hollowell is mostly inspired by the delicate fusion between designing for today and making a piece that will always be relevant. She calls it “with the times, but timeless.” Much like the adaptability of women, many pieces within her collections can easily transition by changing out a charm and mixing up lengths of chain styles. That same adaptability brings out the inner magic of any and every woman, and these pieces remind her of that with every wear. Concluding, Hollowell’s wisdom is far beyond her years and valuable in inspiring women today and every day. “I hope you take the time to honor yourself, your loved ones, and to follow your heart into the direction of your dreams. I hope you learn not to take life too seriously — that the purpose of your existence is to create and add meaning and value to your life and the lives of others. You are magic.”

Harper’s Bazaar releases bts video of Candice Swanepoel’s editorial

Harper’s Bazaar has released the behind the scenes video of Candice Swanepoel‘s photoshoot for their May issue taken by David Yarrow in Rwanda back in December.

Candice Swanepoel for Harper’s Bazaar USA May 2020.

Harper’s Bazaar US finally released the editorial Candice during her trip to Rwanda with the photographer David Yarrow. Check the digital scans by clicking in the link bellow.

RELATED LINKS

Magazine & Publications > 2020 > Harper’s Bazaar – May

Candice Swanepoel at the beach in Miami on March 18

Before the major of Miami Dade set a ban of 10 people only at the beach Candice was seen enjoying a beach day with her children, Ariel and Anacan.

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Candids > 2020 > Mar 18 – Candice Swanepoel at the beach in Miami with her children.

Candice Swanepoel at the beach in Miami on March 16