Seven letters are enough to trace the face of one of the most pronounced names in fashion of the last twenty years. Protagonist of the cover story signed by Giampaolo Sgura and George Cortina for this Fashion Issue 2025 of Elle Italia, Candice Swanepoel today is still the same. Or almost. South African passport, citizen of the world, the thirty-six-year-old top model still seems to be the girl who at 17 years old paraded for the first time dressed in giant wings and floating blonde lengths on the Victoria’s Secret catwalk. After more than twenty years of career, two children (Anacă and Ariel aged six and eight), a sold-out brand (in 2018 she founded the swimwear brand Tropic of C) Candice continues to interpret her being a woman in front of and behind the camera. aware of her body, her voice and the luxury of the time chosen. She told us about it at the gates of Milan Fashion Week, among new perspectives on the world, colleagues-friends (who made the difference), gourmand rituals in the city (not lactose-free) and the space-time perimeters in which she built her home.

What is your first memory of Milan Fashion Week?

I have some wonderful ones! From the age of fifteen I would take a month off from college to do fashion shows. London was hard on me emotionally, Milan always welcomed me warmly and introduced me to some amazing young women. I would organize my calendar to fit in every fashion show possible, it was thrilling… chaotic but thrilling. I have beautiful memories of that time.

Do you have a heart ritual when you’re in Milan?

I often reconnect with people I know in the city or haven’t seen in a long time. But if I had to name a ritual in Milan, it would definitely involve eating large portions of mozzarella.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Before I started modeling, I didn’t think much about how my life could go. When you’re fifteen, you think about life differently. I’ve always loved ballet and beauty, some art form.

What is the most important advice you have received in your career, and from whom?

The first time I worked with Steven Meisel, he taught me about my light during shoots and encouraged me to speak up if I thought it wasn’t right. Looking back, it was super inspiring and today I’m very engaged and communicative on all sets.

Doutzen, Adriana, Joan, Isabeli… you shared your career with colleagues who are now friends, do you believe in the power of sisterhood? What difference has it made for you?

Sisterhood has been a huge part of my life, it’s one of the reasons I’m still in the industry. Some relationships have lasted over 20 years and it’s wonderful to support each other through different career milestones, ages and stages of life, relationships, kids, and everything in between. We’ve all had unique experiences and it’s comforting to be able to share them with other women.

You walked the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show for the first time in 2007 and returned to the runway again last November for its return, 17 years later. What has changed the most?

The music? Just kidding! One of the best things about the VS Show is that no matter the year, the time between shows, the women on the runway, or yes, even the music, each year the show is consistent and has a sense of familiarity. I was just as nervous this last time as I was the first, the show is still a thrill after all these years.

How has the world’s view of you changed over the course of your twenty-plus year career?

Despite my resistance to this, I recognize and understand that there is a “gaze”, or I would prefer to call it a “perspective” of me that, over time, has evolved and matured with me and my professional career.

That said, it was resistance that gave me the space to do consistent work on myself. That “perspective” sees a woman who has supported and strengthened herself over the course of her career while also becoming a protective mother, a devoted daughter, and a better friend to those she cares about.

Who are you when you’re on the cover of a magazine?

I honestly think it depends on the art direction of the photoshoot. Sometimes I’m just myself, which can mean many different things in itself, and other times I’m playing a character. Transforming myself is one of my favorite parts of the job.

Model, mother, entrepreneur: what does a day off look like in your life?

Of these roles, motherhood never has a day off. Even when I am away from my children, they are always on my mind and in my heart. Time with them is my escape.

I rarely have days off because I juggle multiple activities, but when I do take a real day off it’s when I’m on vacation and I choose to sleep, be phone-free, and enjoy nature.

What makes you feel most at home?

I left South Africa at the age of fifteen and have called many places home since then: from London to Milan, New York, Brazil to Tokyo. So, for me, my home is my people: my wonderful parents, my curious children, my dearest friends… the time spent with them is home to me.

What is luxury for you today?

Like everything, the idea of luxury has evolved over time and I have lived the world to the fullest. A luxury is the time to elevate myself as a person and embrace the things that are truest to me. “Instead of love, instead of fame, instead of money… give me truth” as Henry David Thoreau said. I find that true wealth lies in knowing how to let go of what is truly superfluous.

– FEDERICA ROMAGNOLI

Giampaolo Sgura – Photographer
George Cortina – Fashion Editor/Stylist
Ward Stegerhoek – Hair Stylist
Fulvia Farolfi – Makeup Artist

Magazines > 2025 > Elle Italia – March 07

Photoshoots > Giampaolo Sgura – Elle Italia