Harper’s Bazaar and E! Online posted two videos from the fittings for this year VSFS with our girl.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05bV3C6yN-c
During her press day for Tropic of C Candice did interviews for promote her line which are getting slowly. This interview comes from the website Fashionista
The mother of two, who quietly launched Tropic of C earlier this year, calls the brand her “third baby.”
As Instagram and the influencers that dominate it continue to assert their selling power within the fashion industry, certain social media-driven market trends have emerged. Not only are consistently traveling influencers launching clothing brands in droves (with swimwear among the most popular categories), the far-flung sponsored vacation has proven to be an increasingly lucrative marketing program for retailers looking to build their online audiences and push seasonal products.
In many of these cases, the personality behind the brand is leveraging their social capital as a built-in customer base and crafting the label’s vision on both their personal aesthetic and the commentary they receive daily from their followers. However, certain big names on social media are industry veterans who have decades of multifaceted experience to draw upon when finally venturing out into the world of entrepreneurship. Candice Swanepoel, who’s been a fashion fixture for 15 years primarily thanks to her work as a longtime Victoria’s Secret Angel model, falls into the latter camp, and in 2018, she decided to take the plunge (pun intended) on starting a swim company of her own, called Tropic of C.
“It’s been [in the works] for a couple of years; I was waiting for the right moment,” Swanepoel explains at a recent press preview for her resort collection in New York. “It took me a while to find a team because you end up working very closely for a long time — I took a lot of meetings. And when Victoria’s Secret stopped swim, I just went for it.”
Unlike many of the trend-driven, Instagram-friendly styles of swimwear that have dominated your social media feeds for several summers, Tropic of C launched with a tightly edited selection of classic silhouettes in a variety of muted and neutral colors. The form-fitting bodysuit styles — like the brand’s eponymous signature one-piece suit, “The C” — are meant to be styled with clothing, like high-waisted jeans or a maxi skirt, when the wearer isn’t lounging by the pool or spending the day at the beach. “When I’m on holiday or I’m packing, to be able to just throw a skirt on with a swimsuit is really nice — you can still feel chic and elegant,” Swanepoel says.
The Resort 2019 collection just made its online debut, and Swanepoel notes that she’s made a serious effort to source the best fabrics (including Italian knits and durable, eco-friendly regenerated nylon) from the company’s inception. “I really focus on the quality of the suits; I didn’t want to create something and just throw it out there,” she says. “It’s all stuff that I want to wear. I tend to stick to a certain aesthetic that I like and that I think looks good on the body. A lot of the pieces are high-cut — the necklines are very flattering — and there’s a little bit of ballet inspiration, as well.” Prices range from $80 for a top to $180 for a statement one-piece, with most separates designed to be mixed and matched.
The emphasis on fabrication played a big role in how the suits eventually were fit — though, somewhat unsurprisingly, Swanepoel served as the main fit model. (“It’s the control freak in me,” she laughs.) “I know there’s different bodies out there, but if the fabric is quality enough and has a good stretch, it can mold to many different shapes.” She and her team tested out each style before they were sent into production in order to make sure the fabrics attached to the body, ensuring that they’d stay put through a day of activity. “Even though you don’t see a lot of structure with padding or cups — that’s why I’m so crazy about the fabric — [the top] still holds you in.”
In the months since Swanepoel started Tropic of C, she’s relied on direct feedback from customers via social media to learn what customers want most from her — and has enjoyed having shoppers engage with her products with more than simply an Instagram like. Though the 30-year-old model has plugged dozens of designers’ goods on her social media feeds over the years, promoting her own creations is completely different territory.
“This is like my third baby, so it’s really easy for me to be enthusiastic and tell you everything about it,” Swanepoel explains of posting her Tropic of C wares to her 12.7 million Instagram followers. “Sometimes when I’m selling someone else’s product, I don’t know the back-end, but obviously that’s part of my job. I love that I can do it in my way and have it be so me. As a model, you have to be a chameleon, and it’s nice to be in control of the art direction and involved in every aspect of the business.”
During her time as a Victoria’s Secret Angel and the face of countless luxury brands including Tom Ford, Givenchy, Oscar de la Renta, Versace and more, Swanepoel has observed (and interacted with) almost every behind-the-scenes gig the industry has to offer, from technical designers to casting agents to the all-important creative directors. It’s from this first-hand experience on set, on location and in designer fittings that she gathered the skill set necessary to start a company of her own and became infatuated with the idea of trying out other areas of the fashion business. “I love the creative aspect, the art direction, dreaming up the shoots — the story of the girl, the coloring, the editing, the whole photography side,” she says. “I really get to use that as a creative outlet.”
Aside from juggling a new venture with parenting her two young sons, she’s been thrown in the deep end when it comes to the nitty-gritty of entrepreneurship. “I’ve been forced to learn the whole business side, which has really gotten me out of my comfort zone — budgeting, booking, accounting,” she recalls. “I’m bombarded with invoices daily, from manufacturing, from distribution, all of that.” Tropic of C plans to stick to the regular swim calendar when it comes to new releases, and is keeping its network of retail partners small for now, with Goop and Moda Operandi on board for wholesale retail in addition to her own e-commerce site.
Swanepoel insists that Tropic of C is growing quickly, and though she’s anxious to see where the new project takes her, she’s abiding by the “slow and steady” mantra when it comes to expansion in the early stages. “I’ve been very specific about keeping it small and keeping it mine,” Swanepoel asserts. “I didn’t work for 15 years to build a brand to just give it to someone else.”
You can shop the new collection now in the website.
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The website FashionWeekDaily has a new post about Candice talking about her swim line, Tropic Of C.
CANDICE SWANEPOEL IS MAKING THE SWIMSUIT INDUSTRY A GREENER AND MORE ETHICAL PLACE
written by Charles Manning
November 1, 2018Candice Swanepoel knows a thing or twenty about the swimsuit industry, so it makes sense that her first major foray into the business world would be in the form of a swimsuit line. But Tropic of C isn’t some celebrity vanity project. The Daily caught up with Candice to find out what makes her swim line so wonderfully different.
You launched your swimwear brand, Tropic of C, earlier this year and now you’re getting ready to launch your second collection. What has changed in that time?
The first collection I stuck with a lot of one-pieces because I wanted to differentiate from other swim brands and because I’m known for bikinis, I wanted to just start off with something a little bit more fashion. And then for the resort collection, obviously we get a lot of direct feedback through Instagram — what people are liking — so we kept some of the silhouettes that people were loving and just changed up the colors. So resort is all those desert-y nudes and earthy colors and then Spring gets a little bit more colorful. We recently started doing knits too, which I’m excited about. They have good stretch but they’re just a different take on swim.
You also seem to be working really hard to make your brand as ecologically responsible and ethical as possible. Was that always the plan or is it something that has evolved over time?
In general, with everything I do, I like to try my best to be as ethical as possible. Obviously it’s hard to be 100 percent, especially in the swim industry because it’s not known as an ethical industry. I started with the packaging because nowadays, with Instagram and everything, we get sent a lot of clothing and opening bags and bags of plastic — things wrapped twice over — it’s upsetting. So I started with the packaging which is 100 percent eco [100 percent recycled paper hang tags, ‘tree-free’ stone paper packaging, and biodegradable plastic garment bags]. Then someone told me about this brand that creates [eco-friendly] fabrics. We started researching which ones are good and then they started sending us a bunch and the quality was amazing.
In the first collection, everything that was black and white was made from this Econyl bi-elastic techno fabric, which they make from old fishing nets so you’re not producing more [petroleum-based synthetic materials]. And this season, they made us this suede fabric that’s got a different feeling. It’s really delicious, actually.
These feel incredible. And they don’t feel like swimsuits, especially these knit pieces.
The knit it not made of the same fabric. That’s why I’m very careful not to say that our brand is fully eco. We are trying out best as a company, but swim is difficult. But we’re going to get there one day.Why is swim particularly difficult?
Because of the fabrics. Because of the nylon. The fabrics you need for swimming, for it to dry quickly and for it to work as a swimsuit are all synthetic. But at least we’re trying hard not to produce more [synthetics]. Right now we’re using about 70 percent recycled materials and still researching. A lot of the fabrics actually work better than new fabrics we sourced so it’s not like we are giving anything up.
That’s interesting. Are these recycled materials more expensive?
No, it’s not more expensive. It’s just about doing more research. I’m not saying I’m perfect, but I definitely want to be proud of my brand and for it to grow in a way that I can feel good about.
Where do you think your love and concern for the environment comes from?
Growing up [in South Africa] with such an extreme level of nature, seeing these amazing creatures and just the smells and everything, I think that definitely played a big part. I can’t wait to go back to South Africa, actually. I’m going in December. I’m taking my boys. They’re going see like lions and everything for the first time!
Where do you see your brand 10 years from now?
It’s hard to say. I would love to make it into a lifestyle brand and constitute to incorporate new elements and learn new things. I’ve already learned so much just being on the back end of the business.
Do you want to become a mogul or transition into acting or anything like that?
I mean, obviously, if you wanted to, you could probably keep modeling for the next 30 years or more.
I don’t know about that.
No?
I have probably another 10 years in me if I take care of myself.
It’s a more demanding job than a lot of people realize.
Funnily enough, I’m actually quite a shy person. Obviously, my job requires me to do a lot of out-there things, but it’s definitely a sort of persona that I put on to help me kind of come out of my shell. I don’t know if I would go into TV or anything like that. I just wanted to have a brand and a creative outlet and make nice things that people enjoy and feel good in.
You read it right! But that’s not the only change for this year VSFS.
On November 1st we got the full list of performers and airing date for the VSFS of this year. We knew the show was coming back to NY after 2 years out of the States and we also knew the list of models and angels. Now we also know the show will be held on November 8th at Pier 94 and that will air on December 2nd on ABC.
Who’s performing?
During this morning “Good Morning America” Martha Hunt and Jasmine Tookes announced the full list of artists.
Bebe Rexha, The Chainsmokers, Halsey, Kelsea Ballerini, Rita Ora, Shawn Mendes, and The Struts.
We also know thanks to VS that Taylor Hill is the lucky angel who will open the show.
ABC/VS official press release:
‘The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show Holiday Special’ to Air on ABC, Sunday, Dec. 2
‘THE VICTORIA’S SECRET FASHION SHOW HOLIDAY SPECIAL’
TO AIR ON ABC, SUNDAY, DEC. 2
Chart Toppers Bebe Rexha, The Chainsmokers, Halsey, Kelsea Ballerini, Rita Ora,
Shawn Mendes and The Struts to Headline the Musical Performances
Victoria’s Secret’s legendary Angels take to the runway for the 2018 Victoria’s Secret Holiday Special, showcasing an all-star lineup of musical guests, including Bebe Rexha, The Chainsmokers, Halsey, Kelsea Ballerini, Rita Ora, Shawn Mendes and The Struts. Merging fashion, fantasy and entertainment, “The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show Holiday Special” will air SUNDAY, DEC. 2 (10:01–11:00 p.m. EST), on The ABC Television Network, streaming and on demand.
The world’s biggest fashion event is returning to New York City after recent productions in London, Paris and Shanghai. It will be seen in more than 190 countries after its broadcast premiere on ABC.
“The show is a year-long production, and 2018 promises to be our most ambitious yet,” said Victoria’s Secret executive producer Ed Razek. “We have more musical guests, more fashion and more stories than ever; and, of course, 60 of the world’s top models.”
Joining Victoria’s Secret Angels Adriana Lima, Behati Prinsloo (back after a three-year hiatus), Candice Swanepoel, Elsa Hosk, Jasmine Tookes, Josephine Skriver, Lais Ribeiro, Martha Hunt, Romee Strijd, Sara Sampaio, Stella Maxwell and Taylor Hill will be internationally known sisters Gigi and Bella Hadid, and Kendall Jenner.
“Only one show brings together the biggest names in music and the top models around the globe for an exciting hour of entertainment and style,” said Rob Mills, senior vice president, Alternative Series, Late Night & Specials, ABC. “We couldn’t be happier to work with this iconic brand and bring The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show to ABC.”
The holiday special also will showcase Victoria’s Secret’s newest designer collaboration with Mary Katrantzou, the London-based “Queen of Prints.” Her chic, feminine designs will be featured on the runway in a section of “The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show Holiday Special.”
“The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show Holiday Special” is produced by Done+Dusted Productions Ltd. Ed Razek, Monica Mitro, Ian Stewart, Melanie Fletcher and Hamish Hamilton are executive producers. Hamish Hamilton is the director.
About ABC Entertainment
ABC Entertainment airs compelling programming across all day parts, including the new dramas “A Million Little Things” and “The Rookie,” starring Nathan Fillion; new comedies “The Conners,” “The Kids Are Alright” and “Single Parents”; and the new prime-time talk show, “The Alec Baldwin Show.” The ABC Television Network is also home to the groundbreaking dramas “The Good Doctor,” “How to Get Away with Murder” and “Grey’s Anatomy”; the Emmy® Award-winning “Modern Family” and trailblazing comedy favorites “black-ish,” “American Housewife,” “Fresh Off the Boat,” “The Goldbergs,” “Speechless” and “Splitting Up Together”; hit game shows “The $100,000 Pyramid,” “Celebrity Family Feud,” “Match Game” and “To Tell the Truth”; star-making sensation “American Idol”; reality phenomenon “Shark Tank,” iconic “The Bachelor” franchise, long-running hits “Dancing with the Stars” and “America’s Funniest Home Videos”; “General Hospital,” which has aired for over 50 years on the network; and late-night talk show “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” The network also boasts some of television’s most prestigious awards shows, including “The Oscars®,” “The CMA Awards” and “The American Music Awards.”
ABC’s multiplatform business initiative also allows viewers to watch current episodes of their favorite ABC shows anytime, anywhere on ABC.com and the ABC app for desktop, smartphone, tablet or connected TV devices.
About Victoria’s Secret
Victoria’s Secret is the leading specialty retailer of lingerie and beauty products with prestige fragrances, body care, celebrated Supermodels and world-famous runway shows. A business of L Brands, Inc. (NYSE: LB), Victoria’s Secret serves customers at more than 1,600 Victoria’s Secret Lingerie and Beauty stores around the globe and online at www.VictoriasSecret.com.
For more information about the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, please visit http://vspressroom.com/victorias-secret-fashion-show/.
ABC Media Relations
Ashley Kline Shapiro
(818) 460-6783
ashley.r.kline@abc.com
Cathy Rehl
(212) 456-6749
cathy.rehl@abc.com
Victoria’s Secret Media Relations
Monica Mitro
(212) 884-3913
mmitro@victoria.com
Jennifer Fahey Sears
(614) 577-7121
jfahey@victoria.com
Website: www.victoriassecret.com/fashion-show
Facebook: @victoriassecret and @ABCNetwork
Twitter: @victoriassecret and @ABCNetwork
Instagram: @victoriassecret and @abcnetwork
Hashtags: #VSFashionShow #ABCPublicity
Cheat tweet: Join Bebe Rexha, The Chainsmokers, Halsey, Kelsea Ballerini, Rita Ora, Shawn Mendes and The Struts, plus 60 of the world’s top models when “The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show Holiday Special” airs on @ABCNetwork, Sunday, Dec. 2, 10/9c. #VSFashionShow #ABCPublicity
The kickoff for the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show has officially started as the first episode of Road To The Runway has been released.
In it the models who attended the castings talk about their experience in the fashion show, but not only their experience in the catwalk, they also spoke about the backstage vibes.
“Is like a sisterhood.”
“I was amazed backstage on my first walk because even the veterans were inviting.”
“You’re kind of cheerleaders for each other.”
The episode is now in Victoria’s Secret YouTube channel under the title “Road To The Runway 2018: Episode 1 – More Than A Runway.”
https://youtu.be/2Ejs_bm-xS4
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