Candice Swanepoel
The South African beauty who became the face of a global lingerie empire, walking the runway with an iconic grace for nearly a decade as a Victoria's Secret Angel.
Born 1988 (age 38)·South African model·Birthday: October 20·Millennials
Biography
Discovered at a flea market in Durban at age 15, Candice Swanepoel's trajectory from a South African farm girl to international modeling royalty is the stuff of fashion legend. Her striking features, long limbs, and confident walk quickly caught the eye of major agencies. Her defining partnership began with Victoria's Secret; she first walked their show in 2007 and was officially crowned an Angel in 2010. For years, she was a centerpiece of the brand's televised spectacles, often opening the show or wearing the coveted Fantasy Bra. Beyond the runway, her face adorned countless campaigns, cementing her as one of the most recognizable models of her generation. Swanepoel's influence extended into the business side of modeling, landing her on Forbes' list of top earners and allowing her to launch her own swimwear line, Tropic of C. She represents a specific era of glamour, defined by wings, high heels, and a billion-dollar smile.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Candice was born in 1988, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Candice Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Candice's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2001Became a teenager
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Could drive
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2006Could vote
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Turned 21
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2018Turned 30
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Was officially named a Victoria's Secret Angel in 2010, becoming one of the brand's most prominent faces for nearly a decade.
- Ranked 8th on Forbes' list of the world's highest-paid models in 2016.
- Wore the prestigious Victoria's Secret Fantasy Bra in 2013, a honor given to only one model each year.
- Founded her own sustainable swimwear line, Tropic of C, expanding her career beyond modeling.
Did You Know?
She was discovered while shopping at a flea market in her hometown of Mooi River, South Africa.
She is fluent in English, Afrikaans, and Portuguese.
She is an avid equestrian and grew up around horses on her family's farm.
She walked the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show while five months pregnant with her first child in 2018.
“I think beauty comes from confidence, and that is something you have to find within yourself.”
