As the neon lights of New York City flickered on for the return of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in late 2025, one silhouette remained the definitive blueprint of the “Angel” era. Candice Swanepoel, the South African powerhouse who first donned her wings in 2010, has officially transitioned from a runway star to a global mogul of “sustainable sensuality.” In a landscape now defined by inclusivity and maturity, the 37-year-old mother of two has proven that a supermodel’s power only deepens with time. From her historic 13th runway walk to the continued expansion of her eco-luxe brand, Tropic of C, Swanepoel is navigating 2026 as the ultimate icon of the “Golden Hour” lifestyle.
The 2025 Victoria’s Secret Revival: An Angel’s Homecoming
On October 15, 2025, Candice Swanepoel reclaimed her throne during the most anticipated fashion event of the year. The 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show was not just a return to the runway; it was a high-octane celebration of the brand’s “new era” of inclusivity. Swanepoel, walking for the 13th time, served as the bridge between the brand’s nostalgic “bombshell” past and its refined, modern future. She stunned in two distinct looks, most notably a set of sculptural copper-toned wings paired with an intricate, jeweled neckpiece that channeled the “lingerie as armor” aesthetic.
The show, which featured performances by Missy Elliott and TWICE, leaned heavily into the enduring power of the original Angels. Alongside icons like Adriana Lima and Alessandra Ambrosio, Swanepoel’s presence was a viral sensation, with critics noting that her “pure dominance” on the catwalk proved that she remains the brand’s most vital ambassador. In the world of 2026, where digital engagement is the new currency, Candice’s walk generated millions of impressions, solidifying her status as a “forever Angel.”
Tropic of C: The Sustainable Swimwear Empire
Beyond the runway, Swanepoel’s true legacy in 2026 is her role as the founder and creative director of Tropic of C. Launched to bring a “tactile philosophy” to the swimwear market, the brand has become a leader in eco-luxe fashion. Her October 2025 “Mediterranean Energy” collection, shot by Eduardo Bravin, showcased a shift toward retro-glam and sculptural silhouettes. The brand’s commitment to using sustainable, recycled fabrics has resonated with a 2026 consumer base that demands ethics alongside elegance.
Swanepoel’s business acumen has extended to strategic partnerships, including a highly successful collaboration with Victoria’s Secret, where Tropic of C is now a featured sustainable brand. By moving from the face of a company to the architect of her own, Candice has successfully navigated the transition that many models struggle to achieve. As of early 2026, her estimated net worth has climbed to $30 million, placing her among the world’s highest-earning supermodels.
The Personal Sanctuary: Motherhood and Resilience
While her public life is lived in high-definition, Swanepoel’s personal life is a masterclass in grounded privacy. Since her 2018 split from long-time fiancé Hermann Nicoli, she has focused her energy on raising her two sons, Anacan (9) and Ariel (7). In a rare and intimate move, both boys joined their mother for a Vogue Winter 2025 editorial, which Swanepoel described as a way to share her “most precious gifts” with the world that has watched her grow up.
Living primarily in Brazil and Miami, Swanepoel has embraced a lifestyle centered on “responsible consumption” and nature. She frequently shares glimpses of her “off-duty” life—paddling in pools and cuddling in hammocks—offering a contrast to her high-glamour professional persona. This balance between the “ethereal Angel” and the “devoted mother” is a key part of her appeal in 2026, as she represents a version of success that prioritizes peace over the frantic pace of the industry.
A 2026 Icon: Beyond the “Naked” Trend
The 2025/26 season has seen Swanepoel lean into the “naked dressing” trend with a sophisticated, editorial edge. Whether appearing in sheer capes on the runway or sculptural, “see-through” gowns for high-fashion campaigns like Anne Klein and Alo Atelier, she has redefined provocative dressing as a form of art. Her recent collaborations with legendary photographer Steven Meisel have showcased a more mature, architectural side of her beauty, moving away from simple commercialism toward high-art fashion.
As the 2026 spring season begins, Swanepoel remains a fixture on magazine covers, from V Magazine to multiple international editions of Vogue. Her ability to reinvent herself while maintaining her “bombshell” roots is what keeps her relevant in an ever-changing industry. For Candice, the “naked” look isn’t about exposure; it’s about the confidence of a woman who has spent twenty years mastering the lens and finally owns the narrative.
The Legacy of the South African Siren
Looking back at her journey from a farm in Mooiriver to the global stage, Candice Swanepoel’s trajectory is one of “unmatched longevity.” In 2026, she stands as one of the few models to successfully bridge the gap between the “Instagram Girl” era and the “Legacy Model” resurgence. She has used her platform to advocate for mothers and the environment, ensuring that her impact on the fashion world is as durable as the sustainable fabrics she champions.
As we look toward the 2026 summer season, Swanepoel is poised to launch a new “lifestyle” extension of Tropic of C, potentially expanding into wellness and beauty. Whatever the future holds, one thing is certain: the Golden Angel isn’t going anywhere. She is a reminder that in the world of fashion, the most beautiful thing you can wear is a career built on your own terms.
