Candice Swanepoel’s story begins far from the glittering runways of New York and Paris. Born on October 20, 1988, in the small village of Mooi River, South Africa, she grew up on a dairy and beef farm surrounded by nature, family, and wide-open skies. The future Victoria’s Secret Angel spent her childhood far removed from the fashion world that would one day claim her as one of its brightest stars.
At just 15 years old, a chance encounter at a flea market in Durban changed everything. A talent scout spotted the tall, striking teenager and opened the door to an international modeling career. Within a year, Candice was traveling between Paris, Milan, London, and South Africa, balancing school at St. Anne’s College with her first professional assignments.
| Full Name | Candice Susan Swanepoel |
| Born | October 20, 1988 (age 37) |
| Birthplace | Mooi River, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa |
| Nationality | South African |
| Occupation | Model, Entrepreneur |
| Known For | Victoria’s Secret Angel |
| Children | Anacan (b. 2016), Ariel (b. 2018) |
| Partner | Tom Brady (as of Oct 2026) |
| @angelcandice |
The decision to move to New York City full-time marked the real turning point. Living independently in a new country required grit and resilience — qualities that would define her entire career. She quickly rose through the ranks, booking campaigns and editorials with some of the industry’s most respected names.
In 2007, Candice walked her first Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. Three years later, she was named an official Angel. The role catapulted her to global recognition. In 2013, she wore the iconic Royal Fantasy Bra, one of the most memorable moments in the brand’s history and a defining milestone in her career.
"What a gift and precious responsibility it is to bring a new soul into the world. To love and teach to love just the same. My life definitely started over on the day I met my baby."
— Candice Swanepoel
Beyond the runway, Candice has worked with legendary photographers including Mario Testino, Bruce Weber, and Steven Meisel, and has appeared on major international covers, including Italian Vogue. Her ability to move seamlessly between commercial campaigns, high-fashion editorials, and luxury projects has kept her relevant for nearly two decades.
In 2018, she took the next step in her evolution by launching, her own swimwear and lifestyle brand. Inspired by her deep connection to nature, beach culture, and understated design, the label reflects her personal aesthetic and entrepreneurial spirit. It marked a shift from being the face of other brands to building one of her own.
Off the runway, Candice is a devoted mother to two sons: Anacan, born in October 2016, and Ariel, born in June 2018, with her former fiancé Hermann Nicoli. The couple later parted ways in 2018. In a heartfelt Mother’s Day message in 2017, she shared: “What a gift and precious responsibility it is to bring a new soul into the world… My life definitely started over on the day I met my baby.”
In October 2026, PEOPLE confirmed that Candice is dating retired NFL legend Tom Brady — adding a new chapter to her already fascinating personal story.
Today, Candice Swanepoel continues to balance motherhood, her modeling legacy, and her growing brand. From a South African farm girl to one of the most recognizable faces in fashion, her journey remains a powerful reminder of ambition, independence, and the beauty of evolving on your own terms.
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