The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show made a spectacular landing in Los Angeles on October 18, 2026, and one name dominated the conversation: Candice Swanepoel. The South African supermodel, who recently celebrated her 38th birthday on October 20, 2026, proved that her influence on the brand is timeless.
During the 2026 event at Sony Pictures Studios, Swanepoel made three distinct appearances on the runway. Her most talked-about look involved a delicate pastel pink lingerie set that immediately went viral on social media. This triple-threat performance followed her successful return during the October 15, 2025, show in New York, marking a powerful multi-year comeback for the veteran Angel.
A Legacy Defined: From 2007 Debut to Angel Status
Candice Swanepoel’s journey with Victoria’s Secret spans nearly two decades. Originally discovered at a Durban flea market at the age of 15, she made her first appearance on the brand’s runway in 2007. By 2010, she officially earned her wings, becoming a Victoria’s Secret Angel alongside icons like Adriana Lima and Alessandra Ambrosio.
Her career statistics are staggering. She has walked in 14 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Shows, a feat that places her among the most frequent walkers in the company’s history. Beyond the runway, she has been the face of numerous swim catalogs and retail launches, including opening the first Canadian Victoria’s Secret store at West Edmonton Mall on August 12, 2010.
The $10 Million Moment: The 2013 Royal Fantasy Bra
Perhaps the most iconic moment in Swanepoel’s career occurred in 2013 when she was selected to wear the Royal Fantasy Bra. Created by jeweler Mouawad, the piece was valued at $10 million.
| Feature | Details of the 2013 Royal Fantasy Bra |
|---|---|
| Total Value | $10 Million |
| Gem Count | Over 4,200 precious stones |
| Key Jewels | Rubies, diamonds, and yellow sapphires |
| Centerpiece | A 52-carat pear-shaped ruby |
| Metal | 18-carat gold |
This moment cemented her status as the brand’s premiere model, leading to her ranking as the 8th highest-paid model in the world by Forbes in 2016, with earnings reaching $7 million that year.
Tropic of C x Victoria’s Secret: The Business of Beauty
Candice Swanepoel is no longer just a model for the brand: she is a partner. In 2026, she unveiled her second exclusive collaboration between her own brand, Tropic of C, and Victoria’s Secret. This collection represents an evolution of her first collaboration, blending her sustainable design ethos with the global reach of the lingerie giant.
Swanepoel launched Tropic of C in 2018, winning the Launch of the Year award at the Daily Front Row Awards. The 2026 partnership focuses on high-cut silhouettes and eco-conscious materials, reflecting her personal style and her growth as a business mogul. She continues to split her time between New York City and Brazil, using her multicultural background to influence her designs.
Mentorship and the New Era of Angels
The 2026 show was not just about the veterans. It featured a diverse roster of over 60 models, including newcomers like Christina Nadin. Nadin, the second Filipina model to ever walk the show, noted the intense preparation required, including Zoom walking classes with coaches in the Philippines.
Swanepoel has taken on a natural mentorship role in this new era. While the show featured modern stars like Alex Consani and Paloma Elsesser, the presence of “OG” Angels like Candice, Taylor Hill, and Liu Wen (marking her 10th appearance) provided a bridge between the brand’s heritage and its future. The front row at the 2026 show further highlighted this cultural shift, with celebrities like Timothée Chalamet, Nicole Kidman, and Kris Jenner in attendance to witness the revival.
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Behind the Scenes: Candice’s Beast Mode Playlist
Preparation for a global runway show involves more than just physical training. In backstage interviews at the 2026 show, Swanepoel revealed her specific musical preferences for getting into character. When she needs to enter “beast mode” for the catwalk, she listens to high-energy tracks from Prodigy and The Blaze.
For moments when she needs to feel sexy or confident, she turns to Rihanna or Tove Lo, specifically citing the track “Talking Body.” Conversely, her downtime is filled with “sad girl” indie music, including artists like Dermot Kennedy and Bon Iver. This balance of intensity and introspection defines her approach to a career that has remained relevant for over 20 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.Did Candice Swanepoel walk in the 2026 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show?
Yes, Candice Swanepoel walked in the 2026 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show held in Los Angeles on October 18, 2026, where she made three separate runway appearances.
Q.How much was the Fantasy Bra that Candice Swanepoel wore?
In 2013, Candice Swanepoel wore the Royal Fantasy Bra, which was valued at $10 million and featured a 52-carat ruby centerpiece.
Q.What is Candice Swanepoel’s swimwear brand called?
Her brand is called Tropic of C, which she launched in 2018. It has since had two exclusive collaboration collections with Victoria’s Secret.
Q.How old is Candice Swanepoel in 2026?
Candice Swanepoel turned 38 years old on October 20, 2026.
