Discovered as a teenager, Candice Swanepoel became known as not just a sprightly blonde siren, but a megawatt model and an undeniable powerhouse in fashion. And it’s not just for her appearances on the runways and campaigns, it’s also as the designer of her own swimwear line, Tropic of C. 

V: What do you want people to know about modeling that you don’t think they do? 

Candice Swanepoel: People often see the finished image and assume modeling is mostly about beauty, but what they don’t see is how much of the job is about endurance, adaptability, and trust. You’re constantly stepping into different worlds, collaborating with your own team, photographers, stylists, designers, and creatives to bring a vision to life. It’s a profession that asks you to be both a canvas and a storyteller. There’s a lot of discipline behind the scenes…early mornings, long travel days, taking care of your body and mind, and learning how to handle rejection without letting it define you. The most successful models aren’t necessarily the most beautiful; they’re often the ones who are professional, resilient, and able to evolve while staying true to themselves. At its best, modeling isn’t about being looked at; it’s about helping people feel something.

V: How do you think modeling will change moving forward? 

CS: I think modeling is becoming less about fitting a single ideal and more about authenticity, individuality, and connection. People are drawn to real stories, real personalities, and the feeling behind an image as much as the image itself. Technology will and has undoubtedly changed the industry, from AI to digital fashion and new ways of creating content, but I don’t think it will replace the human element. What makes a photograph memorable is often something intangible, the emotion, presence, energy, and lived experience. Moving forward, I think the most impactful models will be those who bring more than their appearance to the table. They’ll be creators, entrepreneurs, storytellers, and people with a point of view. The industry will continue to evolve, but the power of genuine human connection will always be at the center. 

V: What does growth mean to you as a person and as a model?

CS: Growth, to me, is becoming more of who you truly are rather than trying to become someone or something else. As a person, it means learning from every experience, staying open, being willing to evolve, curious, and finding a deeper sense of self-trust. It’s understanding that confidence doesn’t come from perfection; it comes from accepting yourself while continuing to learn and grow. As a model, growth has meant moving beyond simply being in front of the camera. It’s about understanding the creative process, developing my own perspective, and using my voice in ways I couldn’t when I first started. Over time, I’ve learned that longevity comes from adaptability and professionalism. The most meaningful growth has been realizing that success isn’t just about what you achieve, it’s about who you become along the way.

This cover story appears in the pages of V161: now available for purchase!

Photography Luigi & Iango

Fashion B. Åkerlund

Creative Director / Editor-in-Chief Stephen Gan

Model Candice Swanepoel (The Lions)

Casting Maxime Valentini (2b Management)

Makeup Georgi Sandev (Forward Artists) 

Hair Mari Watase (87 Artists) using Oribe

Manicure Jazz Style (See Management) using CHANEL LE VERNIS

Fashion Market Editor Copelyn Bengel

Styling Support Elanur Erdoğan (Forward Artists)

Producer Louis Guillemain (2b Management)

Cinematographer Santiago Montes

Photo Assistant Francisco Betancourt

Makeup Assistants Chloe Yang, Jack Titcomb

Production Assistants Juliet Lloyd, Angelina Aliano, Maksim Doraev