Few models have balanced the spotlight and personal life as visibly as Candice Swanepoel. The South African supermodel rose to fame as a Victoria’s Secret Angel, walked nine fashion shows, and later stepped back to raise two children while launching her own sustainable swimwear label.

Born: October 20, 1988 ·
Nationality: South African ·
Height: 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) ·
Years Active: 2003–present ·
Victoria’s Secret Angel since: 2010 ·
Children: 2

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Current relationship status beyond reports of separation in 2020
  • Exact net worth figure (estimates range from $10–20 million)
3Timeline signal
4What’s next

Six facts that define her profile at a glance:

Label Value
Full Name Candice Susan Swanepoel
Date of Birth October 20, 1988
Place of Birth Mooi River, South Africa
Height 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)
Children 2 sons with Hermann Nicoli
Net Worth (estimated) $10–20 million

Does Candice Swanepoel have a partner?

Who is Candice Swanepoel’s current partner?

Candice Swanepoel was in a long-term relationship with Brazilian model Hermann Nicoli. The couple have two children together: Anacã (born 2016) and Ariel (born 2018). According to multiple reports, they separated in 2020 after several years together. No official reason was given, but they continue to co-parent. As of 2025, Swanepoel has not publicly confirmed a new partner.

The implication: Her focus appears to be on her children and her business, Tropic of C, rather than a high-profile relationship.

Why did Candice and Hermann split?

When did Candice Swanepoel and Hermann Nicoli separate?

The couple separated in 2020. Neither party issued a public statement explaining the split, and they have kept personal details private. Both remain active in their children’s lives, with Swanepoel occasionally sharing family moments on social media.

Why this matters: The split marked a turning point in Swanepoel’s public narrative — from Angel and partner to single mother and entrepreneur.

Is Candice Swanepoel Dutch?

What is Candice Swanepoel’s nationality?

Candice Swanepoel is South African. She was born in Mooi River, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (South African History Online (national historical archive)). Despite her name’s Dutch origins (Swanepoel is a common Afrikaans surname), she has no Dutch citizenship. She holds South African nationality and lives primarily in the United States.

The pattern: Many assume European heritage because of her fair features, but she is proudly African — a point she emphasized when becoming the first South African Victoria’s Secret Angel.

Who is the father of Candice Swanepoel’s baby?

How many children does Candice Swanepoel have?

She has two sons with Hermann Nicoli: Anacã (born October 2016) and Ariel (born June 2018). The boys live with Swanepoel in the U.S., and Nicoli visits regularly. She has described motherhood as transformative and has incorporated family values into her brand Tropic of C.

The trade-off: Balancing full-time parenting with running a business has meant fewer runway appearances, but she has built a more grounded public identity.

Are Victoria’s Secret models all naturally thin?

What extreme diets have Victoria’s Secret Angels used?

Many Angels follow strict diet and exercise regimens before shows. Some have spoken about past extreme measures, such as near-fasting and rigorous training. However, Swanepoel herself has promoted balanced eating and sustainable fitness, aligning with her eco-conscious brand. The notion that all Angels are “naturally thin” is misleading — most work hard to maintain their physique under professional guidance.

The catch: The industry standard is intense preparation, but public perception often ignores the discipline behind the images.

Bottom line: Candice Swanepoel’s career reflects a deliberate pivot from runway stardom to motherhood and sustainable entrepreneurship. For fans, her story is one of adaptability. For aspiring models, it shows that longevity requires reinvention.
Why this matters

Swanepoel’s shift from Angel to founder of Tropic of C exemplifies a broader trend among top models: use visibility as a platform, not a destination.

Timeline signal

  • 2003: Discovered at age 15 at a Durban flea market (South African History Online)
  • 2007: First Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show (IMDb Biography)
  • 2010: Becomes a Victoria’s Secret Angel (IMDb Biography)
  • 2013: Wears the $10-million Fantasy Bra (YouTube)
  • 2015: Last Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show appearance
  • 2016: Son Anacã born
  • 2018: Son Ariel born; launches Tropic of C
  • 2020: Separates from Hermann Nicoli
  • 2024: Tropic of C expands internationally

Confirmed facts vs. What’s unclear

Confirmed facts

  • Candice Swanepoel is South African (South African History Online (national historical archive))
  • She has two children with Hermann Nicoli (mothers2mothers (global health nonprofit))
  • She and Nicoli separated in 2020
  • She founded Tropic of C (Forbes (business media))
  • She became a Victoria’s Secret Angel in 2010 (IMDb Biography (entertainment database))

What’s unclear

  • Current relationship status beyond separation
  • Exact net worth (estimates vary by source)

“Candice Swanepoel is a South African supermodel, fashion entrepreneur, and mother of two young children.”

— mothers2mothers (global health nonprofit)

“Top model Candice Swanepoel launched sustainable swimsuit brand Tropic of C.”

— Forbes (business media)

The editorial verdict is clear: Swanepoel’s career trajectory demonstrates that supermodel status can be a launchpad for lasting business ventures. For young models, the lesson is to diversify early. For fashion consumers, her brand offers an ethically made alternative to fast fashion.

For more details on her journey from the runway to entrepreneurship, check out Candice Swanepoels biography.

Frequently asked questions

What is Candice Swanepoel’s age?

She was born on October 20, 1988, making her 36 years old as of 2025.

How tall is Candice Swanepoel?

She is 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in) tall.

What is Candice Swanepoel’s net worth?

Estimated between $10–20 million, largely from modeling contracts and her swimwear brand Tropic of C.

Does Candice Swanepoel have children?

Yes, two sons with ex-partner Hermann Nicoli: Anacã (born 2016) and Ariel (born 2018).

What is Tropic of C?

A sustainable swimwear and eco-lifestyle brand co-founded by Swanepoel in 2018.

Why did Candice and Hermann split?

No official reason was given; they separated amicably in 2020 and continue to co-parent.

Is Candice Swanepoel Dutch?

No, she is South African, born in Mooi River, KwaZulu-Natal.

Are Victoria’s Secret models all naturally thin?

No, most follow strict diet and exercise regimens; Swanepoel promotes balanced fitness.