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Biography
I was born in a little South African village called Mooi River, where I grew up on a dairy and beef farm. I spent my childhood surrounded by life, love, nature and family. As a little girl I always knew I wanted to do something different, something my family and I could be proud of one day.
I had a passion for beauty and fashion from a very young age, so I was thrilled when a talent scout in a flea market spotted me at age 15. At the time, I was at St. Anne’s College, an all-girls boarding school where I embraced new friends and the potential of a great education.
My world was about to change drastically in a way I could never have imagined. Within a year of meeting the scout, at age 16, I was booking more and more modeling jobs all across Europe. While this was an incredible blessing for someone from such a sheltered upbringing, it also forced me to make tough decisions about my life at a young age.
After two years of traveling between Paris, Milan, London and South Africa, I took a leap of faith and moved to New York City to model full-time. Separated from everything familiar, I relied on my drive and ambition as I lived on my own overseas. I gave up a normal teenage life with my family and friends to pursue a dream, but what I have gotten in return is simply incredible.
I've been blessed to meet some very special and unique people who have helped me along the way and pushed me to be the best person I can be, both professionally and in my personal relationships. Finding true friends and mentors in my industry has kept me grounded during my journey.
After moving to the Big Apple, it wasn't long before Victoria’s Secret found me and took me under their great big feathery wings. With their family of models, stylists, designers and artists, I’ve continued to grow and learn each day. Becoming a Victoria’s Secret Angel allowed me the opportunity to see a completely different side of the modeling world. Not only do I wear their beautiful products, but I am given a voice and encouraged to become a part of the company.
Recently I've had the opportunity to do some amazing editorial and high fashion work with the incredible photographers Mario Testino and Bruce Weber. These men gave me a chance to show my artistic diversity and express a genuine love for what I do. Shortly afterwards I shot the cover of Italian Vogue with Steven Meisel, another highly-influential person in the fashion industry. With the help of these people my career continues to grow and change, forcing me to take every day as it comes.
After starting my career from literally nothing, I will always be thankful to the people who gave me a chance. I credit the success I’ve been blessed with to everyone who saw something special in me and helped me along the way. Most days I still wake up feeling like the 15-year-old girl from a South African farm town, simply overwhelmed with gratitude for the journey I am on. I could not have become the person I am without the values instilled in me by my loyal and ever-loving parents.
Despite the high-profile life I lead, I’m still happiest and most comfortable hiding away on a beach with a good pair of sunglasses, soft sand and some Reggae music. I love exploring exercise and nutrition, finding new ways to keep my body in top shape.
I can’t express enough thanks to the fans who have supported me over the years. Your daily encouragement and care is what keeps my spirits up and puts a smile on my face.
Swanepoel's resume includes covers for Australian, Brasilian, Mexican, Greek, Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese and Italian Vogue, Brazilian, British, German and South African ELLE, British, South African, Romanian, Mexican and Chinese GQ, American, Turkish, Spanish, Czech and Argentinian Harper's Bazaar, i-D, Lush and Ocean Drive (U.S.) and advertisements for Nike, Diesel, Guess?, Tommy Hilfiger, Tom Ford, Prabal Gurung, Swarovski, Colcci, True Religion, Ralph Lauren, Miu Miu, Juicy Couture and Versace. Swanepoel has walked the runway for Tommy Hilfiger, Dolce and Gabbana, Michael Kors, Donna Karan, Giambattista Valli, Jason Wu, Prabal Gurung, Rag & Bone, Oscar de la Renta, Fendi, Chanel, Elie Saab, Diane von Fürstenberg, Sportmax, Betsey Johnson, Stella McCartney, Viktor and Rolf, Givenchy, Jean Paul Gaultier, Christian Dior, Blumarine and numerous other designers, as well as for Victoria's Secret since 2007. In addition to appearing in the lingerie brand's commercials, she was a featured model in the 2010 "SWIM" catalog, along with Lindsay Ellingson, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Behati Prinsloo and Erin Heatherton.
In 2010, Swanepoel became a Victoria's Secret Angel. Swanepoel modeled for the Kardashians' 2010 swimwear line. On 12 August 2010 Swanepoel officially opened the first Victoria's Secret retail store in Canada, at West Edmonton Mall, Edmonton. In 2013, Swanepoel was named the cover model of the coveted Victoria's Secret Swim Catalogue. In 2013, Swanepoel was chosen to wear the Fantasy Bra at the 2013 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show this year. The 10 million dollar bra dubbed the "Royal Fantasy Bra" was created by Mouawad, the bra and matching belt features over 4,200 precious gems, including rubies, diamonds and yellow sapphires set in 18 carat gold with a 52-carat ruby at the center. The "Royal Fantasy Bra" is the most expensive fantasy bra since 2005, named the Sexy Splendor Fantasy Bra, worn by Gisele Bündchen.
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