The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show returned to our screens on Sunday night, bringing with it a wave of jewel-encrusted lingerie sets, bouncing blowouts and some serious runway walks.
Veterans Angels were joined by new faces, with stars including Adriana Lima, Alessandra Ambrosio, Elsa Hosk and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley leading the charge. The highly anticipated return of familiar favourites proved that, when it comes to Victoria’s Secret, a little nostalgia goes a long way, with the runway serving up a celebration of the supermodels who helped define the brand’s most iconic era.
Included in the stunning lineup was, of course, none other than long-serving brand muse Candice Swanepoel. The South African beauty and Tropic of C founder took to the runway in a series of scene-stealing looks, spanning bubblegum pink lace bodysuits to 60s-inspired gold chainmail pareos.
With her signature blonde waves, sculpted physique and unmistakable catwalk strut, Candice was firmly in her element, reminding us exactly why she remains one of the lingerie house’s most enduring and popular stars.
Who is Candice Swanepoel?
Born in Mooi River, South Africa, Candice Swanepoel is one of the most recognisable faces in modern modelling, best known for her long-standing association with Victoria’s Secret. Discovered by a model scout at just 15 while browsing a flea market in Durban, she soon swapped rural South Africa for the international fashion circuit, walking for designers including Chanel, Givenchy and Fendi.
How did Candice become a VS Angel?
Her relationship with Victoria’s Secret began in 2007, when she appeared in the lingerie giant’s runway show, having first caught the brand’s attention through its modelling and swimwear campaigns. Three years later, in 2010, she officially earned her Angel wings, joining an elite roster of contracted supermodels who became synonymous with the brand’s glamorous, winged aesthetic. She reached another career milestone in 2013, wearing the $10 million Royal Fantasy Bra, adorned with precious gems, for the annual show. Having walked in nine shows between 2007 and 2018, the mother-of-two remains one of the brand’s defining Angels.
Discover Candice’s most iconic runway moments for Victoria’s Secret below.
Candice Swanepoel’s most iconic Victoria’s Secret runway moments:
© WireImageFantasy Bra
One of Candice's most iconic moments came when she wore the $10 million Royal Fantasy Bra, designed by Mouawad, at the 2013 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. The show-stopping 18-karat gold set featured over 4,200 precious jewels, anchored by a magnificent 52-carat pear-shaped ruby centerpiece.
© Getty ImagesSnow Bunny
One of her earliest appearances on that all-too-famous runway, Candice channelled snow bunny energy in a cropped puffer jacket and white fluffy trapper hat.
© WireImageFairycore
In 2009, the model graced the scene in a pair of intricately-crafted golden clockwork wings and a pinstriped bodice with petal-cut panniers.
© Patrick McMullan via Getty ImageLife's A Picnic
Back in 2010, Candice hit the runway debuting long blonde curls with a red gingham picnic-inspired costume topped off with floral accents and matching lace-up boots.
© Getty ImagesWinter Florals
Candice commanded the runway in an ethereal all-white ensemble, featuring textured floral embellishments, a dramatic feathered collar, and sparkling heels.
© Getty ImagesGolden Girl
2014 saw Candice take the stage in a glimmering golden pair of wings, elevated by a pale gold lace set with matching gladiator-style heels.
© Getty Images for SwarovskiDreamy Dragonfly
Sporting a pair of green dragonfly wings, a white set, and butterfly laser-cut boots in pistachio green, Candice worked her magic as per during the 2014 spectacle.
© Getty ImagesSequin Catsuit
Beaming to the adoring crowds, the mother-of-two strutted her stuff in a crystal-dotted one-piece flanked by stunning leafed wings.
© FilmMagicRainbow Butterfly
Serving up Y2K perfection back in 2015, Candice dazzled in a pair of fringed rainbow-hued butterfly wings styled with a bohemian paisley-printed bikini and suede knee-high boots.
© Getty Images for Victoria's SecrRed Hot
Candice radiated energy in a vibrant red lingerie set, dramatic orange feathered wings, and tribal-inspired beaded accessories when the brand touched down in China in 2017.
© Getty Images for Victoria's SecrTartan Chic
Paying homage to the Scottish highlands, the veteran hit the runway yet again in China donning a tartan-clad set with spiked feathered wings.
© WireImageReal Life Angel
A year later, Candice walked the runway in New York, this time slipping into a slogan baby tee with lacy red lingerie and curling flamingo feather wings.
© Getty ImagesLogomania
The South African stunner hit the floor in a blush pink set complete with text-laden wings featuring a feminine, cursive font made from thin feathers.
© FilmMagicTake A Bow
Turning our a red hot moment in 2024, the 38-year-old sashayed in style wearing a lipstick red look with a bow fastened to her back.
© Variety via Getty ImagesGothic Glamour
Trading in her signature pink pastels and romantic red colourways, Candice leaning into gothic glamour when, in 2025, she was selected to wear this beautiful black ensemble.
© Getty Images for Victoria's SecrBronzed Goddess
Armed with a pair of sharp bronzed wings, the star showcased her unmatched walk while sporting a bejewelled underwear set and heels.
© Variety via Getty ImagesIce Ice Baby
For the lingerie empire's latest show, hosted this time round in LA, Ms Swanepoel turned out the dreamiest Ice Queen aesthetic in crystal-encrusted wings and a white bra.
© Getty Images for Victoria's SecrFuturistic Flair
A shimmering tribute to Sixties space-age style, the model delighted excited crowds in a gold chainmail pareo set with turquoise accents.
© Getty Images for Victoria's SecrPretty In Pink
The muse enchanted in a pastel pink lace bodysuit, paired with matching sheer, flower-trimmed arm wings and a delicate floral headpiece.
