On December 8th, the 20th annual Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show—filmed in New York—will be broadcast in 192 countries. As the models walk down the runway with their toned abs and flawless complexions, there is no doubt that many of us will be left wondering just how the Angels got so fit.
Ahead of the steamy spectacle, we caught up with bonafide blond bombshell Candice Swanepoel to get the scoop on how top models prep for the highly anticipated annual show. The 27-year-old model, who was discovered on a South African dairy farm, is now a fixture on the Victoria’s Secret runway.
The leggy model’s career took off after she walked her first Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in 2007. With her signature tousled waves and baby blue eyes, in 2013, she was selected to wear the bedazzling US $10 million fantasy bra.
The model has been on the covers of highly esteemed international publications, including Vogue and GQ. Her resumé showcases a modeling career that has flourished on the runways of prestigious fashion houses such as Chanel, Christian Dior, and Dolce & Gabbana—to name a few—and has fronted campaigns for Versace, Tom Ford, Ralph Lauren, and more.
We caught up with the Angel to get the low-down on how she prepped for the Victoria’s Secret show.
KHAOULA GHANEM: How do you maintain a healthy Fashion Show body throughout the year?
CANDICE SWANEPOEL: I lead a really balanced lifestyle. It is important to eat healthy but also allow yourself to indulge a bit. I am also incredibly active and I enjoy working out.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Sticky toffee pudding.
Is there a song that gets you hyped up before the show?
Anything by Bob Marley is always a go-to. I am also a huge Rihanna fan.
What skincare rule do you follow religiously?
Since I model year round, it’s important to really cleanse my skin after work. I use a natural face wash and get a facial once a month.
How do you ensure that your skin looks flawless for the fashion show?
I love using cleansing masks at home when the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is approaching. I also slather coconut oil all over my skin and hair.
Did you ever get bouts of apprehension posing in lingerie and swimwear when you first became an Angel?
When I first started modeling, I was younger and quite shy. I developed confidence gradually with the experience I gained. By the time I had the opportunity to wear lingerie and swimwear for Victoria’s Secret, I was confident and it just felt like the next step in my modeling career.