Let’s be real for a second. When Victoria’s Secret announced they were finally bringing back the fashion show for 2024, the internet basically held its collective breath. After a six-year hiatus and a massive, sometimes clunky brand overhaul, the question wasn't just "Will it be good?" It was "Who is actually coming back?"
Then she appeared.
Candice Swanepoel walking for Victoria’s Secret in 2024 wasn't just another model booking. It felt like a return to form for a brand that had been wandering in the wilderness for a while. If you watched the stream on October 15, you saw it. The South African powerhouse stepped out at the Duggal Greenhouse in Brooklyn and reminded everyone why she’s basically the gold standard for this specific kind of glamour.
The Return of the Ultimate Angel
Kinda crazy to think that Candice first started with VS way back in 2007. That’s nearly two decades of history. Most models have a shelf life shorter than a carton of milk, but Candice at 35? Honestly, she looked more dangerous on that runway than most of the newcomers.
For the 2024 show, Candice didn't just walk; she anchored the event. In a lineup that mixed "OG" legends like Tyra Banks (making her first appearance since 2005!) and Adriana Lima with new-era stars like Alex Consani and Devyn Garcia, Candice was the bridge. She’s the one who stayed through the transition. She’s the one who never really stopped being "The Angel."
The vibe this year was different, though.
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Victoria's Secret tried to strike this weird balance between the "fantasy" of the 2010s and the "inclusivity" of the 2020s. It wasn't perfect. Some people on Reddit and X (formerly Twitter) were complaining that the lighting was too dark or that the wings looked a bit "Party City" compared to the million-dollar creations of the past. But when Candice hit the catwalk, the energy shifted. You’ve got to admire the sheer athleticism of her walk. It’s not just walking—it’s a performance.
What She Actually Wore (and why it mattered)
Usually, Candice gets the heavy-hitter looks. Remember the $10 million Royal Fantasy Bra she wore in 2013? This year was a bit more grounded, but no less striking.
Candice appeared in the "Modern Heritage" segment. She rocked a set that featured bronzed, metallic wings—sort of a skeletal, architectural take on the classic Angel wing. It was paired with intricate lace and a high-ponytail look that focused purely on her "face card," as the kids say.
- The Wings: Bronze-toned, structured, and surprisingly light-looking.
- The Look: Pulled-back hair, soft-glam makeup, and that signature blue-eyed stare.
- The Walk: Classic Candice—hips swinging, perfectly timed to the beat.
Interestingly, the 2024 show ditched the "Fantasy Bra" concept entirely. Instead of one girl wearing a house-sized diamond bra, the focus was on the "VS Collective" spirit. But let’s be honest: when you see Candice Swanepoel in Victoria's Secret 2024 gear, your brain still goes straight to the "Angel" era. You can take the wings off the girl (metaphorically), but you can't take the supermodel out of the walk.
Why This Comeback Was So Controversial
You can't talk about Candice in 2024 without talking about the "rebrand" elephant in the room. Victoria’s Secret has been trying to prove it’s not the "exclusive, skinny-only" club it used to be.
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They brought in Ashley Graham, Paloma Elsesser, and Tyra Banks to show they’ve changed. And yeah, seeing Tyra close the show in that silver cape was a moment. But there's a vocal group of fans who miss the "high camp" and the over-the-top production of 2014.
Candice represents the era people are nostalgic for. She’s the "siren" that people like to edit into TikTok montages with 2010s pop music. Seeing her in 2024 was sort of a peace offering to the old-school fans. It was Victoria's Secret saying, "We’re still the brand you loved, just... updated."
Behind the Scenes: The 2024 Prep
If you follow Candice on Instagram, you know she doesn't just wake up looking like that. Or maybe she does, but she works like a beast to maintain it. For the 2024 show, she was back to her "Tropic of C" roots, balancing her own successful swimwear business with the demands of the VS runway.
She’s been vocal about her workout routine—lots of resistance training, Pilates, and yoga. It’s not about being "thin" anymore; it’s about being strong. On the 2024 runway, she looked athletic. There’s a certain power in her stride now that feels different from her early 20s.
The Impact on the Brand
Let’s look at the numbers for a second. Victoria’s Secret has been struggling. Their stock price hasn't exactly been a rocket ship lately. They needed this show to be a hit on social media to drive holiday sales.
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Candice is one of the few models who still has "conversion power." People actually want to buy the stuff she wears. After the show, searches for "Candice Swanepoel Victoria's Secret 2024 outfit" spiked. Whether the "new" VS can survive on nostalgia alone is a big question, but having Candice on the roster is basically an insurance policy.
What Most People Get Wrong About Candice
People think she’s just a "pretty face" who got lucky. Honestly, she’s one of the hardest-working entrepreneurs in the game. Her brand, Tropic of C, is actually sustainable and successful. She’s not just a "hired gun" for VS; she’s a peer to the executives running the show.
There was also a rumor that she might not return at all. Some thought she had moved past the "Angel" phase of her career. But her appearance in Brooklyn proved that her relationship with the brand is deeper than just a contract. It’s a legacy.
Practical Takeaways from the 2024 Show
If you're watching the 2024 comeback and wondering what this means for your own wardrobe or the future of fashion, here’s the breakdown:
- Glow is back, glitter is out. The makeup on Candice and the other models was much more "skin-focused" and natural than the heavy glitter of the 2010s.
- Athletic silhouettes are king. High-cut legs and supportive structures are replacing the flimsy, "just for show" lingerie of the past.
- Heritage matters. You can rebrand all you want, but you can't replace the icons. If you want to build a brand, you need people like Candice who embody the DNA of the company.
Looking ahead to 2025 and 2026, it’s clear that Candice Swanepoel isn't going anywhere. She’s the veteran who still sets the pace. Whether she’s wearing wings or just a simple bodysuit, she’s the one everyone is watching when the lights go up.
Next steps for you: If you want to emulate the 2024 runway look, focus on "lit-from-within" skin and high-resistance strength training rather than traditional cardio. You can also check out the official Victoria's Secret "Runway Collection" which features the specific lace designs Candice wore during the Modern Heritage segment.