Candice Swanepoel Dives Head-First Into Sustainable Swimwear with Tropic of C

Supermodel-Turned-Entrepreneur Champions Quality and Sustainability in Fresh Business Venture

Are you looking to invigorate your summer wardrobe with trending, ethically-made pieces? The supermodel sensation, Candice Swanepoel, famous for her work with Victoria’s Secret and Anne Klein, is redefining the sustainable swimwear landscape through her venture, Tropic of C.

Trust the Expert: From Runway to Supply Chain

After a thriving 20-year-long career in front of the lens, Swanepoel decided to harness her modelling experience and eye for fashion to revolutionize the world of swimwear, offering consumers a guilt-free way to enjoy the beach life.

This new direct-to-consumer brand is more than just a fashion statement. Tropic of C, built on principles of sustainability and community, aims to produce durable, trend-defying swimsuits that embody quality and longevity, reinforcing the practice of conscious consumerism in the world of fast fashion.

Roots of Tropic of C: Nurtured by Passion

Growing up, Swanepoel was a self-proclaimed water baby, never missing an opportunity to be near any body of water. This love translated into a keen interest in swimwear, with memories of crafting her own pieces from scraps of fabric left over from her mother’s dance concerts. It was only a matter of time before she channelled her affinity for fashion and the environment into a meaningful business venture.

Unveiling her journey on our podcast, ‘Who What Wear With Hillary Kerr,’ Swanepoel shared her experiences, right from the launch of her first collection to discussing the must-haves in your swimwear collection.

From Dream to Reality: A Glimpse Into Tropic of C’s inception

Swanepoel revealed that while she had always envisioned creating Tropic of C, chronic constraints on her time made it a farfetched dream. However, once she made the decision to dive in, her perfectionism and decades-long knowledge of the industry became the backbone of the business. In her own words, it was a “progression of my legacy”.

Emphasizing the principle of learning by doing, Swanepoel recognized that understanding the nuances of the market came as the brand progressed. Despite its infancy, the brand already stands today as a symbol of industry innovation in sustainability.

Listen to the Saga: Swanepoel on Podcast ‘Who What Wear With Hillary Kerr’

Eager to learn more? Tune in to ‘Who What Wear With Hillary Kerr,’ available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and uncover the captivating journey of this supermodel-turned-entrepreneur as she transforms her imagination into reality.

Candice Swanepoel, through her story, is proving that with determination, even the world of fast fashion can be turned on its head. Tropic of C, just like Swanepoel’s career, promises to be a ripple in the world of swimwear, leading to waves of sustainable change.

From Catwalk to Coastline: Candice Swanepoel’s Journey into Sustainable Swimwear

The Supermodel’s Leap into the Eco-Friendly Business Platform

Craving an insider’s glimpse into the fashion industry or the journey towards entrepreneurial success? Look no further. Renowned supermodel and brand ambassador for Anne Klein, Candice Swanepoel, draws back the curtain on her successful transition to the business world.

Charting Her Own Course: Evolution of the Supermodel Turned Entrepreneur

Candice Swanepoel’s pivot from the runway to the supply chain has been nothing short of inspirational. After spending years gracing photo shoots on pristine beaches and studio floors, she capitalized on her considerable experience with renowned brands like Victoria’s Secret. Swanepoel turned her discerning eye onto her own venture, Tropic of C, determined to understand the intricate workings of her own business and execute her vision.

Travelling the World: Bringing Global Inspiration to Tropic of C

Seeing the most naturally beautiful places on the planet, Swanepoel allowed her travels to spark inspiration for her brand. However, the milestone of falling pregnant led her to Brazil, where she enjoyed the slower pace of life, providing both the time and space to bring her dream to fruition – Tropic of C.

Building from the Ground Up: The Transition from Vision to Reality

Turning a dream into a reality is a journey fraught with challenges. Balancing challenging new skills like branding and team-building with time-honored and well-honed expertise in the fashion industry was a daunting transition. Yet, Swanepoel met the challenge head-on, bridging the gap between fashion and business with the help of her partner, Daniela.

Inspiring Sustainability: Revolutionizing a Fast-Paced Industry

Choosing to stand against the wasteful packaging practices of early influencer culture, Swanepoel sought to feel good about her eco-conscious brand. Emphasizing the quality and aesthetics of her products as well as their environmental impact, she was proactive in adopting practices like using regenerated nylons and decomposable bags.

Capturing Moments: From First Shoot to Realized Vision

Launching the first collection was a momentous accomplishment, and one that Swanepoel cherishes even today. Seeing the product of years of hard work in her hand and being able to orchestrate its presentation was an empowering, eye-opening experience.

Crafting the Ideal Collection: Uncovering Swanepoel’s Favorites

Every designer has a few pieces that they hold dear. For Swanepoel, the core collection encapsulates some of her favorites. From essential bikinis like Praia to stylish knit cover-ups that can transition from a day on the beach to an evening dinner. Collaborations with other designers like Suzie Kondi have lent an infusion of fresh style to her collections, ensuring the brand stays on trend with popular styles.

The Wardrobe Essentials Every Fashion Savvy Woman Needs

Swanepoel believes quality over quantity, suggesting a classic staple assortment for every woman’s swim wardrobe – a versatile one-piece, beautiful animal prints, simple black and white, and a few pieces of knitwear for those cooler evenings.

Want to catch more? Check out our interview with Gabrielle Union for more insights into the fashion industry. Now, tune in to your sustainable mindset, pack that summer beach bag and let the warm waves of eco-fashion lap over you. Candice Swanepoel and Tropic of C are reshaping the landscape of the fashion world one bikini at a time.

A lot of my favorites are in our core collection. We have a triangle bikini called Praia, which we bring whatever pattern or fabric of the season in that style, so that’s a staple. You can have a million of them. They’re small, but the quality it’s just the way it holds you in. It’s an everyday must, so I have a million of those in every print.

Tropic of C + Praia Top

Tropic of C

Praia Top

$80

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Recently, we’ve gone into more lifestyle and these beautiful knit cover-ups, which I’m loving. [They] can be worn to the beach or if you put a heel on at night as well. I guess one of the trends these days is these mesh dresses, so I was inspired by that a little bit.

Tropic of C + Sundew Dress

Tropic of C

Sundew Dress

$143

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We recently did a collaboration with Suzie Kondi. I love her—she’s amazing. [She] really brought that kind of hippie lifestyle, and it’s a whole terry collection. We did our classic bikinis and then sets that went with them, and I’m literally gonna live in those this summer. I love it. I’m like, “Can you send me all the samples? Like now?”

Tropic of C x Suzie Kondi + Eco Terry

Tropic of C x Suzie Kondi

Eco Terry

$115

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Are there any key pieces that you think everyone should have in their swim wardrobe—pieces that, if you buy it today, you will still love it in five years?

I would say there’s a top called South Pacific, which I designed in one of our first collections that stayed in our core. It’s a bra structured with a little sleeve that, again, can be worn as outerwear or on the beach. It frames the collarbone and the shoulders beautifully. I think that definitely is a staple.

I would say she has to have an animal print. She has to have black and white. One-pieces are always a go-to because you can really dress it up, dress it down, and look chic. Some of the knitwear dresses that you can just literally roll up and throw in a carry-on and be good to go. Those are my picks for this summer.

Tropic of C + South Pacific Top

Tropic of C

South Pacific Top

$100

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Tropic of C + Equator Top

Tropic of C

Equator Top

$80

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This review has been edited and condensed for clarity.