Swanepoel was born in Mooi River, KwaZulu-Natal, and was spotted by a model scout in a Durban flea market at age 15. By age 16, Swanepoel was earning 5,000 Euros or R40,000 for a day's work.
Modeling career
Swanepoel's resume includes covers for Vogue (Greece), ELLE (Germany), and Ocean Drive (U.S.) and advertisements for Nike, Diesel, Guess?, and Versus Eyewear. Swanepoel has walked the runway for Tommy Hilfiger, Dolce and Gabbana, Sass and Bide, Betsey Johnson, Diane von Fürstenberg and numerous other designers, as well as for Victoria's Secret in 2007, 2008, and 2009. 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, and Erin Heatherton. In 2010, she became one of the company's signature Angels.[dubious – discuss] Swanepoel modeled for the Kardashians' 2010 swimwear line.