Ariel Swanepoel Nicoli, born July 20, 2018, is the second son of supermodel Candice Swanepoel and Brazilian model Hermann Nicoli. He has an older brother named Anacã and lives between Brazil and New York with his mother following his parents’ 2018 split.
When celebrity children capture public attention, few stories resonate quite like that of Ariel Swanepoel Nicoli. Born into the world of high fashion and international fame, this young boy carries a legacy that spans continents and cultures. His mother walked the world’s most famous runways while his father modeled for top Brazilian brands.
The life of Ariel Swanepoel Nicoli reflects more than just celebrity parentage. His story involves multicultural heritage, co-parenting arrangements, and growing up in the public eye. People search for information about him because his parents’ relationship captivated fans worldwide for over a decade before their unexpected split.
This article covers: Ariel’s birth and early years, his family background and heritage, his parents’ relationship timeline, his current life with his brother, and what the future might hold for this young member of fashion royalty.
Who Is Ariel Swanepoel Nicoli?
Ariel Swanepoel Nicoli entered the world on July 20, 2018, in the United States. He is the second son of Victoria’s Secret supermodel Candice Swanepoel and Brazilian model Hermann Nicoli. His arrival came just under two years after his older brother Anacã was born in October 2016.
The name Ariel carries biblical roots and works as both a masculine and gender-neutral name across different cultures. His surname combines both parents’ family names, representing his dual heritage from South Africa and Brazil.
Candice announced his birth through Instagram Stories with a close-up photo of the newborn’s hand wrapped around his parent’s finger, using the simple caption “blessed.” The post generated millions of likes and comments from fans celebrating the new addition.
His Parents’ Backgrounds
Candice Swanepoel ranks among the most successful models of her generation. She was born on October 20, 1988, in Mooi River, South Africa, and became a Victoria’s Secret Angel in 2010. Her career achievements include walking for Chanel, Givenchy, and Versace, plus launching her swimwear brand Tropic of C in 2018.
She grew up on a dairy farm in South Africa, discovering ballet before a model scout found her at age 15 in a Durban flea market. Her rise to international fame happened quickly, securing major campaigns by her late teens.
Hermann Nicoli was born on July 8, 1982, in Brazil. He works as a professional model represented by Next Model Management. His career focused primarily on the Brazilian fashion market, working with major agencies and brands throughout South America.
The couple met in Paris in 2005 when Candice was just 17 and Hermann was 23. They got engaged in August 2015 after a decade-long romance, with Candice flaunting a massive sparkling ring on social media.
The Multicultural Heritage
Ariel’s background blends three distinct cultures. His mother brings South African, Dutch, and British ancestry. Candice comes from an Afrikaner family of Dutch origin through her father, while her mother is of British origin. She speaks Afrikaans, English, and Portuguese fluently.
His father represents Brazilian culture and taught Candice Portuguese during their relationship. This multicultural environment means Ariel grows up exposed to multiple languages, traditions, and perspectives.
The family showed their connection to Brazilian culture through their first son’s name. Anacã was inspired by Nicoli’s native Brazil, and Candice shared it’s “an indigenous name from the Amazon”, explaining she’s always been amazed by Indian culture from Brazil.
Life Before the Split
For the first few months of his life, Ariel experienced a complete family unit. His parents maintained their engagement and appeared to be planning their future together. Candice balanced her modeling career with motherhood, often sharing glimpses of family life on social media.
According to People magazine, Swanepoel described Ariel as “much easier to manage” compared to his older brother and called him an “angel” when discussing the challenges of parenting two children under two years old.
The family traveled between Brazil, South Africa, and the United States for work and family commitments. This exposed both children to different environments and cultures from their earliest days.
The Parents’ Separation
It was reported that Swanepoel and Nicoli went their separate ways soon after the birth of their second child, with fans first getting hints of their breakup after they unfollowed each other on social media. The news shocked many followers who viewed the couple as relationship goals.
Neither parent publicly discussed specific reasons for the split. In 2019, Swanepoel revealed in an Instagram Q&A that she was single, confirming her split from Nicoli. They maintained privacy about their personal issues, choosing not to speak about the breakup in detail with media outlets.
Some speculation arose online about the circumstances, but neither Candice nor Hermann confirmed any rumors. They both prioritized protecting their children during this transition period.
Current Life and Co-Parenting
Today, Ariel is approximately six years old and shares custody between both parents. Candice is co-parenting her sons with her ex-fiancé Hermann Nicoli, and she reportedly splits her time between Brazil and New York City. This arrangement allows the children to maintain connections with both parents’ cultures.
Both Anacã and Ariel appear regularly on their mother’s Instagram account. Candice shares moments of their daily life, beach trips, and family activities. These posts show the close bond between the brothers and their mother.
The boys seem to enjoy an active lifestyle. Photos show them swimming, playing outdoors, and spending time in nature. Candice emphasizes giving them normal childhood experiences despite their famous background.
Brother Relationship
The relationship between Ariel and his older brother Anacã appears strong. The brothers frequently appear together in their mother’s social media posts, showing their close relationship despite their young ages. Only two years apart, they share many activities and adventures together.
Their mother provides stability through consistent routines and quality time. She balances her modeling career and business ventures with hands-on parenting, often bringing the boys to work-related trips when possible.
Privacy and Public Presence
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Social Media | No personal accounts; appears on mother’s Instagram |
| Public Appearances | Rare; mostly in paparazzi photos or mother’s posts |
| Privacy Level | High; parents protect from excessive media exposure |
| Education | Private; not publicly disclosed |
| Residence | Splits time between Brazil and New York |
Candice and Hermann make conscious efforts to protect their children’s privacy. While Candice shares photos and updates, she controls the narrative and timing. She doesn’t reveal specific details about their schooling, daily routines, or exact locations.
This balanced approach allows fans to feel connected while maintaining boundaries. The children can grow up with some normalcy despite their parents’ fame.
Candice’s Approach to Motherhood
After Anacã’s birth, Candice said on Mother’s Day 2017: “What a gift and precious responsibility it is to bring a new soul into the world”, adding that her life definitely started over the day she met her baby.
She brings both sons to fashion events occasionally but keeps them away from the runway and cameras. Her Instagram shows casual moments rather than staged photo shoots. This suggests she wants them to have authentic childhood experiences.
The supermodel continues working while prioritizing family time. She launched Tropic of C, her swimwear line, the same year Ariel was born. This business venture allows more control over her schedule compared to traditional modeling work.
Financial Security and Future
Ariel grows up with significant financial advantages. His mother’s estimated net worth reaches $25 million from modeling, endorsements, and business ventures. In 2016, she was listed 8th on the Forbes top-earning models list, demonstrating her commercial success.
His father also maintains successful modeling work, though on a smaller scale than Candice. This combined wealth ensures both children receive excellent education, healthcare, and opportunities as they grow.
The family’s resources allow for travel, cultural experiences, and exposure to different parts of the world. These advantages could open many doors for Ariel’s future, whatever path he chooses.
Life in the Spotlight
Growing up as the child of celebrities brings unique challenges. Paparazzi occasionally photograph the family during outings. Social media users scrutinize and comment on posts featuring the children. These realities shape how Candice and Hermann approach parenting.
Both parents seem committed to providing normalcy despite fame. They don’t use their children for publicity or brand partnerships. This restraint shows respect for Ariel and Anacã’s autonomy and right to privacy.
The boys will eventually decide their own relationship with public attention as they mature. Their parents’ approach now creates a foundation for healthy boundaries later.
What the Future Holds
At six years old, Ariel’s future remains wide open. He might follow his parents into modeling or fashion. He could pursue entirely different interests like sports, academics, or arts. His multicultural background and privileged position provide countless opportunities.
His exposure to Brazilian, South African, and American cultures gives him a global perspective from an early age. This worldliness could translate into international business, creative pursuits, or humanitarian work.
Whatever path he chooses, the support system from both parents seems strong. Their commitment to co-parenting despite their separation demonstrates they prioritize their children’s wellbeing above personal differences.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Ariel Swanepoel Nicoli?
Ariel was born on July 20, 2018, making him approximately six years old as of 2024.
Are Candice Swanepoel and Hermann Nicoli still together?
No, they separated in late 2018, shortly after Ariel’s birth. Candice confirmed she was single in 2019.
Does Ariel Swanepoel Nicoli have siblings?
Yes, he has an older brother named Anacã Nicoli, born in October 2016.
What nationality is Ariel Swanepoel Nicoli?
He holds South African nationality through his mother and has Brazilian heritage through his father.
Does Ariel have his own social media accounts?
No, Ariel does not have personal social media. He appears occasionally on his mother’s Instagram account.
Conclusion
The story of Ariel Swanepoel Nicoli captures attention because it combines celebrity culture with genuine human experiences. His parents’ high-profile relationship, unexpected split, and commitment to co-parenting create a narrative many people find relatable despite the glamorous setting.
As he grows older, Ariel will shape his own identity beyond his parents’ fame. The foundation they’re building now through stable co-parenting and privacy protection gives him the best chance at a balanced life. His multicultural heritage and access to opportunities position him well for whatever future he chooses to create.
