Swanepoel appears on Victoria's Secret swimsuit catalog cover

NEW YORK, Jan. 4 (UPI) -- Candice Swanepoel is featured on the cover of the first Victoria's Secret swimsuit catalog of the year, which was sent out to U.S. customers Friday.

"It feels amazing being on the cover of the swim catalog! Before I was a model, I used to see Gisele [Bundchen], Tyra Banks and all of those iconic women on it. It is amazing that a little South African girl can get on the cover," the 24-year-old Swanepoel said in a statement.

The catalog was shot by famed fashion photographer Russell James on the beaches of Turks and Caicos and Miami, the clothing company said.