 Swanepoel launched a range of made-to-measure clothing under his Quartus Manna label in 1983 before starting a glove business in New York in 1992.While continuing with the glove business, he started evening millinery classes and pursued various freelance millinery jobs while making his own hats on the side.Among his freelance collaborations he worked with theatrical milliner Lynne Mackey, constructing hats for several Broadway shows, including "Kiss Me, Kate" and "Mamma Mia!