Miss France became the oldest champion in history after more than 100 years of strict age restrictions.
Angelique Angarni-Philopon declared that her victory at the age of 34 is proof that it is “never too late” to change your life and career.
The flight attendant, who represented the French Caribbean island of Martinique in the competition, said she hoped her win would inspire others to pursue their dreams.
She said she represented “Martinique, its diaspora and all the women who were once told it was too late.”
This contest, which has been running since 1920, previously prohibited women over the age of 24 from entering, but organizers say they want to change with the times, and will change the rules in 2022 to allow mothers and married women to participate. It became like that.
Contestants must be at least 5 feet 7 inches tall and pledge not to gain weight, change their hairstyle, or have any tattoos or piercings during their 12-month reign.
According to French media, a 52-year-old woman also participated in the contest this year, but did not make it past the regional stage.
After collecting the tiara, Ms. Angarni Philopon said, “People always talk about my age. I think it’s well preserved. There are no wrinkles.”
The contest winner was all smiles in a pink and white dress as she was awarded the title.
The flight attendant, who represented the French island of Martinique in the Caribbean in the competition, said she hopes her win will inspire others to pursue their dreams.
In 2011, at the age of 21, the beauty queen failed to qualify for Miss France and finished as runner-up in the Miss Martinique pageant.
she said over the weekend. “Your 30s are probably your best years. When I was in my 20s, I spent a lot of time figuring out who I was. I wanted to be like everyone else. ”
The contest winner wore a pink and white feathered gown and smiled broadly as she was awarded the title, saying in her victory speech: “My short hair and age will never define me.” he said proudly.
She told Le Parisien that she never expected to win. “Every local election, I said to myself, ‘Oh, they are.’ [other competitors] It’s so beautiful,” I could see victory slipping away.
“I told myself this experience was going to be great. But in my head, telling myself I was going to win was so far away.”
She was one of 30 contestants from across France who made it to the finals, competing against doctors, dentists and students.
Her prize money reportedly includes up to €60,000 (£50,000) over the next year, as well as the use of an apartment in Paris near the Arc de Triomphe and various gifts from sponsors.
This happened after a bizarre controversy erupted over the 2023 winner’s hairstyle.
Yves Gilles faced backlash and even misogynistic abuse as the first Miss France winner to sport a pixie cut.
She was one of 30 contestants from all over France who made it to the finals.
“We’re used to seeing beautiful Misses with long hair, but I chose a more androgynous look with short hair,” Jill said at the time.
She hailed her win as a victory for “diversity,” saying after Saturday night’s victory that “no one should dictate who you are,” adding, “Every woman is different. We are all unique,” he added.
It is one of a series of recent events that have brought into sharp focus the place of pageants in modern society.
Last week, Miss Netherlands organizers announced they were scrapping the pageant after 35 years.
Miss France 2024, Miss Nord Pas de Calais Yves Gilles takes the stage after winning the title
“Times are changing and we are changing with them,” contest organizers said in a statement.
Instead of running the contest, director Monika Van Ee has launched a platform called “These Are No Longer”.
The platform aims to share stories not only of successful women, but also of women who have struggled with social media and unrealistic beauty standards, among others.
“There is no longer a crown, but there is an inspiring story. There is no dress, but dreams come true,” said the organizer.