Angelique Angarni-Filopon, a 34-year-old flight attendant from the French Caribbean island of Martinique, made history on Saturday by becoming the oldest contestant to win the Miss France pageant.
Her victory marks a significant milestone, following a rule change that opened the competition to women over 24 years old, as well as those who are married or mothers.
The new regulations allowed Angarni-Filopon, who had previously finished as first runner-up in the 2011 Miss Martinique competition at just 20 years old, to participate once more.
In an emotional statement following her win, she spoke directly to the women who had once been told they were too old to pursue their dreams.
“In 2011, a young woman aged 20 finished first runner-up in the Miss Martinique competition. Today, it’s the same young woman aged 34 who stands before you to again represent Martinique, its diaspora as well as all the women who were once told that it was too late,” Angarni-Filopon said.
The pageant final, broadcast live on French television network TF1, saw 30 contestants, including professionals such as doctors and dentists, compete for the prestigious title.
The contestants paraded in a variety of outfits, including swimsuits, regional costumes, and ballgowns, while performing to an eclectic mix of music genres ranging from country and 90s hits to salsa and classical Mozart.
Angarni-Filopon’s win is not just a personal triumph but also a testament to evolving beauty standards in the pageant industry.
The rule change that allowed older women to compete reflects a broader shift towards inclusivity and acceptance of diverse backgrounds and life experiences in beauty contests.
Her victory is being celebrated as a win for women who defy traditional age norms and challenge conventional expectations.
In addition to the title, Angarni-Filopon’s prize package includes a year-long salary from the Miss France organization, access to a luxurious Paris apartment, and various gifts from sponsors.
The win also positions her as a prominent figure in French beauty culture, with a year ahead to represent the values of diversity and resilience.
The Miss France contest comes shortly after the Miss Netherlands pageant was discontinued following 35 years of tradition.
Organizers of the Dutch contest announced that they were “changing with the times” and would instead create a platform to highlight the stories of successful women and address societal issues such as unrealistic beauty standards.
This move is in line with growing global trends toward rethinking the role and relevance of traditional beauty pageants in today’s society.
For Angarni-Filopon, her achievement serves as an inspiration to women everywhere, demonstrating that it’s never too late to follow one’s dreams.
Her victory is not only a personal achievement but also a momentous step toward redefining the beauty ideal in competitive spaces.
