Angélique Angarni-Filopon, a 34-year-old flight attendant from the French Caribbean island of Martinique, shattered age barriers to become the oldest woman to ever win the prestigious Miss France beauty contest. Her victory, crowned in the western city of Poitiers, symbolizes a seismic shift in the pageant world.
A Win Decades in the Making
Angarni-Filopon’s win wasn’t just a personal triumph. It was a win for women everywhere told they are “too old” to pursue their dreams. After finishing as runner-up in the Miss Martinique competition in 2011, Angarni-Filopon took another shot at glory when Miss France’s rules were changed in 2022 to reflect a modern, inclusive society.
This change removed outdated restrictions, allowing women aged 24 and older, mothers, married women, and those with tattoos to compete.
In her heartfelt acceptance speech, Angarni-Filopon said she was representing Martinique and its diaspora, as well as women who have ever been told their time has passed.
“It’s never too late,” she emphasized.
Her speech spoke to women seeking new beginnings.
“My short hair and my age absolutely don’t define me,” she said. “In my twenties, I spent so much time trying to fit in. Now in my thirties, I know who I am, and that is the greatest gift.”
Her words resonate with many young Black women navigating societal pressures around beauty and aging. For Angarni-Filopon, her win stands as proof that self-confidence and self-acceptance are timeless qualities that transcend traditional notions of beauty.
A Changing Legacy
The Miss France competition, which began in 1920, has long been considered a cornerstone of French culture. With 7.43 million viewers tuning into this year’s event, the pageant remains beloved, even as other European nations like the Netherlands are moving away from such contests.
Miss France, however, has embraced change under the leadership of chairman Frédéric Gilbert. Rule modifications now allow transgender women to compete, further championing diversity and inclusion. Judges, a mix of a panel and public voting, rewarded Angarni-Filopon not just for her beauty but for her authenticity and inspiring journey.
This year’s competition included women from various professional and personal backgrounds. This included doctors, dentists, and women in other high-powered careers. The contestants strutted in swimsuits, regional costumes, and evening gowns while dancing to a medley of musical genres.
Angarni-Filopon’s win follows last year’s crowning of Eve Gilles. Gilles made history as the first Miss France to wear a pixie cut, which is another milestone in challenging traditional beauty ideals.
The Crown’s Rewards
Winning Miss France isn’t just symbolic. Along with the title, Angarni-Filopon will enjoy an enviable year ahead, including a salary of up to €60,000, a Parisian apartment near the Arc de Triomphe, a car, and sponsorship gifts.
Her victory will also allow her to serve as a role model. She will be using her platform to encourage women to embrace their uniqueness and chase their dreams, no matter their age or circumstance.
Angarni-Filopon’s success challenges a history of exclusion and rigid Eurocentric beauty standards in global pageantry. Her crown represents progress toward a more inclusive world where Black women are celebrated in all their diversity.
As the oldest Miss France in history, Angarni-Filopon is ushering in a new era of representation. She proves that beauty, strength, and success aren’t bound by age.