Eve Gilles, a 20-year-old contestant with an “androgynous” style featuring a short, boyish haircut, made history by being crowned Miss France 2024, representing the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region. Her victory has ignited discussions and accusations of the pageant adopting a “woke“ approach.
Breaking from traditional beauty norms, Gilles, who sports a pixie cut, emphasized her desire to challenge and diversify beauty standards. After winning, she stated, “We’re used to seeing beautiful Misses with long hair, but I chose an androgynous look with short hair,” emphasizing the uniqueness of each woman.
Gilles has been vocal about her intention to modernize the pageant, which has faced criticism for perpetuating sexist ideals. On stage, she expressed her belief that beauty goes beyond a specific hairstyle or body shape, advocating for a more inclusive representation of women.
The judges’ decision to crown Gilles, based on both public votes and a panel of seven female judges, sparked mixed reactions. Some on social media criticized the move, labeling it “woke” and suggesting the pageant shifted away from its traditional focus on beauty. Others defended Gilles, arguing that beauty should be recognized in various forms and that inclusivity is essential.
Left-wing politicians, including Green MP Sandrine Rousseau and communist party national secretary Fabien Roussel, supported Gilles and condemned the criticism she faced. They stressed the importance of accepting women in all their diversity.
The Miss France organization has made efforts to modernize by allowing candidates of any age, mothers, wives, and trans women to participate. The crowning of a trans woman in the Miss Paris contest in 2022 marked a significant milestone. Despite these changes, some critics argue that the pageant still perpetuates harmful beauty standards.
Eve Gilles’ victory as Miss France 2024 has ignited a debate about beauty standards, inclusivity, and the future of the pageant. The controversy reflects the ongoing complexities and contradictions surrounding ideas of beauty and gender in society.
