Meet Eve Gilles Whose Pixie Haircut Challenged Beauty Pageant Norms

In a historic turn of events, 20-year-old Eve Gilles from Nord-pas-de-Calais made history by becoming the latest Miss France. However, what sets her apart is not just her victory but the fact that she is the first contestant in the pageant's 103-year history to sport a pixie cut rather than the traditional long hair.

Online Backlash and Accusations of "Wokeness"

Despite the groundbreaking win, the announcement of Gilles as Miss France triggered a wave of online backlash. Social media erupted with the hashtag #MissFrance2024, which quickly became the top trending topic on X. Many derogatory posts flooded the platform, accusing the judges of endorsing "wokeness" by selecting a winner with what some deemed an "androgynous" appearance.

In response to the criticism, Eve Gilles, proudly embracing her pixie cut, defended her unique choice. 

According to a report in People Magazine, she stated, "We're used to seeing beautiful Misses with long hair, but I chose an androgynous look with short hair. No one should dictate who you are... every woman is different, we're all unique."

Eve Gilles, in an interview with Euronews, expressed her desire to be a symbol of strength and diversity. She emphasised her goal of breaking stereotypes and inspiring others by saying, "I want to make people realise that no matter where you start, no matter what path you take, you can achieve your goals. I want to show people that women are diverse, that we're all beautiful, that we're all different and unique. I'm not unique because of my hair, I'm unique because I'm Eve."

Embracing Diversity on the Global Stage

Miss Universe, in a statement to People, expressed its support for diverse looks among pageant contestants. The spokesperson emphasised that there is no single way to be Miss Universe or Miss France and that the organisation embraces every look that graces the stage. The statement highlighted the diverse hairstyles of contestants in the recent Miss Universe pageant, where Sheynnis Palacios, the winner, also had a shorter cut.

The Evolution of Miss France: Lenient Regulations for Greater Diversity

The selection of Miss France involves a jury of seven women and a public vote. Despite Gilles ranking third in the public vote, she secured the crown due to the jury's decision. Notably, this year's Miss France pageant marked the second year of more lenient regulations, eliminating age restrictions and welcoming women who are married, have children, or have visible tattoos.

Individuality & Women's Choices in the Spotlight

Eve Gilles' victory not only challenges conventional beauty norms but also raises questions about societal expectations surrounding women's choices. Whether it be hairstyles, marital status, or personal beliefs, women often find their choices under scrutiny. Despite the progress made by the Miss France pageant, the backlash faced by Gilles highlights the enduring struggle for society to accept and celebrate individuality.

In conclusion, Eve Gilles' historic win is not just about a pixie cut breaking beauty norms but a testament to the ongoing battle for acceptance and celebration of individuality. As the Miss France pageant evolves, society must also evolve to appreciate the diverse expressions of beauty that go beyond traditional norms.