Thylane Blondeau, once dubbed “the most beautiful girl in the world” at the age of six, has opened up about the ongoing challenges of living up to such a title. Now 24 years old, the French model and social media influencer reflected on how the label, which was thrust upon her after a photoshoot for Vogue Enfants, has followed her throughout her career, and the pressure it has placed on her to define herself beyond physical beauty.
A Title That Defined a Childhood
Thylane admits she didn’t fully grasp the significance of being called the world’s most beautiful girl at such a young age. “When you’re small, you don’t really pay attention,” she explained. “People are like, ‘you’re the most beautiful girl in the world,’ and you’re like, ‘I’m not, I’m just playing with my iPad.’” Despite the adoration she received from fans and the media, Thylane made it clear that the title has never been her identity.
Even now, as an adult, she finds it uncomfortable to be constantly associated with this label. “Even today, people are like, ‘you are the most beautiful girl,’ and I’m like, ‘no, I’m still not, I’m just a human being, a teenager,’” she shared in a candid moment about how the external expectations placed upon her often clash with her personal sense of self.
Breaking Free from Beauty Standards
Thylane’s journey as a model has not been without controversy, particularly following a 2010 French Vogue spread that featured her at just 10 years old wearing heavy makeup and high heels, sparking debates about sexualizing young girls. The photoshoot, titled “What Makeup at What Age?” was widely criticized for pushing boundaries that many felt were inappropriate for a child. However, Thylane has since grown into her role in the fashion world and has been vocal about the need to prioritize personality over mere appearance.
Speaking with The Telegraph in 2018, Thylane said, “The key to modelling is personality first now. Beauty inside and outside.” She also emphasized her refusal to conform to the traditional size-zero beauty standards often imposed on models, sharing that she would not deprive herself of food to meet industry expectations. “I don’t want to be skinny. Even if people are like, ‘she’s not that skinny, she can’t do this show,’ I’m just like, ‘ok fine, I’m not going to do that show,’” she declared confidently.
Embracing Her True Self
Thylane’s commitment to staying true to herself is evident as she continues to pursue her career on her own terms. While still modeling for top brands like Dolce & Gabbana, Miu Miu, and L’Oréal Paris, Thylane has moved beyond the superficiality that once defined her image. She strives for authenticity in both her personal and professional life, revealing that she wants to be recognized as more than just a pretty face.
Her recent engagement to French DJ Ben Attal has also brought a new sense of fulfillment. Sharing the news with her fans on Instagram, Thylane proudly showed off her engagement ring and expressed her joy, writing, “I said yes to my best friend. Here’s to forever.” The proposal, which took place at a luxurious hotel in Greece, marked another milestone in Thylane’s life as she steps into a new chapter, one that centers around her personal happiness rather than external validation.
The Future Beyond Beauty
As Thylane prepares for her wedding and continues to build her beauty and haircare brand, Enalyht, she is no longer just a model or a former child prodigy in the fashion world. Instead, she is carving out a space for herself as a multifaceted entrepreneur and influencer. Her brand, which promotes self-care and inclusivity, reflects her values of embracing individuality and rejecting traditional beauty standards.
Her story is a reminder that, although beauty may have opened doors for Thylane at a young age, she has chosen to define herself by her work, her values, and her journey as a human being — not just by the title given to her at six years old.
Thylane Blondeau is living proof that beauty can be fleeting, but the power of self-identity and the courage to live authentically are what truly define a person’s worth.
