Model Thylane Blondeau, famously recognized as 'the most beautiful girl in the world' at the age of six, has spoken about the challenges of living up to such an early moniker and the desire to be seen as more than just a title. Her comments come as she recently married French DJ Ben Attal in Paris.
Blondeau, now 25, has expressed that the honor, bestowed upon her after a photoshoot for Vogue Enfants, became a burden. She recalled not fully grasping the weight of the title as a child and has worked to ensure it did not define her as she grew older. "When you're small, you don't really pay attention," Blondeau said. "People are like, 'you know, you're the most beautiful girl in the world,' and you're like, 'I'm not, I'm just playing with my iPad.' 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 emphasized her desire for people to recognize her as an individual rather than by her childhood title. In a 2018 interview with The Telegraph, Blondeau stated that her approach to modeling now prioritizes "personality first. Beauty inside and outside." She has also voiced her refusal to conform to stringent industry beauty standards, asserting, "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.' I'm not going to be skinny and not eat for them. If I want to eat, I can eat. I eat burgers. I'm not going to change this ever."
Blondeau's entry into the modeling world was not entirely her own decision; she was scouted at three years old and invited to walk in a Jean Paul Gaultier show. This early start meant a departure from a typical childhood, despite the accompanying luxuries. By age 16, she had already graced Vogue Paris, attended the Cannes Film Festival, and become a brand ambassador for L'Oréal Paris. The daughter of TV presenter Véronika Loubry and retired footballer Patrick Blondeau, she also spent time in Kensington, London, and St. Tropez.
Her career has seen her work with major couture brands such as Miu Miu, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, Ralph Lauren, and Hugo Boss. She has also participated in prestigious ad campaigns and launched her own beauty and haircare brand, Enalyht. Blondeau maintains a significant presence on Instagram, where she shares glimpses of her life and career with millions of followers.
Recently, Blondeau entered a new personal chapter, marrying DJ Ben Attal on Monday. The French model wore a white gown with cape detailing for the ceremony, held in Paris. The couple became engaged three months prior when Attal proposed during a stay at a hotel in Greece. Blondeau shared the engagement news on social media, announcing, "I said yes to my best friend. Here’s to forever."