ève gilles miss univers 2025

Eve Gilles at Miss Universe 2025: A Journey of Audacious Style and Resilience

Bangkok, Thailand – The 74th edition of Miss Universe concluded on November 21, 2025, in Bangkok, Thailand, crowning Fátima Bosch of Mexico as the new queen. While the glittering finale and the subsequent controversies took center stage, the French representative, Eve Gilles, carved out her own narrative. Known for her distinctive style and unapologetic confidence, Gilles navigated the global stage with a performance that blended high fashion, cultural homage, and a touch of pageant history.

For Canadian observers and fashion enthusiasts, the spectacle offered a fascinating look at how modern beauty pageants are evolving. Eve Gilles, Miss France 2024, did not walk away with the crown, but her impact was undeniable. From a tribute to a French historical icon to a bold fashion statement that channeled the excesses of the 1980s, she proved that sometimes, the most memorable stories are those written by the contenders who dare to be different.

The Main Narrative: A Runway of Controversy and Couture

The 2025 Miss Universe pageant was far from a standard beauty competition; it was a dramatic event marred by allegations of vote-rigging and a chaotic atmosphere. Amidst this backdrop, Eve Gilles stood out not for controversy, but for her creative expression.

According to reports from Radio-Canada, the event "enchaîne les controverses" (chained controversies), highlighting a turbulent evening that included a judge alleging vote manipulation and a contestant being rushed to the hospital after a fall. Yet, while the organization dealt with internal strife, Gilles focused on her representation of France.

Her journey culminated in a respectable placement. As reported by 20 Minutes, "Miss Guadeloupe surclasse Miss France au classement final Miss Univers." While Miss Guadeloupe (who competed as a separate delegation) secured a high rank, Gilles finished within the Top 30. While she did not advance to the Top 12, her performance was a testament to her preparation and poise under pressure.

Breaking Down the Rankings

The final ranking placed Fátima Bosch (Mexico) as the winner, followed by representatives from Nigeria and Thailand. For France, the night ended just short of the semi-finals. According to 20 Minutes, Gilles finished in the Top 30, a slight regression from the previous year where Miss France 2023, Indira Ampiot, reached the Top 20.

However, rankings often tell only half the story. In the world of pageantry, "viral moments" are currency. Gilles, a 20-year-old computer science student, generated significant buzz, particularly in the realms of style and cultural representation.

Style Spotlight: The "Drag Race" Connection and 80s Flair

One of the most talked-about aspects of Gilles' participation was her wardrobe. Paris Match reported that at Miss Universe, "Eve Gilles impose son style, et ça marche" (Eve Gilles imposes her style, and it works). The publication highlighted a crucial detail that set her apart: "Le styliste de 'Drag Race' a réalisé mon costume" (The stylist from 'Drag Race' made my costume).

This collaboration injected a level of theatricality and polish rarely seen in traditional pageantry. Gilles embraced an aesthetic that was a far cry from the soft, ethereal looks often favored in previous years. Unverified reports from supplementary research describe her wardrobe as a "Bold Fashion Choice" reflecting a "distinct 80s style." Think vibrant fuchsia, intricate lace, and—most notably—satin shoulder pads that commanded attention on the Bangkok stage.

This willingness to embrace bold, somewhat androgynous silhouettes marked a departure from the "pageant mold" and resonated with a younger, fashion-forward audience.

The Joan of Arc Tribute

Beyond the runway, Gilles paid homage to her heritage during the National Costume parade. In a stunning display, she donned armor-inspired attire to honor Joan of Arc. This choice was more than just a costume; it was a statement on "historical representation in contemporary beauty pageants."

Joan of Arc, a symbol of strength, resilience, and defiance, mirrored Gilles' own demeanor throughout the competition. For a Canadian audience, this highlights a growing trend in pageantry where contestants use their platform to educate on history and culture, moving beyond mere aesthetics to storytelling.

Contextual Background: The Evolving Landscape of Miss Universe

To understand Eve Gilles' performance, one must understand the current state of Miss Universe. The organization has undergone significant changes in recent years, including lifting the ban on married women and mothers, and expanding age limits. These changes aim to modernize the brand, but the 2025 edition exposed lingering cracks in the foundation.

A Pattern of Turbulence

The controversy surrounding the 2025 pageant is not an isolated incident. Radio-Canada noted that the competition has been "chaining controversies." This suggests a pattern of instability or growing pains as the pageant tries to balance commercial interests with competitive integrity.

For contestants like Gilles, navigating this environment requires resilience. She competed in a field of over 100 women, in an event where a judge publicly claimed vote-rigging. The fact that she maintained her composure and delivered a strong performance speaks to her professionalism.

The "Miss Guadeloupe" Factor

The mention of Miss Guadeloupe outperforming Miss France adds another layer of complexity. In Miss Universe, territories with autonomous status (like Guadeloupe, Martinique, or Puerto Rico) often compete separately from their "parent" nations. The reported success of the Miss Guadeloupe delegate in the final ranking highlights the intense competition within the French-speaking Caribbean region, a powerhouse in the pageant world.

Immediate Effects: The Social Media Buzz and Public Perception

The immediate aftermath of the competition saw Eve Gilles trending on social media, not necessarily for her ranking, but for her "look."

The "Drag Race" Effect

The revelation that her costumes were crafted by a stylist associated with RuPaul's Drag Race created a viral moment. It bridged the gap between two distinct fanbases: traditional pageant followers and the LGBTQ+ community, particularly fans of drag culture. This crossover appeal is a strategic move in 2025. It validates the artistry of the costume and elevates the contestant to a pop-culture figure.

Representation of Modern Femininity

Gilles' portrayal of the "modern French woman"—educated (studying computer science), stylish, and unafraid to take fashion risks—challenged stereotypes. In Canada, where discussions around women in STEM and the arts often intersect, her profile as a tech student who dominated the fashion headlines is a compelling narrative of multifaceted womanhood.

Future Outlook: What’s Next for Eve Gilles?

While the Miss Universe crown eluded her, the future looks bright for Eve Gilles. Historically, high-profile Miss France contestants often launch careers in television, modeling, or journalism.

Strategic Implications

Her association with high-concept fashion and a Drag Race stylist suggests she may find a niche in the fashion industry or as a style influencer. Furthermore, her ability to handle pressure—competing in a scandal-plagued event without getting dragged into it—demonstrates a level of maturity that serves her well in the public eye.

Potential Risks and Opportunities

The primary risk for any pageant contestant is fading into obscurity after the coronation night. However, Gilles' unique branding makes her memorable. The opportunity here is to leverage the "Joan of Arc" moment and the "80s fashion" buzz into a sustained brand identity.

As the Miss Universe organization looks to rebuild trust following the 2025 vote-rigging allegations, future contestants will likely face even stricter scrutiny. Gilles has set a precedent: you don't need to win the crown to win the people. By focusing on authenticity and artistic expression, she navigated the chaos and emerged with her reputation intact.

In the end, while Fátima Bosch took the title, Eve Gilles took the runway. And for many fashion watchers in Canada and beyond, that was a victory in its own right.