Geneviève de Fontenay: A Life Dedicated to Beauty Pageants
Geneviève Suzanne Marie-Thérèse Mulmann, known professionally as Geneviève de Fontenay, was a prominent French businesswoman and a pivotal figure in the world of beauty pageants. Born on 30 August 1932 in Longwy, Lorraine, she left an indelible mark in the beauty pageant industry, particularly as the president of the Miss France Committee and the creator of Miss Prestige National.
Early Life and Education
Geneviève Suzanne Marie-Thérèse Mulmann was the eldest of ten children born to André Mulmann and Marie-Thérèse Martin. Her father worked as a mining engineer at the Hagondange steelworks. She received her education at a hospitality school in Strasbourg and pursued her dreams of becoming a beautician in Paris from a young age.
Career
Miss France (1954–2010)
Fontenay commenced her career with the Miss France Committee in 1954 as its general secretary, taking on various roles within the organization. Over the years, she worked her way up and eventually became the president of the Miss France Committee in 1981. Her influence was profound, and she, along with her son Xavier Poirot de Fontenay, transformed the organization into a company. Despite a controversial exit in the aftermath of Miss France 2008, Fontenay's legacy remains significant.
Miss Prestige Nationale (2010–2016)
Post her departure from the Miss France Committee in 2010, Fontenay embarked on creating her own national beauty pageant - a venture that led to the birth of Miss Prestige National. She served as its inaugural president and continued to contribute significantly to the beauty pageant industry until her retirement in January 2016.
Personal Life
Fontenay's personal life was marked by her long-term partnership with Louis Poirot. They had two sons together: Ludovic and Xavier. Despite facing personal losses, Fontenay continued to channel her dedication towards beauty pageants and remained a well-known public figure.
Political Views
Known for her outspoken political stance, Fontenay supported left-wing politics for much of her life, aligning herself with various candidates. However, she also expressed conservative views, especially on topics related to family and social values. Her dynamic approach to politics reflected her passion and strong beliefs.
Passing and Legacy
On the night of 1 August 2023, Geneviève de Fontenay peacefully passed away in her sleep due to cardiac arrest at the age of 90. Her influence on the beauty pageant industry and her distinct style, always seen with her trademark hat, have left an indelible mark. Geneviève de Fontenay will be remembered as a trailblazer in the world of beauty pageants, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire many.
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