'Most beautiful girl in the world' looks unrecognisable at 24 after going viral

Thylane Blondeau became an internet sensation at just six years old when she was crowned the "most beautiful little girl in the world" thanks to her striking blue eyes and flowing blonde locks.

At just four years old, she graced the catwalk for Jean-Paul Gaultier, launching her into the spotlight. In 2010, aged nine, she featured in a Vogue Enfants photoshoot that sparked outrage as she was pictured wearing high heels, mini skirts, and full makeup.

Now 24, the French modeland actress is almost unrecognisable as an adult, though she continues to live her life under the public gaze, reports the Mirror US.

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Thylane was born on April 5, 2001, in Aix-en-Provence, France, to footballer Patrick Blondeau and television presenter and writer Véronika Loubry. Her parents divorced in 2016.

Starting her modelling journey at the tender age of four, Thylane has collaborated with numerous designers, fashion labels, and beauty companies, including Dolce and Gabbana, Ralph Lauren, L'Oréal, Chanel, and Versace. She has remained a prominent figure in the industry for nearly two decades.

Her Vogue Enfant feature proved divisive, particularly due to the adult and heavily sexualised styling and positioning, which attracted global condemnation.

Her mother stood by the provocative shoot, stating: "The only thing that shocks me about the photo is the necklace that she's wearing, which is worth 3 million Euros."

Following the controversy, she carried on modelling, and by age 13, she graced the cover of Jalouse magazine, which hailed her as a "virtuoso model."

Following her signing with IMG Models, Thylane launched her acting journey in 2015, taking on the role of Gabriele in the film 'Belle and Sebastian: The Adventure Continues.'

In 2017, she secured a brand ambassador role with L'Oréal and featured alongside Zendaya, Lucky Blue Smith, and Presley Gerber in Dolce and Gabbana's spring/summer campaign.

In 2018, she once again claimed the top spot on TC Candler's list of "100 Most Beautiful Faces" after previously featuring in 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017, and then again in 2019.

The social media star also established her own fashion label, Heaven May, and cosmetics brand, Enalyht.

Now aged 24, the model and creative director boasts over 7 million Instagram followers.

The young model looked worlds apart from her six year old self as she strutted down the red carpet at the 2025 Cannes International Film Festival.

Thylane remains contracted to IMG and continues her work within the fashion world.