What Does "the Most Beautiful Little Girl in the World" Look Like Now?

It seems that Thylane Blondeau was destined for greatness since before she was even born. This model is only 20, and already has a hefty track record – which she began working on at the tender age of 4, when her first foray into modeling already made waves in the high-fashion industry.

But Blondeau’s career isn’t a simple story. In addition to her phenomenal success, a controversy riddles her past. Where did this blue-eyed girl come from, what has she been through, and where is she now? Read on to find out.

Born in the Spotlight

Thylane Blondeau was born in the spotlight – almost literally. Born in 2001 to French soccer star Patrick Blondeau and TV presenter and actress Véronika Loubry, Blondeau was never a stranger to celebrity life. But in addition to fame and fortune, Thylane also inherited her parents' stunning looks – which led them to consider a child modeling career for her. They decided she should try it, but even with their faith in their daughter, they could never have predicted just how far she'd come, and how quickly she'd do it.

Thylane's Father

Thylane’s father, Patrick Blondeau, is an international soccer player. He has played for and captained teams in both the French Ligue 1 and the British Premier League. His professional career was highly successful, but today, he no longer plays, but rather, focuses on coaching. But while her father is a good looking man who's no stranger to public appearances and bespoke clothing, Thylane’s real connection to the fashion and modeling world was originally made through her mother, whose affinity to fashion is much, much stronger.

Thylane’s Mother

Thylane’s mother, Véronika Loubry, is somewhat of a celebrity in France. Véronika has starred in several television shows, including Le Miracle de l'amour and the sitcom Paradis d'enfer, as well as as an interviewer on the cable and sattelite network show Hit MCM. She was highly regarded as a talented interviewer, and her screen presence was lauded by viewers everywhere. But despite her talent as a TV personality, her real passion, it seems, was actually focused on something else entirely.

Fashion Designer

In addition to her on-screen career, Véronika Loubry is, in fact, a noted fashion designer. She's tried her hand in multipe designs, runway shows and catalogues, aand it was this connection to the fashion world that opened up the door to her daughter’s modeling career. When Loubry looked at her young daughter with a professional eye, she had no doubt about it; Thylane could - and would - be a star. But even with her experience in the field, Thylane's mother couldn't anticipate just how much of a splash her daughter would make.

Walking the Runway

Recognized as strikingly beautiful even as a toddler, Blondeau started her modeling career at the age of 4, when she walked on the runway for Jean Paul Gaultier. While some countries today have a minimum age requirement preventing people under the age of 17 from participating in runway events, Blondeau’s native France allows it, and the young toddler, who appeared on stage accompanied by an older model, was a huge success. But this was only the beginning of her work as a model.

First Photoshoot

When Thylane Blondeau was 7, three years after she first took to modeling, she participated in her first ever photoshoot, with photographer Dani Brubaker, one of the fashion industry’s most prominent photographers. Burbaker had photographed models for successful international magazines like Seventeen, Cosmopolitan, Nylon Magazine and many others, and his work with Thylane was explosive. This initial photoshoot would lead on to many others, and soon, Thylane found herself modeling regularly. It was one specific photoshoot, however, which took place 3 years later, when she was ten years old, that would change her life forever.

Vogue Paris

By the time she was 10, Blondeau was participating in photoshoots for high-end fashion publications regularly, so when she took part in a shoot for Vogue Paris’ children issue, she and her parents didn’t think much of it at first. They were, of course, proud that their daughter had reached the cover of such a prestigious publication - but they didn't realize just how much buzz her photoshoot would create - and didn't imagine it would cast their daughter into the midst of a ferocious public debate.

National Debate

When Thylane appeared in adult-looking clothing and poses, the result was a public outcry which sparked a national debate in France about the over-sexualization of children in advertising and media. Thylane's portrayal in Vogue made her seem as if she was much older than her actual age, and many people believed this sent a confusing, inappropriate message to both children and adults. To many, Thylane's photoshoot was a prime example of this line-blurring, and soon, the photos became emblematic of the problem, turning Thylane into an inadvertent subkect of intense public discourse.

Worldwide Debate

The debate was not just limited to France – it made waves all across Europe, and even reached across the Atlantic to the United States. Psychologist Emma Grey chipped in, saying that “This picture is the antithesis of what childhood in our society should be; a child being exposed to a world she is not yet equipped to deal with solely to serve the needs of the adults around her." But while debate about photos published in a magazine was all well and good - did it have anything to do with Thylane's actual life?

A Normal Life

Despite the criticism Thylane's photos aroused, Thylane’s mother insisted that there was no problem with the photoshoot itself, or with her daughter's modeling work. She explained that they, as a family, actually turn down most modeling offers, and that her daughter led a normal, healthy life, just like any other girl her age. Still, some critics weren't convinced, and decided to press the issue, asking harder questions. What did they ask and what was Thylane's mother's unbelievable response? Read on to find out!

Shocking Photos

Critics of Thylane's "adult" photoshoot continued to be sceptical of her parents. They saw the photos as extremely provocative, and found it hard to believe Thylane's parents couldn't find any fault with it, either. When she was asked if she wasn’t shocked when she saw the content of the photoshoot, Véronika replied: “I admit I myself was shocked during the photo shoot. But let me be precise: the only thing that shocked me is that the necklace she wore was worth €3 million!”

Keeping at It

So how did the international debate about Thylane's childhood photoshoot affect her? Well, as it turns out, despite the controversy, Thylane continued to model. In fact, she's been extremely successful - but not just in professional photoshoots. As she entered her teens, Thylane turned to the internet to share her own selfies and photos - and the internet responded. Soon, she began to garner a substantial social media following on Instagram - and to make a name for herself as an influencer.

Signing the Contract

As her following continued to grow, Thylane's presence became impossible to ignore. At the age of 14, Thylane received an offer some models wait their entire careers to receive. The prestigious international modeling agency, IMG, wanted to represent her. IMG Models are no small player in the world of fashion; in fact, more than half of the world's highest-paid supermodels are represented by them, including the likes of Cara Delevingne, Gisele Bundchen, Bella and Gigi Hadid and Maddie Ziegler.

Thylane's Take

But while signing on with IMG was a huge step forward, what does Thylane have to say about all of this? Having started modeling so young, was she even happy with the life she was leading? In a 2015 interview with Teen Vogue Thylane confirmed that she was. “My favorite part of the job is meeting new photographers and makeup artists,” she said. It seems like she's throughly enjoying herself - but what does she think about fashion? “I love to try on the clothes, too!" she added.

Branching Out

After Thylane had signed on with IMG, opportunities began to flow in. The same year she joined the agency, Thylane began to branch out and accept jobs that weren't strictly in the modeling world. For instance, she landed a role in a sequel to the successful French adventure film, Belle et Sébastien, titled Belle & Sébastien: The Adventure Continues. Of course, her red carpet appearance was nothing short of breathtaking, and while her part was small, many of her fans argued that she stole the show.

Not Too Young

But while Thylane was doing well, criticism of her age continued to be heard. In an interview following the film, one reporter, reviving the public debate her early photoshoots had inspired, asked Thylane whether she wasn't too young to be modeling. But this time, Thylane could answer for herself. “Well, Kate Moss started modeling at the age of fifteen, and that was a little while ago," she said. "So, no. I’m not too young. If you have a good agency and people who take care of you… it’s perfect.”

Big Sister

With all of the fuss around Thylane's modeling career, when people were debating whether she should or shouldn't be taking part in certain photoshoots, one thing public interest completely glazed over was the fact that Thylane wasn't the only child in the family. When she was 5 years old, her parents became pregnant again, and nine months later, her brother, Ayrton-Romeø Blondeau, was born. Would the Blondeaus choose to have Ayrton enter the world of modeling as well - or would this be reserved to his sister alone?

Family Photos

As it turned out, with Thylane’s experience with modeling being such a positive one - at least, as far as she and her parents were concerned - it was only a matter of time before Ayrton began to appear in front of the camera, as well. Soon Thylane and Ayrton began to appear in photos together - and not just in their parents' family albums. The two siblings were blessed with extremely good looks, and were able to model together.

Hard Work

Modeling is hard work. Constant travel, long hours in front of the camera, and always needing to look your best - these all take a toll, even when you are an adult and a professional. Being a young kid like Thylane, however, can sometimes be infinitely harder. Still, while the work is definitely hard and demanding, the job does come with a few perks that make it worth it – at least, it does if you are as wildly successful at Thylane is.

With the Stars

While we’re sure Thylane works hard, her success at such a young age has allowed her opportunities most teens can only dream of. She's travelled the world, visiting some of the most beautiful, exotic locations imaginable - but more importantly, she's had a chance to meet some true giants, and live out the dreams of people her age from all across the globe. Who wouldn’t want to meet Kanye West, for instance - and before they hit 16, at that?

Living the Dream

But it's not just Kanye that Thylane Blondeau has had the chance to rub elbows with; thanks to the company which represents her, Thylane Blondeau has also had the chance to meet several other big names in the industry, including one of the most successful models in the world today; Gigi Hadid. But while most 16 year olds meeting Gigi Hadid would do so as fans, Thylane got to do so as an equal. Both are young professionals at the top of their field, and it's difficult to tell from the photo who's more excited to meet who.

Not Going to Her Head

But while Thylane has had the chance to meet and work with some of the biggest names in the fashion, modeling and entertainment industries, she hasn't let the stardust go to her head. While she's definitely been hugely successful, it seems her parents have done a good job of helping her keep her feet on the ground. How do we know? Read on to find out.

Doing Her Homework

A great example of Thylane's down to earth-ness is her response to a reporter right after Paris Fashion Week 2016 ended. As soon as the events of the festival came to a close, a corresponded for W Magazine asked Thylane what her plans were for the night. While you might expect a young, successful model to go wild and party, Thylane surprised everyone with her answer. Without blinking twice, Thylance simply smiled and said: “Going home to get some rest and going to school.”

Youngest Lorealista

In April 2017, on her 16th birthday, Thylane became a brand ambassador for L'Oreal Paris. While L'Oreal have quite an impressive roster of models, celebrities and influencers representing their brand, all over the world, Thylane was special: no one before her had received the prestigious "brand ambassador" title at such a young age, a fact which turned Thylane into the youngest “Lorealista” ever. As brand amabassador, Thylane's endorsement of L'Oreal helps lend the brand glamour, credibility and style - quite a compliment!

Fashion's Biggest Names

In addition to her work with L’Oreal Paris, the same year Thylane became a brand ambassador, she starred alongside Zendaya, Lucky Blue Smith and Presley Gerber in Dolce & Gabbana's millennial-themed spring/summer 2017 campaign. But 2017 was just the start for Thylane's burgeoning career. In the following years, she would take on additional projects, continue working with the world's biggest names - and strike out on her own.

World's Most Beautiful Face

2017 was a big year for Thylane Blondeau; but becoming a brand ambassador for L'Oreal Paris and taking part in a Dolce & Gabbana runway show wasn't nearly the end of her acheivments. In December of that same year, Thylane placed second in the annual "Independent Critics List of the 100 Most Beautiful Faces of 2017." The Independent Critics List is a very perstigious institution, and has recognized some of fashion's biggest faces ahead of time - but while Thylane was thrilled to be placed at its top, this was not her first time on that list at all.

Four Years Running

Thylane Blondeau's 2017 placement in the Independent Critics List was actually her fourth consecutive appearance on the prestigious lineup, having been 84th in 2014, 28th in 2015, and 5th in 2016. With such an impressive track record, Thylane definitely had a lot going for her. But having come so far at such a young age, what else was left for her to do? Not to worry. Thylane's ambition knows no boundaries, and she soon found new frontiers to conquer.

Digital Native

Today, Thylane boasts an online following of over 2.4 million followers on Instagram alone, as well as an active presence on Twitter and YouTube, truly embracing her generation’s medium as a digital native. With millions following her updates, Thylane commands an impressive army of devoted fans - and isn't afraid to leverage her influencer status to progress and push herself forward.

Force to be Reckoned With

Today, Thylane is a force to be reckoned with. With her international modeling campaigns, film work and high-society lifestyle, it seems like nothing can stop her on her way to the top of her industry. But is she simply riding a bubble that will, eventually, pop? Not if she has anything to do about it, apparently. So what is Thylane planning next for her career, and how does she intend to stay at the top of her game? Keep reading to find out more.

What's Next

So, what is next for this intrepid French model and actress? Well, in addition to more modeling, Thylane has a few acting gigs lined up. But rather than just wait for work to come to her, Thylane has decided to make her own work. In recent years, she's been working on a new business venture named Heaven May which brings her passion for fashion into new focus - and that was before she even finished high school!

Possibilities

While the past 16 years of Thylane’s life have been very busy and eventful, she still isn’t 20 yet! What lies in store for her could very well be something entirely different to her career so far. Whether she chooses to go to university, travel the world or continue in her upward trajectory as an international model, the world truly is Thylane’s oyster. Not many people are as fortunate as her, but luckily, Thylane seems to be in a position to appreciate her good luck, and to make the most of it.

Not Letting Up

In the meantime, Thylane doesn’t seem to be letting up. She has grown up working, and this has instilled in her a strong work ethic, which she has been applying to everything that she does. She gives every undertaking and project she is involved with a hundred percent and is known throughout the industry as a diligent, dedicated worker. Whether she continues as a model or forges a new path for herself, we're sure the lessons she's learned from working at the top of her industry will help her wherever she goes.

Online Presence

In addition to her other projects, Thylane, continues to update her Instagram account on a daily basis, and her fanbase is growing steadily. Over the course of a few months, she's nearly doubled her following, and she attracts more followers each day. But what makes her Instagram account interesting might surprise you. Sure, she uploads professional photos taken in organized shoots, but the real gems in her profile are entirely different - and very unexpected.

Capturing the Moment

Thylane regularly uploads stunning photos from her creative and colorful life, both on and off the runway. What makes her online presence so special, though, is the fact that she doesn't always upload "clean," "packaged" photographs of herself. Rather, she isn't afraid to show what she looks like without makeup and between shoots. She might upload a photo of herself in a bath robe, or getting her hair done - making her followers feel like they're part of the process, and not just getting the final "product."

A Peek at Fame

Thylane isn't a "classic" model. In a sense, a lot of her success comes from the fact that she allows her followers to catch a glimpse of the behind-the-scenes realities of one of the world's glitziest lifestyles. Through her, her adoring fans can vicariously experience the realities of being a supermodel - and her youthful wonder and natural sense of cool help accentuate and enhance the experiences she chooses to share. This truly makes her a fascinating personality to follow online.

Candid

If the success of models and actors in the 1990s and 2000s relied on maintaining an aura of mystique around their glamorous lifestyles, models like Thylane Blondeau are doing the exact opposite: their lives, warts and all, are what their fans come for. Thylane isn't afraid to share candid photos of her day to day, whether that day consists of a red carpet event, or just hanging out at home. Whatever she chooses to share, though, her charisma and natural beauty always shine through.

Being There With Her

Thylane's fans get a sense of being there with her, not just after she's put on her makeup and outfits, but during the process as well. If you've ever wondered what it feels like to be a super model working with the world's top professionals, following Thylane gives you a chance of doing that from the comfort of your phone.

Natural Beauty

Thylane's natural beauty and grace allow her to take her followers around the world with her, without worrying too much about how she looks. She knows that even in the most windswept conditions, and in the baddest of hair days, she'll shine through and manage to turn bad circumstances into an adventure. Even the simple act of resting up at her hotel with a good book can turn into something exciting when Thylane is involved.

The Future

Whether Thylane continues to be a model or chooses to become a doctor, a rocket scientist or a chef, her life so far has proven she has what it takes to succeed. These past 20 years have been extraordinary, and we're sure the next 30 will be, as well. With a new business venture on the way and an ever-growing online following, Thylane Blondeau will definitely continue to wow the world and make it a more exciting - and more beautiful - place.