How did you feel when you were selected as one of the five finalists?
Stella Vangioni: I was very emotional because I really wasn’t sure that people were going to vote for me. Being in the five finalists is certainly very flattering. It made me very happy.
You finish second runner-up, how do you take this third place? Are you disappointed?
Honestly, I’m not disappointed because I had a great adventure and some great people. I was myself, if it didn’t, it wasn’t for me. In fact I was a little disappointed at the time, but that quickly passed because I knew there were other things waiting for me. I was happy for my friend Angélique, Miss Martinique. Then finishing second runner-up is a very good place. I am very proud to have brought Corsica this far, and I hope to continue to make it proud during the few months of reign that I have left.
“I would like people to remember my spontaneity”
What would you like people to remember about you?
I would like people to remember my spontaneity, my kindness and my curiosity. I’m not a dancer, I’m not a show girl, but I gave it my all. I hope I made everyone very proud. In any case, I’m proud of myself, because parading around in twelve-centimeter stiletto heels to choreographies that you learned ten days ago is not always easy. I really had a lot of fun… and I hope it showed!
What do you think you may have lacked to win this election?
What I could have done more is not to mess up with my answer… I had a very prepared answer that I forgot at the time. I did the best I could, and you can’t change what has already been done.
“It all starts with education”
You experienced a somewhat delicate moment when the question was asked to you about climate change, are you satisfied with your answer?
Yes, because it wasn’t easy knowing that we are not allowed to talk about politics. I didn’t want to infantilize the French by telling them “Sort carefully, don’t buy fast fashion…” That’s not my role. What I said is that it all starts with education. I do a lot of research, and with the notoriety of Miss France, I think we can raise people’s awareness by directing them to good, well-sourced articles. I could also have talked about my brand, because my swimsuits are made from recycled plastics, but this was not the time!
You are a translator, model, actress and the head of a swimwear brand. What are your upcoming projects?
For the next few days, I’m just going to see my family and make Christmas presents because I haven’t bought anything yet… I’m also going to rest and think with my agent about how we’re going to approach the months to come. I have already received requests for casting and roles. I would also like to continue to develop my brand and travel. We will stay focused and positive!
