IRIS MITTENAERE

​Iris Mittenaere is a French model, television presenter, and beauty queen who gained international acclaim after being crowned Miss Universe 2016. Her journey from a dental student in Lille to a global ambassador for beauty and philanthropy showcases her multifaceted talents and dedication.

Early Life and Education

Born on January 25, 1993, in Lille, France, Iris is the daughter of Yves Mittenaere, a history and geography professor, and Laurence Druart, a primary schoolteacher and museum guide. Following her parents' separation when she was three, Iris was raised by her mother in Steenvoorde. She excelled academically, earning a scientific baccalauréat with honors in 2011. Pursuing her passion for healthcare, she enrolled at the University of Lille 2 to study dental surgery, aiming to become a dental surgeon. ​

Pageantry and Miss Universe Triumph

Iris's foray into beauty pageants began in 2015 when she was crowned Miss Flandre, followed by Miss Nord-Pas-de-Calais. Her poise and charisma led her to win Miss France 2016, representing her region with distinction. On January 30, 2017, she achieved global recognition by winning Miss Universe 2016 in Manila, Philippines, becoming the second Frenchwoman to earn the title since 1953. ​

Career and Media Presence

After her reign, Iris transitioned into television, co-hosting the French version of "Ninja Warrior" on TF1. She also participated in "Danse avec les stars" (the French "Dancing with the Stars"), securing second place. In 2018, she published her autobiography, "Toujours y croire," offering insights into her life and career. Iris has collaborated with fashion brands like Morgan and GHD, and in 2019, she starred in the cabaret show "L'Oiseau Paradis" at the Paradis Latin in Paris. 

Philanthropy and Advocacy

During her Miss Universe tenure, Iris championed dental health awareness and supported organizations like Smile Train, aiding children with cleft conditions. She also engaged with Project Sunshine, bringing joy to hospitalized children, and advocated for HIV/AIDS awareness through events with the Latino Commission on AIDS and amfAR. ​

Personal Life

In August 2022, Iris announced her engagement to French-Moroccan entrepreneur Diego El Glaoui, though they later separated. Subsequently, she was in a relationship with Bruno Pelat, which ended following legal issues. ​

Iris Mittenaere continues to inspire as a symbol of elegance, intelligence, and compassion, leveraging her platform to make a positive impact across various domains.