“One day, Mom, when I’m big, I’ll be Miss,” is a phrase said by more than one little girl.
This dream of elegance was realized by Josiane Valette in 1974 when she was crowned Miss France: galas, photo shoots, interviews were part of her schedule during the 2 years she held the leading role alongside Geneviève de Fontenay. Then she put away her princess dresses to resume her professional activity with her husband.
Indeed, she no longer wears the sash that introduced her to the world, but she still encounters it. For the past 12 years, she has been the regional delegate for Miss France in the Côte d’Azur region, and since 2005 in the Provence region. It is in the true role of a director that Josiane Valette organizes, manages, and coordinates the different Miss Côte d’Azur and Miss Provence elections. Casting, rehearsals, organization, parades, relationships… Yes, she has a hectic schedule, especially in the spring, but this investment is a passion and a privilege, especially in our region, as she pointed out.
But Josiane Valette is not just an organizer, she also acts like a second mother to the young girls who dream of being crowned. Her “children,” as she calls them, she accompanies on stage, advises them, and consoles them. Certainly, there are many candidates for few positions in these elections, but Miss France 1974 is there to comfort them and offer them a taste of the dream. Between the Côte d’Azur and Provence, she is in search of the gem to present us with the most beautiful. Miss Nice, Miss Cannes, Miss Grasse, Miss Menton… as many Misses as there are cities.
This year, Marjorie Delmont, formerly Miss Grasse, will represent the Côte d’Azur. With the sun on her lips and eyes sparkling with life, this communications student has all the assets on her side to project a positive image of the women of France: beauty, intelligence, respect for others, elegance are the words that come to mind when we see her. She will be joined by Miss Provence, Lydia Podossenoeff, with golden hair and all the qualities of a woman worthy of representing our country’s colors.
On December 3rd at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes, Josiane Valette will accompany our two regional Misses to the Miss France 2006 election, the final crowning. This traditional year-end program synonymous with beauty and grace will be broadcast for the 18th time on television (thanks in particular to Guy Lux and Sabine Mignot) with Laetitia Hallyday as the jury president. Who will succeed Cindy Fabre? Marjorie? Lydia? Will the southern girls reach the podium? Answer in about fifteen days.
Nice-première wishes these candidates to realize their dream.
Audrey Bollaro
