In a refreshing departure from traditional beauty contests, the pageant that crowned Belgium’s Top Woman focused on celebrating the inner beauty and body positivity of its contestants.
A diverse group of contestants
The event featured 60 contenders, ranging in age from 23 to 64, all of whom participated in a comprehensive nine-month program aimed at self-discovery and acceptance. Over 5,000 women have completed this program, which includes elements of styling and personal pampering.
“True beauty does not come from a perfect body that conforms to societal standards, but from a body that tells a story,” said Nathalie De Reuck, the 56-year-old founder of Top Women, the non-profit organization behind the event. De Reuck, a former model, created the program in 2014 to combat the harsh and destructive aspects of the modeling industry and to counteract the negative effects of social media filters on women’s self-esteem.
“A woman who feels good in her mind and body is simply ‘wow’,” De Reuck emphasized, highlighting the importance of mental and physical well-being.
Contestant Nathalie Halleman, a 47-year-old mother of eight, exemplified the transformative power of the program. “The beauty of the body according to the image transmitted by advertising and fashion, is short-lived. Real beauty is inner beauty,” she said. Halleman shared that she once lacked confidence and was often moved to tears by her past. “Now, I smile,” she added, showcasing her newfound self-assurance.
A new standard of beauty
De Reuck, who also leads the pageant’s jury, stressed that participating in the title run after the program is optional. The judging criteria are not based on physical appearance but on the women’s attitude and personal growth. “For most candidates, just the idea of being on stage and walking a catwalk used to be impossible,” she noted.
The title of Belgium’s Top Woman was awarded to Laurie Dreze, embodying the program’s message that true beauty is a reflection of one’s personal journey and inner strength. This unique pageant serves as a powerful reminder that beauty transcends conventional standards and lies within the stories and confidence of each individual.