Mumbai: Alejandra Rodriguez, a 60-year-old attorney and journalist from Buenos Aires, made history as the first woman in her sixties to win a title in a Miss Universe contest. Although her quest for the Miss Universe crown has ended, Rodriguez believes her journey signifies the beginning of major shifts in societal views on beauty.
Alejandra Rodriguez garnered global attention in April when she was crowned Miss Buenos Aires, becoming the first woman in her sixties to win a title in a Miss Universe franchise contest.
Although she did not achieve victory in the Miss Universe 2024, on Saturday, May 25 to become Miss Argentina and secure a spot in the Miss Universe pageant, she won the ‘best face’ category and viewed her participation as the start of a change in beauty standards.
“This is the first step of a change that is coming,” said Rodriguez, an attorney and journalist, in an interview with CNN en Español after the event.
“I hope my participation marks a before and after. Exterior beauty has always been the focus, and while selecting a beautiful woman isn’t wrong, perhaps the concept of beauty needs to broaden,” she expressed.
Rodriguez’s entry was made possible by the Miss Universe organisation’s revised age rules. Until 2023, contestants had to be between 18 and 28 years old as of January 1 of the competition year. Starting in 2024, there is no upper age limit. “It’s a positive change, and like all changes, it happens gradually,” Rodriguez said, expressing gratitude for being the pioneer. The removal of the age limit is among several rule modifications introduced in 2023 to modernise the pageant.
For the first time in its 70-year history, the franchise allowed participation from women who are married, divorced, have given birth, or are pregnant. “There was also a 40-year-old participant and another who is 37. It seems the boundaries are expanding,” Rodriguez observed. “There were mothers among the contestants, which was previously unthinkable in Miss Universe.”
Although she did not win the honour of representing her country, Rodriguez emphasised that stereotypes regarding beauty, age, shape, and weight are gradually evolving.
The winner on Saturday was Magalí Benejam, who at 29 would have been too old to compete under the previous rules.
Take a look at pictures of 60-year-old Argentine beauty queen, Alejandra Rodriguez’s journey at Miss Universe 2024:
Last month, Rodriguez made history by winning the Miss Buenos Aires pageant, becoming the first 60-year-old contestant to claim the title. Competing against 34 other participants, whose ages ranged from 18 to 73, Rodriguez emerged victorious.
“I am thrilled to be representing this new paradigm in beauty pageants, inaugurating a new era where women are valued not only for their physical beauty but for a broader set of qualities,” Rodriguez said after her victory, emphasising her confidence and passion to represent the women of my generation. “I am the pioneer of this generation to begin this journey,” she said at that time.
The progression of her journey, alongside recent alterations in regulations, indicates a trend toward greater inclusivity in beauty pageants.
Alejandra Rodriguez, the courageous 60-year-old contestant from Buenos Aires, may not have clinched the Miss Universe crown, but her journey has left an indelible mark on hearts around the globe. Despite falling short of victory, Rodriguez’s participation has sparked conversations and challenged societal norms regarding beauty and age. Fashion Lifestyle News -Fashion Trends, Beauty Tips, Celebrity Party News, Relationship advice, Travel and Food Tips
