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Portrait · Lorraine
Maëlys
She sees herself as Mia Thermopolis, the heroine who learns elegance step by step. In her first pageant, she won the first runner-up sash at Miss Élégance Nationale Lorraine.
Text The info-shooting editorial team
Photos Michel Fouarge · info-lux.com
Based on articles published by info-lux.com in January and February 2026
Maëlys Arnould is a Lorraine native, “born and bred”, wrote info-lux.com in January 2026. She is 20 and introduces herself as contestant no. 2 of Miss Élégance Nationale Lorraine.
At the time she was studying for a BTS in management support on a work-study basis, as an executive assistant in an inter-ministerial call centre. In her region, open to the rest of Europe, she enjoys cultural and culinary discoveries.
Following in Mum’s footsteps
She had never dared take the plunge. Entering the competition meant stepping out of her comfort zone, gaining confidence and following in the footsteps of her mother, who had once taken part in a pageant. Her motivation: making her family proud, and proving to herself what she can achieve.
Day to day, she reads, collects books, watches films and series, and travels. Music helps her switch off.
Like Mia Thermopolis
Favourite heroine: Mia Thermopolis from The Princess Diaries, played by Anne Hathaway, a girl with no particular style who learns, over the course of the film, to become a princess.
Like Mia, I’m starting from nothing and growing every day to become a better version of myself, more elegant and more confident, to reach one clear goal: becoming Miss Élégance Nationale Lorraine.
Maëlys, January 2026
For me, elegance isn’t just about how you dress; above all, it’s an inner attitude.
Maëlys, January 2026
The detail that matters to her is perfume: “a signature, an invisible but unforgettable presence”.
First runner-up
On 7 February 2026, at the Forum de Longuyon, seven finalists parade in daywear, swimwear and then wedding dresses during a cinema-themed evening. The jury chooses Louna Dos Santos. Maëlys Arnould is first runner-up, ahead of Lou Van and Léonie Schwab.
How she sees the role: to be a source of inspiration and to encourage girls and boys to believe in themselves without being held back by what others think.
Heading for Luxembourg
After her BTS, she wants to continue in human resources and work in Luxembourg, eventually becoming a human resources director. Modelling remains a childhood dream.
Personally, I’m mainly aiming for a career in business. But I wouldn’t say no to a media career either; it interests me a lot too, and I’d be really proud if I got there one day.
Maëlys, January 2026
My wish for 2026 would be to succeed in my studies and in this pageant, to grow and to become the person I want to be.
Maëlys, January 2026
Maëlys in the media
Finalist Q&A, contestant portrait and final: her features in 2026.
· info-lux.com
Miss Élégance Nationale Lorraine 2026 > final
The finalists answer five questions on elegance. Portraits by Michel Fouarge.
· info-lux.com
Miss Élégance Nationale 2026 > Lorraine > Final
The final on 7 February in Longuyon: first runner-up.
Maëlys’s gallery
Tap or click a photo to open it full size, then scroll through with the arrows, the keyboard or by swiping.
2026 · Contestant photos
2026 · Finalists’ shoot
Model profile: Maëlys on info-shooting. To propose a photo shoot or casting, write to the editorial team, who will pass it on.
Photographer: Michel Fouarge’s portfolio.
On info-lux.com (in French): Miss Élégance Nationale Lorraine > Maëlys (January 2026) and the report on the final.
Sources: portrait published by info-lux.com on 31 January 2026; info-lux.com interview (January 2026); account of the final (February 2026). Each photo is credited in its caption.
