Miss France Iris Mittenaere Crowned As The Miss Universe 2017

Miss France, Iris Mittenaere, said she would “advocate for dental and oral hygiene” if she became Miss Universe. Photo / AP

A 23-year-old dental student from France won the Miss Universe crown on Monday in the annual pageant held this year in the Philippines.

Iris Mittenaere from the small town of Lille in northern France said in reply to a final question from pageant host Steve Harvey that she would be honored if she just landed among the three finalists, but was visibly stunned when she was announced the winner among the field of 86 contestants.

Mittenaere responded to a question about failure by saying: “when you fail, you have to be elevated and you have to try again and keep going.” Photo / Getty

Mittenaere was speechless and put her hands on her face as the outgoing winner from the Philippines, Pia Wurtzbach, crowned her as the crowd erupted in cheers and applause at the packed Mall of Asia Arena by Manila Bay. In her profile, she said she would “advocate for dental and oral hygiene” if she takes home the crown.