Marie-Berthe is colourful, outgoing and uninhibited—the very definition of self-confident.

“Personally, I think I’m beautiful, and when I’m not, I make it happen! I like to have my hair nicely styled and I like wearing jewelry, dresses and accessories.”

An artist at heart, Marie-Berthe had lots of ideas during the photo shoot, each one more creative, flirtatious, sexy and seductive than the last.

“My father was a painter and an artisan. He passed on his love of art to me when I was just a child. For me, anything artistic is beautiful: visual art, poems, paintings, flowers. When it comes to people, it’s the personality, the face, the smile and the eyes that count.”

At 102, Marie-Berthe poses proudly, taking a stand against current beauty standards. This photo has been featured in multiple exhibitions and festivals and has been published around the world in major newspapers and magazines, including the Guardian, Newsweek, the New York Times magazine, Urbania and My Modern Met. These photos are from Arianne Martin Clément’s project “Les rituels beautés de Femme Centenaire” (Beauty rituals of centenarian women) and were also featured in the New York Times newspaper.

“I’ve always been coquette; in fact, my nickname was ‘fresh one.’ That said, my biggest regret is not getting an education. Doors open for you when you’re educated. Otherwise you feel ashamed. Regardless of the situation, my advice to young women is to get an education.”