The 81-year-old model narrowly missed becoming the oldest Miss Universe, but did take home the prize for “best dresser.”

In a world where young contestants typically dominate beauty pageants, Choi Soon-Hwa has shattered expectations and is making history.

When Choi Soon-hwa steps onto the runways of South Korea’s Miss Universe competition on Sept. 30, she will be competing with beauties young enough to be her granddaughters.