Thirty years ago, Lorraine Downes – a 19-year-old model with a winning smile and mass of blonde hair – made history. She became the only Miss New Zealand to be crowned the ‘most beautiful woman in the universe’. Now she has handed over her crown one final time – this time to Te Papa. Her glittery cobalt blue gown, Miss Universe crown, sash and trophy were officially welcomed to the museum a few weeks ago.
We are delighted to have Lorraine reflect on winning the crown 30 years ago in this illustrated talk celebrating Te Papa’s new Our Miss Universe: Lorraine Downes exhibition.
Join us for a glass of bubbly, and see the outfit she wore when she was crowned. Listen to her talk about her year as Miss Universe, her life since then, and hear her perspective on the pressures on women to be perfect in today’s world.