Lorraine Downes
Lorraine Downes is a renowned New Zealand model and beauty queen, best known for winning the Miss Universe title in 1983, making her one of the country's most celebrated figures in the pageant world. Her legacy as a beauty icon has inspired many, including Kiara O’Leary, who cites Downes as her biggest inspiration in her own pageant journey.
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Recent news mentions
Lorraine Downes participated as a model in the on-field runway show for Breast Cancer Cure.
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Lorraine Downes is a former Miss Universe who attended New Zealand Fashion Week.
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Lorraine Downes was seated in the second row at Kathryn Wilson.
NZ Fashion Week Kahuria 2025: On Day 3, Claudia Li Asserts Her Excellence, Plus Kathryn Wilson, Adrion Atelier, & MoreNew Zealand· 2025-08-27
Taika joined faces such as former Miss Universe Lorraine Downes on the runway at Into The Archives, A Celebration of Contemporary New Zealand Fashion.
Taika Waititi walks the runway at New Zealand Fashion Week’s opening showNew Zealand· 2025-08-25
Lorraine Downes is a model who attended Mercy Hospice’s fundraising gala.
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Wipani was runner-up in the Miss New Zealand pageant to Lorraine Downes, who would go on to win Miss Universe 1983.
Lotto Powerball: $15m prize not struck as NZ mourns death of former co-host Marise WipaniNew Zealand· 2025-06-07
Lorraine Downes was the winner of the Miss New Zealand pageant, which Marise Wipani was a runner-up in.
Kiwi actor and former Lotto co-host Marise Wipani dies on birthdayNew Zealand· 2025-06-07
Lorraine Downes is returning to modeling at the age of 60 and has signed with a top modeling agency.
Society Insider: Stephen Donald’s marriage split; Anna Mowbray’s family cancer journey; Lorraine Downes models at 60New Zealand· 2025-04-09
Lorraine Downes is Kiara O’Leary's biggest inspiration, being a former Miss Universe winner.
On The Up: Rotorua model Kiara O’Leary makes mark in pageant world, places second in Miss Tourism WorldwideNew Zealand· 2025-04-09
