item details
NameMiss Universe
ProductionMiss Universe, Inc; producer; 1983
Unknown; photographer; circa 1983
Unknown; photographer; circa 1983
Classificationcolour transparencies
Materialsphotographic film
Techniquesphotographic processes
DimensionsApproximate: 100mm (width), 124mm (height)
Registration NumberCA001113/001/0001
Credit lineGift of Lorraine Downes, 2012
Overview
This photograph features Lorraine Downes as Miss Universe, 1983. The photograph was taken as part of Lorraine Downes' first official photo shoot as Miss Universe 1983. She is wearing a specially made swimsuit featuring a glittering crown motif on the right hip. The swimsuit was especially made for her by Catalina Swimwear, a leading swimwear company based in Long Beach, California.
The Miss Universe pageant was actually founded by a Catalina, a brand which had a long association with Hollywood stars and beauty pageants. Catalina originally sponsored the Miss America pagaent, but when the 1951 winner refused to pose in a swimsuit, the company established two new pageants, Miss USA and Miss Universe.