item details
NameMiss Universe Swimsuit
ProductionCatalina; manufacturer(s); 1983; United States
Classificationbathing suits
Materialsnylon, plastic
Materials SummaryNylon and plastic
DimensionsOverall: 295mm (width), 545mm (length)
Registration NumberGH018132
Credit lineGift of Lorraine Downes, 2016
Overview
This swimsuit was presented to Lorraine Downes after she won Miss Universe, 1983, by one of the pageant's key sponsors, Catalina Swimwear.
The Miss Universe pageant was actually founded by 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.
The swimsuit, which is sprinkled with diamantes, features a glittering crown motif on the right hip, rather than Catalina's usual flying fish motif.