Busy beauty breezes through

Press, 2 August 1983, Page 1

Busy beauty breezes through

PA Auckland The Downes family had only a few intimate minutes with their most glamorous and famous member yesterday, then Lorraine Downes was whisked away in a limousine to resume her public role as “Miss Universe.” It is work before family — and work before romance — for the 19-year-old from Pakuranga, now New York based after winning the “Miss Universe” contest last month. Looking radiant on arriving in Auckland yesterday, in spite of only three hours sleep, she barely blinked an eyelid when faced with a battery of photographers and journalists. No, she said, she was not officially engaged to the Auckland businessman, Mr Richard Collins. Her hands would be full this year with promotional work — and a screen test in Hollywood. Her schoolgirl sister, Carolyn, wistfully fingered the bright lipstick on her cheek and gazed after the gleaming car that carried Lorraine away. “She’s much more ‘Miss Universey’,” she said adoringly. “She said she is really missing us.” “Very sophisticated,” said another sister, Jenny. Her mother, Gladys, added: “She is looking a lot older.” Lorraine flies to Wellington today to be made an “honorary travel ambassador” for New Zealand at a Government function. She will spend tomorrow with her family and fly back to New York on Thursday. Lorraine is accompanied by her chaperon and "Miss Universe” contest officials for her visit home.