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What's in Lorraine's handbag?

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When someone mentions the name Lorraine Downes, two things come to my mind, Miss Universe and Dancing with the Stars. But as I learnt recently there is so much more to her than meets the eye.

I remember watching Lorraine win the title of Miss Universe in 1983. We lived in the same part of Auckland as her family and it was big news in our local community. She was our local girl, and we were very proud!

Lorraine’s win saw her move to New York where she spent the year travelling extensively throughout the US and abroad. But once her role as Miss Universe came to an end she headed back home and continued a successful modelling career here and overseas.

In 1986 Lorraine started her first business, a model and grooming school in Wellington which she ran until her first child was born in 1992. Motherhood wasn’t going to slow her down either and in 1997, the same year her second child was born, she co-authored a book with writer Frances Jones called, 'REAL - The Truth about Fashion, Beauty and Image'.

It was around this time Lorraine started her work as an image consultant. This fitted perfectly with her role as a full-time mum to her two children.

But it was in 2006 that she waltzed back onto our television screens and into our living rooms with her fancy footwork, taking home the highly sought-after Dancing with the Stars trophy.

After 21 years of calling Wellington home, Lorraine packed up and moved back to Auckland in 2008 and wed husband Martin Crowe the following year.

Not one to sit still, she keeps herself busy running her image consultancy business and being an active ambassador and spokesperson for organsations and companies she believes need her assistance.

These include the Child Cancer Foundation; skincare company, Living Nature; Rodney Wayne, and yoghurt brand, Symbio.

Now, Lorraine is looking forward to taking part on behalf of the Child Cancer Foundation, in this year’s Round the Bays run. In particular, she hopes to raise awareness, as well as much needed funds, for the foundation.

From model, to role model, Lorraine is still doing us proud but what does this enterprising woman carry around in her handbag? Let’s find out!

Do you prefer a small or large handbag?
I prefer a roomy size bag that I can wear on my shoulder, so I have my hands free to do other things. I don’t carry a lot of items but I like to be able to find what I need quickly.

I once bought a handbag because it had great metallic chain leather straps. But the straps were so heavy, it was never used! It doesn’t matter how gorgeous a bag looks, foremost, it has to be comfortable.

Do you have a favourite style?
A tote bag always works best for me as I can fit what I need in it. Soft leather is important for comfort and style. I like texture and silver detail.

What can’t you leave home without?
I can’t leave home without my phone and wallet.

What don’t you need?
You know how some woman have their whole life in their handbag, well that’s not me! I am very minimal so anything that I don’t need that day won’t be in my bag!

What’s the most embarrassing thing to fall out of your bag?
A g-string and don’t ask why it was in my handbag!

Emma Smith

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Comments (1)

Yes, i love vintage style handbags
Written by lishi216, on 24-04-2012 21:32
I love vintage style messenger bags. such as notlie sc16. I love this one more.
www.notlie.com

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