Career
After the preliminary competition, Downes made the top twelve cut in sixth place, but placed second in the final evening gown competition, third in the interview competition, and fourth in swimsuit. She made the final five in third place behind Julie Hayek of the United States of America and Lolita Morena of Switzerland, and was eventually crowned She wore a midnight blue gown and long gloves during the competition. Number other delegate from New Zealand would make the cut until 1992.
In 1986 Lorraine Downes married Murray Mexted, a New Zealand rugby All Black, with whom she had two children, before divorcing in 2001.
She also has a successful business in New Zealand. She was then married to the late former New Zealand international cricketer Martin Crowe.