SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss Tahiti 2013: Winner, Miss Universe 1997 Brook Lee Director of Judges

 Polynesian Queen: Miss Tahiti 2013 Mehiata Riara

On June 28th, a new Miss Tahiti was crowned. Mehiata Riara, beat out nine other candidates for the title of "Miss Tahiti 2013" and the honor to represent the Polynesian island French territory in the upcoming "Miss France 2013" competition. The 52nd annual "Miss Tahiti" pageant occurred at the Mairie de Papeete.

Winning Beauties: The First and Second Runners-Up were Maeva Simonin and Ohana Huber respectfully. Miss Heiva--a title of who best represents the Polynesian culture went to Hinarere Papara. The new Miss Tahiti, Mehiata Riaria, is 21 years old and stands 1.78 m (about 5' 10") and is a model with the very top-notch Marylin Agency Paris.

 Mehiata Riaria, "Miss Tahiti 2013"

Among many other prizes, the newly-crowned "Miss Tahiti 2013" Mehiata Riara won a Toyota car--here she is getting the keys to her new car (photo above). Mehiata was crowned by the outgoing "Miss Tahiti 2012"...

The gorgeous Hinarami de Longeaux--who became the First Runner Up at last year's Miss France and was recently chosen as "Miss France for Miss Universe 2013" (the actual Miss France competes at Miss World).

Pageant Sisters: Nick Verreos with Brook Lee "Miss Universe 1997"--wearing a NIKOLAKI silk chiffon halter-style gown--at the "Miss Universe 2011 Viewing Party", Hollywood

The Président du Jury--or Jury President was my very good friend, the beautiful Brook Lee who was "Miss Hawaii USA", "Miss USA" and eventually "Miss Universe 1997" of course. Brook flew to Tahiti, along with her 6 year-old CUTIE-PIE son Fynnegan. Here are some pics of her and Fynnegan arriving in Papeete Tahiti in anticipation of Miss Tahiti 2013 pageant:

Brook Lee, Miss Universe 1997--in Papeete Tahiti French Polynesia

Brook Lee, Miss Universe 1997, with the new Miss Tahiti 2013 and her Runners-Up

The Gowns, Traditional Costumes:

Evening Gown Competition: All the ten contestants wore the same style gown but in different colors for their final evening gown--it was a strapless side gathered gown with high side-slit and a big ol' flower topping it all off. (Left to right): contestants Tahari Pinero and Tumutarau Taurua

Winner: Contestant No. 5 Mehiata Riara--the eventual winner--in her violet-colored satin taffeta gown

Tahiti Flower Power:

Mehiata Riara, Contestant No. 5 (the Winner) in her "Tahiti Costume"

(Left to right): Contestants Herehia Miria and Hinarere Papara

(Left to right): Contetsants Maeva Simonin and Tahia Pavaouau

Congratulations to the new Miss Tahiti and Good Luck at Miss France 2013!

Click Below for Video of the new "Miss Tahiti 2013":