SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss France 2014 Flora Coquerel: Winner, Gowns

 Crowning Moment: Flora Coquerel "Miss Orleanais" being crowned "Miss France 2014" by the outgoing "Miss France" Marine Lorphelin

The 85th edition of "Miss France" happened this past Saturday night. Thirty-three candidates from France and its territories, islands, competed for the coveted title. The winner was 19 year-old Flora Coquerel "Miss Orleanais", who stands 1. 82 M (almost 6 feet!).

 Flora Coquerel "Miss France 2014"

Flora's mother is incidentally from the West African nation of Benin and this is the very first time the crown is won by a representative of the region of the city Orléans, France. Flora now gets the chance to represent France in next year's "Miss World" pageant.

 All Smiles: The new "Miss France 2014" Franco-Beninese Flora Coquerel, who represented "Orleanais"

 Flora Coquerel "Miss France 2014"

Flora's First Runner-Up was "Miss Tahiti" Mehiata Riaria (above), who (like last year's First Runner-up) might get to be France's representative in the "Miss Universe" pageant. The rest of her court included...

 Second Runner-Up "Miss Provence" Laëtizia Penmellen

Third Runner-up "Miss Cote D'Azur" Aurianne Sinacola, and...

Fourth Runner-up "Miss Guadeloupe" Chloe Deher (above). Each of these women will get to compete internationally at next year's "Miss Earth" and "Miss Supranational" international beauty pageants.

Le Fashion:

Fashion designer Eric Tibusch designed these Slavic Princess-inspired burgundy velvet gowns for the semi-finalists--sketch (left) and "Miss Orleanais"--and future "Miss France 2014" Flora Coquerel (right)

Princess Ball Gown:

Tea-Length Miss: The Finalists wore these strapless tea-length ball gowns featuring a sequined bustier and tulle/crinoline full skirt hitting at "tea-length". Above is the winner, Flora Coquerel "Miss Orleanais" modeling the gown.

 Congratulations to the new "Miss France" and good luck at next year's "Miss World"!!!

Miss France 2014 Crowning Moment Video: