Finale of Miss Universe Mauritius : a stunning and glamorous show

It was a night to remember. The glittering finale of the Miss Universe Mauritius pageant took place at the Caudan Arts Centre on Tuesday. The stunning event was organised by Estrella Mauritius in collaboration with Le Défi Life, Le Défi Media Group, Le Défi Training School and the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority. It’s Ornella Laflèche who emerged as the winner and was subsequently crowned Miss Universe Mauritius. 

It was an evening rich in emotions and thrill for the fifteen finalists of the Miss Universe Mauritius competition. The sensational grand finale was organised at the Caudan Arts Centre by Estrella Mauritius in collaboration with Le Défi Life, Le Défi Media Group, Le Défi Training School and the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority. 

The event saw the crowning of Ornella Laflèche, young student aged 21, as Miss Universe Mauritius. The splendid event saw the presence of the Acting President Barlen Vyapoory, Miss Reunion Morgane Lebon and the president of the Miss Reunion committee Aziz Patel.

The 15 young women aged between 18 to 27 represented various parts of the island, including one candidate from Rodrigues. The show kicked off with the music show by Thallie-Ann and his band Kokofaya. 

During the grand soiree, the ‘Misses’ hit the catwalk in dazzling outfits. After parading in cocktail dresses, the beautiful women strutted the catwalk in swimsuits and evening dresses after which the names of six finalists were announced. The lucky finalists, namely Urvashi Haurheeram, Jade Motee, Ornella Laflèche, Stasha Abhee, Vandana Jeetah and Cheasta Ramdhooneea had to answer tough questions from the jury in thirty seconds only. 

The jury was composed of personalities from various sectors, namely Micaella L'Hortalle, Miss Universe Mauritius 1999, William of Marsangy, the CEO and founder of Trésor Noir, Tina Toolsee, beachwear stylist, Didier Prugnieres, Managing Director of Pierrefonds Airport, Réunion, Wendy Azzopardi, Human Resources Consultant, Jean-Pierre Payet, Managing Director of Engen Petroleum Mauritius, Shaleena Nowbuth, internationally renowned fashion designer, Simla Desai, AB Desai, Ruddy Krishna Ramasamy, psycho-coach of IFHE Paris and manager of the local branch from Pierrefonds Airport to Mauritius. The finalists were evaluated based on several criteria, including intelligence, elegance, gait and ease on stage in order to designate the Miss Universe Mauritius. 

The first to hear her name was Urvashi Hureeram, Miss Péreybère, who was crowned Miss Supranational Mauritius. The winner of the Miss Universe Mauritius beauty contest is Miss Beau Bassin/Rose Hill Ornella Laflèche and her runner-up Miss Grand Baie Jade Motee. Other awards that were offered are: Best Fitness to Miss Grand Baie, Jade Motee, Miss Photogenic to Miss Beau Bassin/Rose Hill, Ornella Laflèche, Miss Friendship to Urvashi Haurheeram Miss Péreybère and the Public Choice Award to Miss Port Louis, Cheasta Ramdhoorea.

Estrella Mauritius, represented by Nevin Rupear, organised the Miss Universe Mauritius contest for the fourth time. This 32nd edition of the contest focused on the personal development of the young women. This contest was organised with the support of AB Desai, Sokalor, Engen, Bluefish, Vicimedia, Aquarium of Mauritius, Bella Donna, Kokowfaya, Cader Electro Furniture and Chic and Posh Beauty Lounge and Academy.

The Miss Universe Mauritius is entitled to a $ 28,000 scholarship per year over four years to study at Hollins University in Virginia, USA. The winner will also complete a one-month internship in the United States before the grand international finale of Miss Universe as well as follow various trainings. The coaching session will be offered by the American companies Toned to Win and Inspire Gravity. Finalists in the Top 5 will be able to do modelling in Mauritius and New York. The other fourteen candidates are also eligible for a scholarship of $ 23,000 per year over four years.