ME & M@.......FaShioN!!!

Los Angeles, July 24: An 18-year-old aspiring actress from Puerto Rico, who hopes to someday star in US and Latin American films, was crowned Sunday night as Miss Universe 2006.
Miss USA Tara Conner was the contest`s fourth runner-up. Also finishing in the top five were second runner-up Lauriane Gillieron of Switzerland and third runner-up Lourdes Arevalos of Paraguay.

Conner was vying to become the first U.S. winner since Brook Lee in 1997. The Kentucky native wore a red-white-and-blue jockey outfit and cracked a whip during the opening parade of nations. Several of the contestants sported costumes featuring colorful native dress, including feathers, sequins, fur, massive headpieces and, in the case of Miss Japan, a Samurai sword.

Awards were given for photogenic, congeniality and national costume.

Lia Andrea Ramos of Philippines was chosen most photogenic in an online vote by the public. Angela Asare of Ghana won the congeniality award in a vote by all 86 contestants. Chibana, who carried the impressive looking Samurai sword, won the award for best national costume.

"They were probably afraid not to pick Miss Japan or she would use that sword," quipped Carson Kressley of TV`s "Queer Eye," who provided commentary along with 2004 Miss USA Shandi Finnessey. Opera singer Vittorio Grigolo and Latin singer Chelo provided musical performances.

The pageant began with the top 20 finalists` names being announced early in the show. Then their scores were discarded and competition began again, with the field gradually narrowed throughout the night.
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As soon as the final 20 had been selected, they immediately strutted across the stage in skimpy two-piece bikinis for the swimsuit competition.

After being narrowed to the final 10, the competition moved to evening gowns, with the smiling contestants walking across the stage to music provided by Grigolo.

The field of 86 was actually narrowed to 20 last week during preliminary judging in the contest`s swimsuit, evening gown and interview categories, but finalists weren`t announced until Sunday`s show was under way, allowing all 86 to be introduced to the television audience.

The winner travels the world for a year on behalf of charities and pageant sponsors.

Natalie Glebova of Canada was to crown her successor at the end of the two-hour telecast with a diamond-and-pearl-studded headpiece valued at $250,000.

"My year as Miss Universe has meant more to me than I can express," said Glebova, who began her reign with a trip to South Africa where she publicly took an HIV test.