Meet New York City’s reigning roommates
Miss USA and Miss Universe are sharing an apartment — and summer fun
THESE beauty queens are taking Manhattan.
And they’re doing it from one Midtown address: After nabbing the Miss Universe crown in January, Iris Mittenaere — the former Miss France — left Paris to move into the organization-owned apartment with Miss USA, Kára McCullough.
“Ever since I was a young girl, I was dreaming about New York,” Mittenaere, 24, told The Post. “I had a picture in my room of the Flatiron Building. I was dreaming that maybe one day I’ll be able to see it, and now I live here! It’s so exciting.”
Since both beauties spent the earlier part of their reigns jetting across the country to fulfill their duties, they finally have some downtime this summer to explore the city — and they’re making the most of it.
“It’s been a blast living [together],” said the 25-year-old McCullough about her roomie.
Together they braved the turbulent Hudson River waters at a Post shoot for the Fourth of July, where they were photographed aboard the Hornblower Esprit in view of Lady Liberty.
“The Statue of Liberty is very special to me, especially since I am from France,” said Mittenaere of her home country’s 1886 gift to the United States. “She is a symbol of new opportunity and embodies hope for all.”
Not surprisingly for a France native, Mittenaere is obsessed with food — and loving the New York scene. The hazel-eyed brunette is already a fan of West Village trattoria Bar Pitti and the gelatos at Grom, but has yet to find her favorite French restaurant.
“There’s a lot of French restaurants [in New York], but they don’t have French food,” the Parisian said. “It’s difficult to find an authentic place.”
McCullough is less concerned about finding a taste of home.
During the 23 years her mother served with the Navy, the former Miss DC lived in places as far-flung as Sicily, South Korea, Japan and Hawaii before finishing high school in Virginia. Now she says she’s ready to live like a New Yorker for the next year during her reign.
“I love the energy and how everyone is so ambitious. You’re never bored here,” said McCullough, who bought a pair of Rollerblades to use in Prospect Park.
But McCullough’s interests expand far beyond Rollerblading. She has a Bachelor of Science in chemistry, works as an emergency preparedness specialist at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and plans to explore the Museum of Science and the American Museum of Natural History.
“I’m very interested in science and how it can benefit the community,” said McCullough, who’s determined to get more girls involved in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programs. She even has her own community outreach program called Science Exploration for Kids and hopes to visit New York City schools.
“So many kids have access to education in America, which is why it’s so great,” she said. “I want every girl to take advantage of these opportunities.”
Mittenaere, meanwhile, works as a dental student and an ambassador for amfAR, which raises awareness for HIV/AIDS. She walked for the organization at last Sunday’s Pride parade.
“It affects so many people, and we have to find a cure,” she said.
McCullough, for one, is happy to be experiencing the Big Apple with Mittenaere, who concedes that being in the city can be lonely. She’s very glad to have her good pal as a roommate.
“New York is such a big city, and I don’t know a lot of people here,” Mittenaere said. “Sometimes I feel alone, but [McCullough] is here with me . . . I feel like I have a friend in the city.”
Ever since I was a young girl, I was dreaming about New York . . . I was dreaming that maybe one day I’ll be able to see it, and now I live here! — Miss Universe Iris Mittenaere