R’Bonney Gabriel: 5 things you need to know about the winner of Miss Universe 2023 USA

• R’Bonney was the first Filipino-American to win both Miss Texas USA and Miss Universe.
• R’Bonney’s father moved to the United States from the Philippines with $20 in his pocket.
• R’Bonney enjoys making backpacks and hula hoops in his spare time.

The winner of the 71st Miss Universe pageant was the American contestant, R’Bonney Gabriel. The 28-year-old American beauty from Houston, Texas was crowned Miss Universe on January 14, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana. During the final moments of this year’s competition, R’Bonney held hands with Miss Venezuela 2022, Amanda Dudamel. The hostesses of the Miss Universe 2023 contest, former Miss Universe Olivia Culpo30, Emmy Award-winning producer and television host, Jeannie Mai Jenkins, 44, announced the winner after a long break. Needless to say, crowds in New Orleans went wild when it was announced that the winner was from the United States. He reads on to find out 5 things to know about R’Bonney.

1. R’Bonney interned for celebrity designer Nicole Miller after college.

R’Bonney is a graduate of the University of North Texas and moved to New York after college. Luckily, he landed a great job as an intern for famed fashion designer Nicole Miller. While working for Nicole Miller, he learned the value of making his own clothes. She takes pride in creating all of her outfits for interviews and rehearsals.

2. R’Bonney created eco-friendly fashion designs

R’Bonney’s biography states that she is an “ecological fashion designer, sewing instructor for victims of domestic violence, artist helping women learn the tools for success, advocate for sustainability in the fashion industry.” Her Miss Texas USA dress was made from a coat she found at a thrift store and made into a dress.

3. R’Bonney’s father moved to the United States with $20 in his pocket.

said R’Bonney ABC News’ affiliated in Houston October 2022, “My father moved to America from the Philippines on a college scholarship with about $20 in his pocket. He wanted to open up a new life for himself. He met my mother in Texas, who is a farmer from Beaumont. I am a very proud Filipina Texan.

4. R’Bonney was the first Filipino-American to win Miss Texas USA.

R’Bonney was the first Filipino-American to win Miss Texas USA. When asked about the honor during a December 2021 interview, she said, “I get messages on Instagram and just on social media from Filipina girls and women telling me they are so excited, so happy. They cry with joy because they’re inspired to go after the show or something,” she added. “Like it’s paving the way for them to go after whatever they want, whatever it is. So it’s an honor.”

5. R’Bonney has revealed that backpacking and hula hooping are his spare time.

R’Bonney knew what he wanted from an early age and pursued it. The Miss Universe winner started sewing at the age of 15. According to R’Bonney, she simply fell in love with the sewing process and enjoyed creating things with cloth and fabric. When she’s not making eco-friendly clothes, she enjoys backpacking, hula hopping, and reading in her spare time, according to her bio.

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