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- R’Bonney interned for the famed clothes designer Nicole Miller in NYC after school.
- R’Bonney was the primary Filipina-American to win Miss Texas USA.
- R’Bonney’s father moved to America from the Philippines with $20 in his pocket.
The winner of the 71st Miss Universe competitors was American contestant, R’Bonney Gabriel. The 28-year-old American magnificence was topped Miss Universe on Jan. 14, 2023, in New Orleans, Louisiana. During the show-stopping closing moments of this yr’s competitors, R’Bonney held arms with Miss Venezuela 2022, Amanda Dudamel. The hosts of the 2023 Miss Universe competitors, former Miss Universe Olivia Culpo and Emmy Award-winning producer and TV host, Jeannie Mai Jenkins, introduced the winner after an extended pause. Needless to say, the group in New Orleans went ballistic once they introduced that the winner was from the United States. Read beneath to search out out 5 must-know issues about R’Bonney.
1. R’Bonney Interned For Famed Designer Nicole Miller After College
R’Bonney graduated from the University of Northern Texas and, after school, she moved to NYC. Luckily, she bought a fantastic gig as an intern for famed clothier Nicole Miller.
2. R’Bonney Creates Fashion Designs That Are Eco-Friendly
R’Bonney’s bio states that she is an “eco-friendly fashion designer, sewing instructor for domestic violence survivors, artist helping women learn tools for success, advocate for sustainability in the fashion industry.”
3. R’Bonney’s Father Moved To America With $20 In His Pocket
R’Bonney instructed ABC News’ affiliate in Houston in Oct. 2022, “My dad moved to America from the Philippines on a college scholarship with about $20 in his pocket. He wanted to pave a new life for himself. He met my mom in Texas, who is a country woman from Beaumont. I’m a very proud Filipina Texan.”
4. R’Bonney Was The First Filipina-American To WIn Miss Texas USA
R’Bonney was the primary Filipina-American to win Miss Texas USA. When requested in regards to the honor throughout a Dec. 2021 interview, she mentioned, “I’m getting messages on Instagram and just social media of Filipina girls and women telling me they’re so excited, they’re so happy. They’re crying tears of joy because they are inspired to go after pageantry or something,” she added. “Like I’m paving the way for them to just go after whatever they want no matter what it is. So it’s an honor.”
5. R’Bonney Minored In Fibers During College
R’Bonney knew what she wished from a younger age — and he or she went after it. The Miss Universe winner first began stitching at age 15. According to R’Bonney, she merely fell in love with the method of stitching and loved creating issues out of materials and textiles.