R'Bonney Gabriel is making history as the first Filipino American woman to represent the United States at the 71st Miss Universe pageant. She is representing the state of Texas and crowned Miss USA 2022 at the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino in Reno, Nevada, on Tuesday.
Gabriel, a Houston based model and fashion designer winning answer in the question-and-answer portion was all about the value of sustainability amid climate change.
I actually made the outfit I’m wearing. I upcycle pieces and recycle different clothing to be more sustainable in my industry because I feel it’s my duty,” Gabriel said.
"So I think that's something we can all look for in our certain industries and in our homes- to be more sustainable," she added.
The 28-year-old is the first Filipino American to succeeds Miss Kentucky Elle Smith, who was named Miss USA in 2021.
In an interview with Houston Life, Gabriel does not forget to honor her Filipino roots, "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."
"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 county woman from Beaumont," she told ABC News.
On Instagram, Gabriel honored her parents by making her own outfit with a combined multicultural background.
"I designed this to pay tribute to my parents. My mom is from Beaumont, TX and my father is from the Philippines. They got married in Manila Philippines. I hand painted the same flower design from my mothers wedding dress onto my sleeves and tied in a traditional Maria Clara Filipina collar shape," she wrote.
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