R’Bonney Gabriel is the new Miss Universe. She designed her swimsuit using sustainable dyes as well as plastic bottles.
She might be the newly crowned Miss UniverseR’Bonney Gabriel, however, is the one who puts Planet Earth first. Apart from serving as Miss Texas USA Miss USA and Miss USA. The pageant queen runs her business. eco-friendly clothing lineShe also received a, which she used to great effect during Saturday night’s Miss Universe pageant.
During the swimsuit portion of the competition, Gabriel — who, per pageant officials, is the first Filipino American woman to serve as Miss USA — hit the stage in a bright orange one-shoulder swimsuit with a cutout midriff. Gabriel created a dramatic cape from recycled plastic bottles and sustainable dyes to match the suit. The message on the cape was “If Not Now Then When?”
Gabriel documented the process of making the swimsuit cape — which was inspired by the story of a phoenix rising from the ashes — on Instagram Saturday.
Gabriel wrote, “I designed this swimsuit cover inspired by the story about the Phoenix Rising who rose from adversity and became stronger, smarter, and more powerful.” “I’ve kept this in mind during my journey through pageantry. Life will have setbacks, but we have the power to choose to accept them or use them to our advantage.
“Sustainably dyed, designed with plastic bottles, I collected and transformed this cape in an effort to demonstrate how art can come from trash. It also represents my favorite message, “If Not Now Then When?” She continued.
Video footage of the 28-year old shows her using natural dyes to give her cape a fiery tie-dyed look. Plastic bottles were also cut and molded to make a collar.
The beauty queen and advocate for ethical fashion also shared her story about how she upcycled a friend’s jacket and an older jumpsuit to make one of her Miss Universal rehearsal looks.
Gabriel said about the bold, all-black outfit that he made instead of buying another outfit. “We have 400% more clothing now than in 20 years ago. And many of that clothing ends up in our trash.” I believe we can all make a conscious effort to not over consume things we really don’t need, and cherish the things we already have. You can adopt this mindset and live a more fulfilled life. #ForceForGood.
Gabriel talked about her dedication to using her fashion skills to help others, including as a teacher for victims of domestic violence and human traficking, and using sustainable and recyclable materials to make her clothing.
Judges were told by her that she believes it is important to invest and help others. We all have something unique, and when we share that with others, it transforms them into something positive.
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