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 that accompanied the cape, “If not Now, Then What?” expressed urgency for change.
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 that he was inspired to design the swimsuit cape by the story of Phoenix Rising, a character who overcame adversity in order to be 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 with plastic bottles, this cape was transformed by me to show how art can be made from what we consider trash. It also represents my favorite message, “If Not Now Then When?” She continued.
The 28-yearold posted video footage that shows her using natural dyes and plastic bottles to create a sculptured collar.
The beauty queen and advocate for ethical fashion also shared her story about how she transformed a friend’s jacket into a Miss Universal look.
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. “All of us have something special. When we give those seeds to others in our lives, we transform them and use that as a vehicle to bring about change.”
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