Over the weekend, R’Bonney Gabriel of the United States was crowned the 71st Miss Universe. The contestants looked ravishing in the different colors and designs of dresses they wore as they competed in the competition. The 2023 Miss Universe Winner wore a striking blue dress for her final appearance at the competition. The dress had sheer fabric panels running down the arms and bodice, a cutout in the skirt with fringe, and textured shoulder pads. It also had a plunging neckline that reached her waist. 

During the competition’s dramatic finale this year, Miss Universe winner R’Bonney Gabriel, Miss Venezuela 2022, and Amanda Dudamel clasped their hands. After a lengthy pause, the hosts of the 2023 Miss Universe pageant, former Miss Universe Olivia Culpo and Emmy Award-winning producer and TV personality Jeannie Mai Jenkins, revealed the winner. Since the announcement, the curiosity of many has grown to know who R’Bonney is. Keep reading to know more about the new 2023 Miss Universe Winner.

Miss Universe Winner R’Bonney Gabriel Has A Degree In Fashion And Clothing Design 

Model R’Bonney Gabriel is 28 years old and from San Antonio, Texas. She graduated from the University of North Texas with a degree in fashion and clothing design in 2018. She is the daughter of an American and a Filipino who arrived in the country with only $20. Despite this, her father was still able to create a new life for himself and his family. From a young age, R’Bonney was clear about what she wanted and pursued it. The Miss Universe winner R’Bonney Gabriel started sewing at 15 and founded a fashion company, R’Bonney Nola, after completing her studies at the university. Additionally, she collaborated with Magpies & Peacocks, where she offered sewing lessons.

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She Loves Backpacking And Hula Hooping

R’Bonney has made it clear that she loves sewing and enjoys making things out of textiles and fabrics. However, she also has other things she loves to do when she is not sewing. According to her bio, she spends her free time backpacking, hula hooping, and reading when she is not creating eco-friendly apparel.

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R’Bonney Worked As An Intern For Renowned Designer Nicole Miller

R’Bonney relocated to NYC after graduation. She secured a fantastic position as Nicole Miller’s renowned intern. R’Bonney gained valuable experience designing her clothes while working for Nicole Miller. She takes pride in making every dress she wears for interviews and rehearsals.

R’Bonney Was The First Filipina-American To Win Miss Texas USA

R’Bonney stands out as the first Filipina-American to win Miss Texas USA. She once noted that it was an honor to have such an achievement. The beautiful diva revealed that she receives messages on her social media platforms from Filipina women who were genuinely excited and inspired to want to go into pageantry because of her. With her achievements, R’Bonney is paving the way for more of such women who never thought a Filipina woman could win the USA pageantry.

The 2023 Miss Universe Winner Is An Inspiration To Older Models

Throughout her journey to winning the Miss Texas and Miss USA competitions, Miss Universe winner R’Bonney Gabriel consistently emphasized the importance of accepting who she truly is. She has proven to have the desire to do the same for other women. R’Bonney shocked the world with her Top 5 performance when asked what she would like to see changed about future Miss Universe competitions. She responded, saying that since she is 28 years old and believes that older women should be allowed to compete, she would raise the age restriction.

R’Bonney Gabriel, with her vibrant personality, strong work ethic, and commitment to helping others, was undoubtedly the audience favorite among all the 2023 Miss Universe contestants. Hopefully, as she continues to take her seat as the 2023 Miss Universe, she will share more about herself.