The 71st Miss Universe pageant, held in New Orleans, Louisiana, was a historic moment for the beauty pageant industry as R’Bonney Gabriel, a Filipino-American fashion designer and sewing instructor, was crowned Miss Universe. Not only is Gabriel the first Filipino-American to win Miss USA, but her win also shines a spotlight on the important issue of human trafficking and the role that fashion can play in making a positive impact in the lives of survivors.
Background and Career
R’Bonney Gabriel, 28, graduated from the University of North Texas with a Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design in 2018 and now owns R’Bonney Nola, a sustainable clothing line. Aside from her successful modeling and fashion career, Gabriel teaches sewing classes to women who have survived domestic violence and human trafficking at non-profit design house Magpies & Peacocks. The Houston-based organization aims to use fashion as a force for good, such as diverting unwanted textiles and fabrics from landfills and turning them into fashion collections.
Miss Universe Competition
In response to a question about what change she would like to see in the Miss Universe competition, Gabriel made a bold statement about age. She stated that she would like to see older women included in the event, as she is currently the oldest age allowed to compete at 28 years old.
In the final round, Gabriel was asked how she would use her new platform to show that Miss Universe is “an empowering and progressive organization.” She responded by emphasizing her desire to be a force for good in fashion, saying “I teach sewing classes to women that have survived from human trafficking and domestic violence. And I say that because it is so important to invest in others, invest in our community, and use your unique talent to make a difference.”
Gabriel’s win at the Miss Universe pageant shines a spotlight on the important issue of human trafficking and the role that fashion can play in making a positive impact in the lives of survivors. Gabriel’s dedication to using her platform and talents to empower and invest in other women serves as an inspiration to us all.
Miss Universe 2022 Results
The 71st Miss Universe pageant was held in New Orleans, Louisiana where 84 contestants from around the world competed for the coveted title. The results of the pageant were as follows:
- Miss Universe 2022: R’Bonney Gabriel of the United States
- 1st Runner-Up: Amanda Dudamel of Venezuela
- 2nd Runner-Up: Andreína Martínez of the Dominican Republic
Top 5
- Gabriëla Dos Santos of Curaçao
- Ashley Cariño of Puerto Rico
Top 16
- Monique Riley of Australia
- Amelia Tu of Canada
- María Fernanda Aristizábal of Colombia
- Mideline Phelizor of Haiti
- Divita Rai of India
- Payengxa Lor of Laos §
- Alessia Rovegno of Peru
- Telma Madeira of Portugal
- Ndavi Nokeri of South Africa
- Alicia Faubel of Spain
- Tya Jané Ramey of Trinidad and Tobago
§ Laos was not able to compete due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Philippines’ Celeste Cortesi failed to reach Top 16
Unfortunately, the Philippines’ representative, Celeste Cortesi, did not make it to the semi-finals of the Miss Universe 2022 pageant. It’s the first time the Philippines hasn’t reached the semi-finals of Miss Universe since 2010.
Monique Riley Schroeder: From Miss Australia to Miss Universe Semi-Finalist
On the other hand, Australian beauty pageant queen Monique Riley Schroeder was selected as a semi-finalist in the Miss Universe pageant. The 27-year-old model and aspiring actress represented her country in the pageant, donning a stunning blue-and-silver sequined dress, sparkly heels, and sequined sleevelets that matched her eye-popping frock. Her brunette locks were curled loosely as she paraded across the stage, earning her a spot as a semi-finalist.
Overall, the 71st Miss Universe pageant was a night of breaking barriers and celebrating the positive impact that fashion can make in the world. Gabriel’s win serves as a reminder of the importance of investing in others and using our unique talents to make a difference in our communities.
