There’s a new Miss Universe and she’s from right here in the USA. R’Bonney Gabriel was crowned Miss Universe on Saturday night, beating out 83 contestants to win the title. The 28-year-old model and fashion designer became the first Filipino-American to win Miss USA when she took that honor last year.
The 71st Miss Universe pageant was held in New Orleans and Gabriel is the first Miss USA to win the title in 10 years after Olivia Culpo took the crown in 2012. The first runner-up is Miss Venezuela Amanda Dudamel, followed by Miss Dominican Republic Andreína Martínez as the second runner-up.
During the competition, Gabriel, a Texas native, said she hopes that Miss Universe would start allowing women over 28 to compete in the pageant. She also said that she would use the title to become a “transformational leader.” “As a very passionate designer, I’ve been sewing for 13 years, I use fashion as a force for good,” she explained. “In my industry, I’m cutting down on pollution through recycled materials when I make my clothing. I teach sewing classes to women that have survived from human trafficking and domestic violence.”
Source: Insider
Photo: Getty Images