R'Bonney Gabriel: Miss Universe and The Queen of Ethical Fashion
In a world where fast fashion dominates the industry, R'Bonney Gabriel stands out as a beacon of hope for a more sustainable and ethical fashion industry. R'Bonney Gabriel recently won Miss Universe in New Orleans, and has served as Miss USA and Miss Texas. She runs R’Bonney Nola, a eco-friendly clothing line where she uses sustainable and recycled materials. She fell in love with fashion design at 15, and at the University of North Texas earned a Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design with a Minor in Fibers in 2018. Gabriel is now a lead sewing instructor at Magpies & Peacocks, a Houston-based design house where she teaches domestic violence survivors. As a “Gucci Changemakers” recipient, they’ve been honored for diverting unwanted textiles and fabrics from landfills by turning them into fashion collections. With her unique approach to fashion, she is definitely the Queen of Ethical Fashion.
Miss Universe Sustainable Fashion Moments
In addition to her fashion line, R'Bonney Gabriel is also a passionate advocate for sustainability and ethical fashion outfits! Gabriel designed her bright orange, one-shoulder swimsuit from sustainable dyes. She incorporated plastic bottles to show "how art can be made out of what we perceive as trash." The cap on the swimsuit also featured the words "If Not Now, Then When?", which was inspired by a phoenix rising from the ashes.
She explained that the phoenix “emerged from adversity to become stronger, smarter and more powerful”. This is especially important as the oldest contestant to be crowned, and explained that women's “age does not define us. It's not tomorrow. It's not yesterday. But it's now. The time is now that you can go after what you want."
Gabriel also created a unique rehearsal look by upcycling her friend's jacket and an old jumpsuit. For the bold all-black look, she wanted to make “something new with a jumpsuit I already had.” Upcycling is important because it helps reduce waste and conserve natural resources by repurposing existing materials into new and useful products, rather than discarding them as waste and using new raw materials to produce new products.
This not only helps to reduce the strain on the environment, but also promotes sustainability by reducing the demand for new resources, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and reducing the amount of waste in landfills. Gabriel explained that it is also a way to “make a conscious effort to not over consume things we really don’t need, and cherish the things we already have. We can adapt this mindset in our life and be a #ForceForGood.”
Fashion as a Force for Good
R'Bonney Gabriel's commitment to sustainable and ethical fashion has made her a leader in the industry and a role model for others. She believes everyone's unique talents do make a difference because “we all have something special, and when we plant those seeds to other people in our life, we transform them and we use that as a vehicle for change." As the first Filipino-American to win Miss USA, she has also emphasized embracing your culture.
During her final interview, she was asked "If you win Miss Universe, how will you work to demonstrate this is an empowering and progressive organization?” and she replied, "Well, I would use it to be a transformational leader. As a very passionate designer, (having) been sewing for 13 years, I use fashion as a force for good. 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. 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. We all have something special, and when we plant those seeds (in) other people in our life, we transform them, and we use that as a vehicle for change."
Having a Miss Universe who promotes ethical fashion is a significant step towards a more sustainable and conscious fashion industry. By using her platform to raise awareness about the environmental and social impacts of the fashion industry, she encourages people to make more informed choices when it comes to their fashion purchases. By embracing ethical fashion, R’Bonney Gabriel sets a positive example for others to follow, and demonstrates that it is possible to look beautiful and stylish while also being mindful of the planet and its inhabitants. Her influence as a fashion icon and role model can inspire change and create a ripple effect in the fashion industry, encouraging companies to adopt more sustainable practices and consumers to demand more ethical and eco-friendly products.
