Get to know Miss Universe 2022 R'Bonney Gabriel and her road to the crown

Miss Universe 2022 held its preliminary competitions and coronation night last January 2023 at the New Orleans Morial Convention Center in Louisiana, USA. With this year's Miss Universe competition making huge changes like allowing mothers and married women to compete, she was asked during the Top 5 question and answer portion for her thoughts and what changes she'd like to see as well. She answered, "I would like to see an age increase because I am 28 years old and that is the oldest age to compete, and I think it's a beautiful thing. My favourite quote is 'if not now, then when' because as a woman, I believe 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."

Eventually, she made history as the oldest Miss Universe candidate to win the pageant. In 1997, Miss USA Brooke Lee was the oldest to earn the crown being a winner at the age of 26.

See also: 7 things to know about Miss Universe Philippines Celeste Cortesi

Although the tension was high during the question and answer portions for the Top 5 and Top 3, Gabriel was radiant while donning the evening gown crafted by Filipino designer Rian Fernandez. On his Instagram profile, Fernandez shared information about the winning ensemble:

"The black colour of the gown represents competence and sophistication. The gunmetal accents epitomise the strength and the remarkable resilience of R'Bonney and the power of the United States of America. The black onyx and the glass mirror drops are symbols of reflection and self-growth. The fringe skirt depicts the movement of life with blue sapphire Swarovski stones that stand for the new era of emerging women."

See also: Get to know Jojo Bragais, 71st Miss Universe's official footwear provider

Advancing to the Top 3, Gabriel answered the question about how she would demonstrate Miss Universe as an empowering and progressive organisation. For years, the said competition and beauty pageants, in general, has had mixed feedback, which includes objectification of women. However, being now helmed by the Thai transwoman entrepreneur Anne Jakrajutatip, the organisation offers promising reforms.

Gabriel answered the final question, "I would use it [the Miss Universe Organization] to be a transformational leader. As a very passionate designer, I've 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 human trafficking and domestic violence, and I say that because it is 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 to other people in our life, we transform them and we use that as a vehicle for change."

Following Olivia Culpo's victory ten years ago, Gabriel became the ninth Miss USA to win Miss Universe and the first ever Filipino-American to do so. She is the first to wear the Mouawad "Force for Good" crown and a sustainable sash from The Sash Company.

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