R’Bonney Gabriel, the Filipina-American fashion designer and 2022 Miss Universe winner, is using her recent exit from *Project Runway* as a stepping stone for future endeavors. After being eliminated in the first week of the competition, Gabriel is redirecting her focus towards her brand, R’BONNEY NOLA.
Transforming Setbacks into Opportunities
I’ll forever believe that trying and failing is ALWAYS better than not trying at all.
R’Bonney Gabriel
In a candid social media post, Gabriel expressed her commitment to embracing the lessons learned from the experience. She stated, "I just want to dedicate more time to my craft and my fashion business." This attitude reflects a broader narrative in the fashion industry where resilience is key to success.
- Plans to release improved designs under R’BONNEY NOLA
- Focus on sustainable fashion and community projects
Gabriel's elimination came during the second episode of Season 22 of the reality series, alongside six other contestants. Despite her disappointment, she remains optimistic about her future prospects.
Her fashion journey began well before her Miss Universe reign. Gabriel holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts with a major in Fashion Design from the University of North Texas and has always been passionate about using her art for social good. She has previously created clothing from sustainable materials and provided sewing classes to women survivors of human trafficking.
The piece that led to her elimination, made from repurposed denim, was a reflection of her values. However, Gabriel acknowledged that it may not have met the judges' expectations of inspiration.
Looking ahead, she plans to return to the drawing board, emphasizing her desire to enhance her skills and expand her fashion line. Gabriel remarked, "This cannot define me as a designer. This does not mean that I am not talented."
Gabriel's past successes, including her debut collection at the Bench Fashion Week Holiday in 2024, demonstrate her ability to blend her Philippine heritage with contemporary fashion. She is determined to continue merging her design expertise with her commitment to sustainability.
As she navigates this transition, R’Bonney Gabriel encourages aspiring designers to embrace their journeys, stating, "Life is too short not to go after opportunities." Her resilience serves as an inspiration for many in the fashion community.