Miss Universe winner R’Bonney Gabriel’s NASA-inspired costume raises eyebrows
R’Bonney Gabriel has been crowned Miss Universe, the first time an American has won in 11 years. But the contest wasn’t without drama.
Miss USA has been crowned Miss Universe, the first time an American has won in 11 years.
The winner was R’Bonney Gabriel, a 28-year-old fashion designer, who was born in Houston, Texas.
Her father is originally from the Philippines and R’Bonney, who speaks Tagalog fluently, last year called herself a “very proud Filipina American.”
“The Filipino blood is so strong,” she said as she thanked supporters in the crowd following her win.
She’s the oldest woman to win the event and made note of that during one of her answers.
“For me, 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,” she said.
R’Bonney’s biography states she is an “eco-friendly fashion designer, sewing instructor for domestic violence survivors, artist helping women learn tools for success, advocate for sustainability in the fashion industry.”
She pledged to be a “transformational leader” and talked about recycled materials in the fashion industry and cutting pollution.
“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,” she said.
“We all have something special and when we plant those seeds for other people in our life, we transform them and we use that as a vehicle for change.”
R’Bonney first started sewing at age 15 and fell in love with the process of constructing things out of fabrics and textiles.
R’Bonney beat Miss Dominican Republic Andreína Martínez and Miss Venezuela Amanda Dudamel for the crown.
The pageant wasn’t without its controversies.
There were some stunning outfits during the “national costumes” section.
But the eventual winner’s outfit, which celebrated the NASA moon landing, raised some eyebrows.
It was comprised of silver stars shooting out and a giant moon.
“The United States of America, a country known for restraint and modesty,” Alex Abad-Santos wrote mockingly.
And some wondered why she didn’t topple over under the weight of the extravagant costume.
“Miss USA won Miss Universe and we don’t even have good healthcare for any neck and back problems she may experience from this costume. Bless,” April Reign quipped.
“What the hell Miss USA got on?” another person wrote.
the United States of America, a country known for restraint and modesty pic.twitter.com/jLnvh6QXpc
— alex (@alex_abads) January 13, 2023
During the national costume segment some contestants chose to make political statements including Miss Ukraine, Viktoria Apanasenko, who made an impact with her reference to the ongoing war.
The 28-year-old unveiled the “Warrior of Light” costume in the contest with her performance video going viral online and receiving world wide adoration.
The footage showed the elegant model sweeping across the stage in an angel-like dress with wings and bearing a sword.
She posed in a warrior stance as her wings spanned out 5m.
Her performance was not enough to make it into the final rounds of the competition. The news came as a shock to many viewers, who took to social media slamming the competition.
“If indeed #MissUniverse is looking for a transformational queen with strong advocacy then where is Miss Ukraine in the semi-finals,” a Twitter user said.
“Miss Ukraine with her wings and sword deserved some kind of honourable mention,” one said.
“Miss Ukraine is top class,” another said.
Miss Norway Ida Hauan tested positive for Covid-19 right before the finals of the beauty competition and was forced to withdraw.
“So…I was too unlucky to get Covid right before the finals,” she wrote on Instagram.
“It breaks my heart because I have been working so hard to get where I am today. But I already starting to feel better.
“Thank you so much to everyone who thinks about me today.”
Thai business tycoon and transgender activist Anne Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip purchased the Miss Universe Organisation for $20 million last year.
A number of changes were announced for the 2023 competition, including new rules that allow married women and mothers to compete.
This year’s selection panel was made up of all female professionals from a variety of fields, including sports, beauty, and music.
New Orleans, Louisiana, served as the event’s host city.
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