New Orleans: At the 71st Miss Universe Beauty Pageant in New Orleans, USA, Miss USA R'Bonney Gabriel, an eco-friendly fashion designer, model, and sewing instructor, was crowned Miss Universe on Saturday.
Amanda Dudamel of Venezuela finished in second place in the 71st competition, with Andreina Martinez of the Dominican Republic coming in as the second runner-up
Divita Rai of India, who placed in the top 16, was unable to succeed Harnaaz Sandhu as the 70th Miss Universe. Women from 84 different countries participated in the beauty pageant at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, Indian Express reported.
R’Bonney is an eco-friendly fashion designer, model, and sewing instructor. “She attributes her opportunistic outlook to her upbringing immersed in the arts, sports, and travel. As a high-school volleyball player who pivoted to fashion, she quickly fell in love with constructing designs with fabrics and textiles at the young age of 15. At the University of North Texas, she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design with a Minor in Fibers in 2018. She is currently CEO of her sustainable clothing line, R’Bonney Nola,” the official website of Miss Universe states.
The deciding factor was the final question. 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 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."