Miss Universe 2022 R'Bonney Gabriel is ecstatic as she makes her fashion comeback, this time stepping into the spotlight as a designer.
On Friday, August 29, 2024, the 30-year-old Filipino-American beauty queen debuted her latest collection at Bench Fashion Week 2024 held at the Playground in Bench Tower, Bonifacio Global City.
This event marked multiple firsts for R'Bonney: her first fashion show since winning the Miss Universe pageant in 2022, her first appearance at Bench Fashion Week, and her inaugural runway show in the Philippines.
In an interview with PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) and other members of the press, R'Bonney revealed that she was personally invited by Ben Chan, the Chairman of Bench, to join the fashion show.
Recalling the encounter, R'Bonney said, "I went to TernoCon recently and I saw Ben Chan. And the first thing he said to me was, 'Do you want to do a Bench Fashion Week?'
"And I was stunned. I was like, 'Oh, yeah!' So that's kind of how it happened. It was very spontaneous and I couldn't pass up the offer."
R'BONNEY GABRIEL: "HOW TO SURVIVE ON LAND AND SEA"
R'Bonney shed light on her inspiration for her new collection, named "How to Survive on Land and Sea."
The fashion designer said she integrated streetwear elements with beachwear, intending to highlight her edgy, rugged persona.
"The collection is called 'How to Survive on Land and Sea' so I'm mixing streetwear elements and beachwear together and kind of balancing the two, contrasting elements."
R'Bonney mentioned that she wanted to reveal a different aspect of herself through her latest collection, in contrast to the Miss Universe style that most people expect her to embody.
She said, "I wanted to showcase my streetwear and edgy side.
"I think a lot of people know me as Miss Universe but I have a very rugged, streetwear, edgy vibe that I wanted to showcase.
"A more cool, effortless girl. And this is kind of the style that I've always had but a lot of people haven't seen."
R'Bonney added, "I would say this aesthetic is much more edgy. Edgy mixed with feminine and balancing the two.
"I think a lot of people expected maybe Miss Universe gowns or something but this is actually my true streetwear style that I really wanted to showcase here."
When asked how long it took to create her new collection, R'Bonney shared that it took her just a little over two months, though she wished she had more time.
"It felt like, about two and a half months... But oh, it was not enough time," she said.
R'BONNEY GABRIEL: SUSTAINABILITY AND INCLUSIVITY
Her latest collection also draws inspiration from her recent travels, featuring materials sourced from various parts of the country.
These range from her excursions to Divisoria and beach getaways in Siargao to impromptu visits to ukay-ukay shops around the metro.
She said, "[I went to] Divisoria, ukay-ukay... Kamuning... Bench also had end of season clearance clothing that I upcycled as well.
"And I got shells from my Surigao trip from the islands. So it was a lot of sourcing all over the Philippines though."
R'Bonney emphasized her commitment to sustainability in her designs, explaining that this focus is why her collection consists of unique, one-of-a-kind pieces.
She said, "They're all one of one. So you gotta get it."
In addition to prioritizing sustainability, R'Bonney ensured her latest collection is inclusive by incorporating pieces specifically designed for plus-size women.
And this inclusivity was a deliberate intention.
In her words, "It was definitely intentional because here in the Philippines there are so many beautiful women and beautiful people and it's not just one size or one shape or even one ethnicity. So I really try to encapsulate it all."
Aside from showcasing her latest collection, R'Bonney also had the opportunity to present pieces from her January 2024 collection, which were available for purchase at the pop-up store in the venue.
"Those pieces are from my collection earlier this year. That was my first collection outside of Miss Universe.
"I brought them here to the Philippines because a lot of people couldn't access them in America.
"I think a lot of people like them. But they're also upcycled as well because sustainability is always at the forefront for me."
BENCH FASHION WEEK 2024: DAY 1
R'Bonney's fashion show dazzled with high-profile appearances from beauty queens and celebrities on the runway.
As seen by PEP.ph, the fashion show featured former Miss Universe Philippines winners Gazini Ganados and Bea Luigi Gomez, alongside reigning Miss Universe Philippines Chelsea Manalo.
Additionally, Wilma Doesn't's daughter Asiana Doesn't, ex-Pinoy Big Brother: Otso housemate Lou Yanong, Miss World Philippines 2022 2nd Princess Cassandra Chan, and Miss Universe Philippines 2020 contestant Maria Isabela Galeria also graced the catwalk for R'Bonney's collection.
In addition to R'Bonney, fashion designer Rhett Eala unveiled his latest collection in collaboration with Kashieca, with GMA-7 actress and the brand's newest ambassador, Gabbi Garcia, serving as his muse.
Concluding the first day of Bench Fashion Week was Anthony Ramirez's latest collection, titled “Boryokudan,” which drew inspiration from '90s Japanese gangster culture.
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