Former Miss Universe 2022 R'Bonney Gabriel, 32, has officially ended her Project Runway Season 22 journey after being eliminated in the latest episode of the fashion-design competition.
R'Bonney, a Filipino-American fashion designer who represented the United States at the Miss Universe 2022 pageant, was sent home following the show's first design challenge, becoming one of the early contestants to exit the competition.
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Before her elimination, R'Bonney had already faced a difficult start in the season after landing among the designers at risk during the premiere episode on July 9, 2026.
For the first challenge, R'Bonney presented a recycled denim ensemble with a statement hood.
She said the outfit "wholeheartedly represents me, what I stand for, what I do."
But unfortunately, the judges—including supermodel Tyra Banks and host and head judge Heidi Klum—were not impressed with R'Bonney's design.
Tyra said: "I think so many people would look at that and say, 'That's good.'
"But what we're looking for is great, what we're looking for is breaking out of something safe.
"Is it wearable? Yes. But I don't think it's inspiring."
Heidi, for her part, described it as "too boring" for a design competition.
"This is a design competition show. It's not enough," she stressed.
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R'Bonney Exits Project Runway Season 22
R'Bonney's Project Runway Season 22 journey officially came to an end in the second episode, which aired on Thursday, July 16, after she was among the six contestants eliminated following the judges' deliberation.
Also eliminated alongside R'Bonney were Jennifer Daniels, Andrea Moore, LRÉ the Artist, Robby Crone, and Plane Jane.
After the announcement, R'Bonney became emotional as she thanked the judges for the "opportunity" they had given her.
She said: "I feel so disappointed in myself. I'm extremely embarrassed.
"I wish the outcome was different.
"I feel wholeheartedly that I didn't bring the right garments."
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Despite falling short in the competition, R'Bonney remained optimistic, saying the setback does not define her as a designer or diminish her talent.
"This cannot define me as a designer. That doesn't mean that I'm not talented.
"I am proud to represent the Philippines. I just want my design work to be my ultimate shining star now."
Meanwhile, despite her early exit, R'Bonney received praise from fans for showcasing her passion for sustainable fashion and for bringing her design background to the international reality competition.
Known for creating garments from recycled and eco-friendly materials, R'Bonney joined Project Runway shortly after making history as the first Filipino-American to win the Miss Universe crown in 2022.
Her participation marked another milestone in her fashion career, allowing her to compete alongside 21 other designers in the show's biggest cast to date.
R'Bonney fell short of matching the milestone set by Filipino designer Veejay Floresca, who made history as the first transgender woman to win Project Runway Philippines last season.