From Miss Universe 2022 to fashion designer, R’Bonney Gabriel is excited for a new venture in life as she debuts her collection at BENCH Fashion Week
R’Bonney Gabriel has always been driven by creativity, from her early days in Houston to the dazzling stage as Miss Universe. But now, she’s setting a new course—one that adopts her passion for fashion with her Filipino heritage. Her debut collection for BENCH Fashion Week, titled How to Survive on Land and Sea, is not just a reflection of her aesthetic, but also a symbol of her personal journey—from beauty queen to fashion designer—as she finds her footing in the Philippines.
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When asked about her collection, R’Bonney’s excitement is palpable. “I haven’t created an actual collection for a fashion show in six years,” she says. “So, when I was thinking of what I wanted this collection to represent, I really wanted to come back to me and something that’s true to who I am.” And what could be truer than a mix of her Filipino and American sides?
The collection, she explains, is a blend of streetwear and beachwear, inspired by the contrasting environments of her hometown in Houston, Texas, and the scenic beaches of the Philippines. “I moved to the Philippines by myself only four months ago,” she shares, “and I came here with just two suitcases. Making this collection was challenging—I didn’t have any of my usual resources, my studio was in New York. But when push comes to shove, you just figure it out. I’m here, quote-unquote, surviving, and figuring it out. And it’s been a fun challenge.”
The title How to Survive on Land and Sea reflects her pathway—one that is marked by resilience and adaptability. After stepping down from her reign as Miss Universe, R’Bonney found herself at a crossroads. “This year has been transitional for me,” she says. “I’m figuring out a lot of things, especially navigating new opportunities in the Philippines. This collection mirrors where I am in my career—it’s a reflection of my current phase.”
As she navigates these new territories, R’Bonney’s design philosophy has evolved. With limited resources and time—only a few months to pull everything together—she’s had to adapt quickly. “I was really unfamiliar with resources and production here,” she admits. “But it taught me how to outsource and build a team. This is the first collection I haven’t fully made with my own hands.” For R’Bonney, learning to delegate and collaborate has been a rewarding experience. “It’s been fun to manage a small team and clearly communicate my vision to others to bring it to life.”
This shift from solo designer to collaborative leader marks a significant change in her process. “When I did it all by myself, I was in my own world. But now, I have a team of people who specialize in different areas, whether that’s painting the shells, making the jewelry, or constructing corsets. I’ve enjoyed building these relationships and doing more collaborative work. I really thrive in those scenarios.”
R’Bonney’s commitment to sustainability remains strong, a core tenet of her brand. “A lot of these pieces are made from recycled materials,” she says proudly. “I actually used a lot of BENCH end-of-season clothing, ripped it up, and reconstructed it into the collection. It felt right since it’s BENCH Fashion Week. I also went to the ukay-ukay (thrift stores) and bought a lot of denim. You’ll see a lot of denim with raw edges in the collection—reflecting the reconstructed nature of the materials.”
Her signature deconstruction process is a unique aspect of her work, and in this collection, it manifests organically. “I could try to sketch it out, but it always ends up different in the final product. My best designs come out when I let the process be organic and spontaneous.”
Beyond her designs, R’Bonney is passionate about passing on her knowledge. She conducts sewing workshops, often with a focus on sustainability. “I’ve been sewing for 15 years, and I love sharing that knowledge with others,” she says. Her recent workshop in partnership with Smile Train, where she worked with children, is particularly close to her heart. “It’s important to inspire the youth and open their minds to creativity. That’s when inspiration really sets in. I hope to plant seeds for a creative future, especially for children interested in it.”
As R’Bonney continues to evolve her brand, she’s eager to explore new avenues. “I’m really interested in jewelry,” she reveals. “For this collection, I collaborated with Kataw on jewelry. I also have ideas for shoe designs, but I didn’t get to it this time. Accessories, shoes, bags, jewelry—those are areas I want to venture into next, especially here in the Philippines.”
With seashells incorporated into earpieces, necklaces, and rings, R’Bonney is tying her collection together with a theme that’s both personal and culturally resonant. “They’re the same seashells you’ll see in some of the clothes,” she says. “I wanted to create an interesting texture within the collection, something that ties everything together.”
From beauty queen to designer, R’Bonney Gabriel is charting a new course. As she sets permanent foot in the Philippines, she’s finding herself in the process—across 7,641 islands.
