Photo from rbonneynola/Instagram
After conquering the pageant world, Miss Universe 2022 R’Bonney Gabriel is stepping into a different kind of competition and she’s representing herself in her first love: fashion design.
The Filipino American titleholder recently made her debut on Project Runway Season 22, taking on the show’s first design challenge and giving fans a closer look at the passion that existed long before she wore the Miss Universe crown.
Sharing a clip from the episode on Facebook, she celebrated the milestone by writing, “Straight to the first challenge! My favorite recycled denim outfit made it to Project Runway Season 22.”
The competition marks a return to Gabriel’s original dream of becoming a fashion designer. In the episode, Gabriel reflected on how her multicultural upbringing continues to influence her creative vision.
She shared that her mother is from a small town in Texas, while her father is Filipino, adding that she had spent the past year living in the Philippines.
According to Gabriel, that experience has shaped much of her recent work through the use of silky fabrics and fluid silhouettes. Growing up in Houston inspired the streetwear aesthetic that remains evident in many of her designs.
Good is ‘not good enough’
For the premiere challenge, Gabriel created a recycled denim ensemble featuring a statement hood. Watching her model walk down the runway, she couldn’t hide her excitement, saying, “Yay! Oh my god, it’s so pretty. That hood is hooding.”
Still, she acknowledged the uncertainty of the competition, noting, “This garment wholeheartedly represents me, what I stand for, what I do, but the judges don’t know who made it. And you just never know what they’re looking for.”
When it came time for the judges’ critiques, Tyra Banks recognized the craftsmanship behind Gabriel’s design but challenged her to be more daring.
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“I think so many people would look at that and say, that’s good. But what we’re looking for is great,” Banks said. She added that while the garment was wearable, it lacked the bold creativity expected in the competition.
“What we’re looking for is breaking out of something that is safe. Is it wearable? Yes, but I don’t think it’s inspiring.” Banks also reminded Gabriel that the competition would only get tougher, saying, “There are 21 designers that are coming and they’re coming hard. And we felt you came good, which is not good enough.”
Fellow judge Heidi Klum shared a similar view, delivering a blunt assessment of the look. “For me, it’s too boring too. This is a design competition show. It’s not enough,” she said.
The feedback left Gabriel visibly emotional as she reflected on the outcome. “I’m just so mad at myself,” she admitted. Reaffirming where her true passion lies, she added, “My number one true calling is being a fashion designer. And that’s all I’ve ever worked hard for.”
Despite the setback, Gabriel remained optimistic about what lies ahead. Acknowledging that she stood by her decision to present the recycled denim look, she said, “It’s a decision that I made to bring this garment. And I just feel like I need a second chance.”
The post R’Bonney Gabriel begins new journey on ‘Project Runway’ Season 22 appeared first on USNewsRank.
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