When most people picture Miss Universe, images of dazzling gowns, glittering crowns, and glamorous stage lights come to mind. But R’Bonney Gabriel, the 2023 Miss Universe from Houston, Texas, is flipping the script by turning the spotlight toward sustainable fashion and environmental responsibility.
Gabriel made history as the first American in a decade to win the Miss Universe title, the first Filipino-American to take the crown, and the first contestant ever to craft an upcycled swimsuit cape by hand. Her one-of-a-kind “Phoenix Rising” cape, which she designed and built herself, featured repurposed fabrics dyed with eco-friendly dyes and adorned with plastic bottles sculpted with nothing but the heat of a candle. Across the back, her mantra was emblazoned: “If Not Now, Then When?”
“I wanted to prove that fashion and art can emerge from what most people would call trash. Bringing plastic bottles into my work was intentional — fashion can be sustainable if you use your creativity,” Gabriel explained in a video chat with Treehugger. She documented her process on Instagram, inspiring thousands to rethink their own approach to fashion and waste.
Gabriel’s dedication to sustainability goes far beyond a single pageant. She has been designing and sewing for more than a decade, initially falling in love with the craft as a teenager. Her passion for second-hand shopping began with her mother’s influence, and her interest in upcycling took off after watching a documentary about the environmental toll of the textile industry. That experience convinced her that fashion could, and should, be a force for good.
Throughout her journey, Gabriel has served as a sewing instructor at a Houston nonprofit, empowering others to make their own clothes and reduce waste. She has also bonded with other contestants over a shared commitment to sustainability including Miss Canada, who shares her passion for eco-friendly fashion, and Miss Venezuela, with whom she’s even discussed collaborating on a future collection.
Her approach is also shaped by her Filipino heritage. Seeing the street where her father grew up made her realize the privilege and abundance she had in America, motivating her to avoid overconsumption and cherish what she has. “In the U.S., we have so many single-use products. I want to be mindful of every purchase and inspire others to do the same,” she said.
Gabriel encourages those interested in sustainability to start small and stay curious. “Get on YouTube! Watch bloggers and documentaries, and keep trying to reduce your use of single-use plastic. There’s so much knowledge available if you seek it out.”
With her creativity, platform, and determination, R’Bonney Gabriel is redefining what it means to be a beauty queen — showing that glamour and responsibility can go hand in hand, and that everyone has the power to make a difference, one upcycled creation at a time.
