R’Bonney Gabriel of the United States was crowned Miss Universe 2022 on Sunday. India’s Harnaaz Sandhu, who won the Miss Universe 2021 title, crowned Gabriel in a lavish ceremony held at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Gabriel, who is a fashion designer and model, also made history last year when she became the first Filipina-American to win Miss USA.
Amanda Dudamel of Venezuela finished second and Andréna Martnez of the Dominican Republic finished second.
R’Bonney Gabriel walked the final lap in a sparkly cut-out navy blue dress. She is the ninth American woman to win the competition. Olivia Culpo was the last from the United States to win Miss Universe in 2012.
After Gabriel made it to the top 5, she was asked, “Miss Universe recently made an inclusive change to allow mothers and married women to compete this year. What other change would you like to see and why?” reports CNN.
In response, Gabriela said that she would like the organization to increase the age limit for candidates.
“For me, I would like to see the age increase because I’m 28. And that’s the oldest age I can compete. And I think that’s a beautiful thing. My favorite quote is ‘if not now, when?’ Because as a woman, I believe that age does not define us. It is not tomorrow, it is not yesterday – but it is now. The time is now,” she said.
Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Gabriel’s father Remigio Bonzon “R. Bon” Gabriel is Filipino and her mother Dana Walker is American.
Gabriel graduated from the University of North Texas with a degree in fashion design. It is known for producing environmentally friendly clothes.
Over 86 women from all over the world competed for the title of Miss Universe, including India’s Divita Rai.
(This is a developing story, pending further details)
