R’Bonney Gabriel, a fashion designer, model and sewing teacher from Texas, was crowned Miss Universe last night.
Nearly 90 women competed in the competition at the New Orleans Morial Convention Center in Louisiana this week, competing in rounds wearing swimwear and national dress.
Ms. Gabriel, who officials said is the first Filipino-American to win Miss USA, closed her eyes and clasped the hands of runner-up Miss Venezuela, Amanda Dudamel, at the moment of the winner’s dramatic unveiling and then beamed after her name had been announced.
Booming music played and she was presented with a bouquet, draped in the winner’s sash and crowned with a tiara on stage at the 71st Miss Universe pageant.
Miss USA R’Bonney Gabriel (pictured) was crowned Miss Universe last night in New Orleans during the final round of the 71st Miss Universe pageant
The second runner-up was Miss Dominican Republic, Andreina Martinez.
In the final phase of the competition, Q&A for the three finalists, Ms. Gabriel was asked how she would work to demonstrate that Miss Universe is “an empowering and progressive organization” if she were to win.
“I would use it to be a transformational leader,” she replied, citing her work using recycled materials in her fashion design and teaching survivors of human trafficking and domestic violence to sew.
“It’s so important to invest in others, invest in our community, and use your unique talent to make a difference.
R’Bonney Gabriel (pictured last night at the New Orleans Morial Convention Center competition) was crowned Miss Universe
Miss USA R’ Bonney Gabriel (left) and Miss Venezuela Amanda Dudamel (right) await who will be crowned Miss Universe
Contestants applaud R’bonney Gabriel (center) as she was crowned Miss Universe at the 71st annual pageant in Louisiana last night
About 90 women competed for the title of Miss Universe last night at the pageant’s 71st performance (pictured LR: Miss Puerto Rico Ashley Carino, Miss Haiti Mideline Phelizor, Miss Australia Monique Rile, Miss Dominican Republic Andreana Martanez and Miss Lasos Payengxa Lor)
Contestants take the stage in glittering gowns as they compete in the 71st Miss Universe Pageant at the New Orleans Morial Convention Center (Pictured from LR: Miss Puerto Rico Ashley Carino, Miss Croatia Arijana Podgajski).
Miss South Africa Ndavi Nokeri dons a sparkling purple dress as she waves to the crowd during the Miss Universe pageant
“We all have something special, and when we plant those seeds on other people in our lives, we transform them and use that as a vehicle for change.”
According to Miss Universe, Ms. Gabriel is a former high school volleyball player and a graduate of the University of North Texas.
A short bio posted on the organization’s website states that she is also the executive director of her own sustainable clothing line.
Miss Curacao Gabriela Dos Santos and Miss Puerto Rico Ashley Carino rounded out the top five finalists.
Miss Portugal Telma Madeira (pictured) takes part in the swimwear round of the 71st Miss Universe pageant this week
During the competition, held this week at the New Orleans Morial Convention Center in Louisiana, contestants competed in various rounds, including the swimwear segment
Miss Venezuela Amanda Dudamel (pictured) attends the 71st Miss Universe pageant in Louisiana
Nearly 90 participants from around the world took part in the competition, organizers said, with participants taking part in swimwear and evening dresses, among others
Miss Puerto Rico Ashley Carino beams as she walks the runway during the swimwear round, donning a fuchsia one-piece suit and purple gown
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell said of the event, “The City of New Orleans and the Miss Universe Organization share common values of celebrating inclusion, culture and the empowerment of women.
“Former Miss Universe delegates and winners have become surgeons, diplomats, politicians and business leaders, all dedicated to the social causes that matter to them.
“Hosting this event demonstrates the significant global impact that an international city like New Orleans has on the world’s tourism and cultural stages.
“We are honored to host the 71st Annual Miss Universe Pageant and show people around the world why New Orleans is the best in the world when it comes to hosting major events, festivals, conferences and conventions with a to perform culture that is absolutely second to none.”
Miss Curacao Gabriela Dos Santos (pictured) participates in the evening dress competition during the finals of the 71st Miss Universe Beauty Pageant
In the Evening Gowns round, contestants flaunted glittering gowns as they took the stage at the event (Pictured LR: Miss Spain Alicia Faubel, Miss Canada Amelia Tu)
Miss South Africa Ndavi Nokeri (pictured) dazzles in a sparkling dress with a deep V-neckline and cape-style sleeves
The evening dresses category of the competition gave the almost 90 participants the opportunity to show off sumptuous dresses (pictured by LR: Miss Peru Alessia Rovegno, Miss Trinidad and Tobago Tya Jane Ramey).
Miss USA R’Bonney Gabriel (who was crowned Miss Universe) presents a glittery black and transparent dress at the competition in Louisiana
Nearly 90 participants from around the world took part in the competition, according to the organizers, which included “personal explanations, in-depth interviews and various categories including evening dresses and swimwear”.
As always, one of the most popular categories was the national costume round, in which the participants appeared on the stage in outfits from their home countries.
Noky Simbani, Miss Great Britain, wore an elegant white dress with silver and sapphire rhinestone detailing and a lush emerald green velvet cape trimmed with fur.
The 26-year-old from Derbyshire also wore a small silver crown which looked like it could have referenced the late Queen Elizabeth II as she represented Britain to the world.
Last year’s winner was Harnaaz Sandhu from India.