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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Movies and TV devider R'Bonney Gabriel reflects on tough 'Project Runway' Season 22 debut after landing in bottom

R'Bonney Gabriel reflects on tough 'Project Runway' Season 22 debut after landing in bottom

Published Jul 16, 2026 04:54 pm

R'Bonney Gabriel admitted she questioned one of the biggest decisions she made before competing on "Project Runway" Season 22 after landing among the bottom designers in the competition's premiere episode.

The Miss Universe 2022 winner shared a candid Facebook video reflecting on her experience, revealing she had second thoughts about the design she chose to present during her introduction to the judges.

Gabriel showcased an upcycled denim ensemble featuring a hooded jacket and matching mini skirt. While she acknowledged it may not have been the most eye-catching piece she could have brought, she said it was one of her most meaningful creations.

The garment was originally made for a sewing workshop she conducted for young people in San Francisco and reflects her passion for teaching, community work, and sustainable fashion.

"The design means so much to me because it represents how much I love teaching sewing workshops and how much I love partnering with communities and just sharing my love for the arts," she said. "Teaching others to be creative is so important."

Still, Gabriel admitted she felt uneasy about making the outfit her first impression on the judges.

"It was a decision I made really quickly as I was preparing to go on to the season of 'Project Runway,'" she said.

By the end of the episode, Gabriel found herself among the week's lowest-ranked designers, confirming the doubts she had before stepping onto the runway.

"Not gonna lie, I was doubting the decision I made. Why didn't I bring something maybe a little bit more impressive?" she recalled.

Despite the setback, Gabriel said she reminded herself to remain confident while standing before the judges.

"I just told myself, 'When you stand in front of the judges, just hold yourself high, girl. Make eye contact with the judges, speak clearly,'" she said. "I was tearing up. I don't even cry that much."

Although she believes she might have selected a different design if given another chance, Gabriel said she does not regret the experience. Instead, she sees it as an opportunity to grow and learn from the judges' feedback.

Gabriel was announced as one of the contestants on "Project Runway" Season 22 in May.

Outside the competition, Gabriel has become known for championing sustainable fashion. She frequently creates garments using recycled materials and traditional Filipino textiles, including the inaul weave from Sultan Kudarat.

Gabriel made history in 2022 as the first Filipino-American to win the Miss Universe crown. She represented Texas at the Miss USA pageant and is the daughter of a Filipino father and an American mother.

Related Tags

R\'Bonney Gabriel Project Runway Project Runway Season 22 Miss Universe Miss Universe 2022 Sustainable Fashion Fashion Designer Reality TV
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