R’Bonney Gabriel, the former Miss Universe, will take part in a fashion event hosted by the local company Bench. R’bonney will produce a collection influenced by her Filipino and American background.
The Bench Fashion Week Holiday 2024 collection, entitled “How to Survive on Land and Sea”, combines Houston streetwear along with Philippine swimwear.
The collection is made from recycled materials as well as other materials such as seashells, and incorporates skills of Gabriel that she has learned over the course of her 15-year career as a designer.
“I love to focus on sustainability and mixing a polished look with a deconstructed style,” she shared in a video posted by Bench on their social media page.
“I’m basically celebrating my Filipino side and my American side,” Gabriel added. “I grew up in Houston, Texas which is a big city so I’m incorporating a lot of streetwear elements. And when I think of the Philippines, I think of the beautiful landscapes and beaches, resort wear and beachwear.”
Gabriel will launch her new collection during the opening of Bench Fashion Week Holiday 2024, which takes place this Friday, August 30.