Introducing Miss Universe 2023, Miss USA R’Bonney Gabriel. She took the crown tonight in New Orleans, Louisiana, beating 83 delegates and her fellow beauty queens who made it to the final three rounds: Miss Dominican Republic Andreína Martínez and Miss Venezuela Amanda Dudamel.
She wore a shimmering blue and black ombre dress with cutouts around the bodice and sleeves. A fringed skirt and jeweled shoulders added an elegant textural finish. Platform heels completed the look.
(L-R): Miss Venezuela Amanda Dudamel, Miss USA R’bonney Gabriel and Miss Dominican Republic Andreína Martínez speak during the 71st Miss Universe Pageant at the New Orleans Morial Convention Center on January 14, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana. CREDIT: Getty Images
The high-pressure final three rounds include a question and answer, giving the judges their final impression of the next Miss Universe. They answered the same question: “If you win the Miss Universe pageant, how would you go about showing it as an empowering and progressive organization?”
Gabriel replied, “I would use it to be a transformational leader. As a very passionate designer, I have been sewing for 13 years, using fashion as a force for good. In my business, I reduce pollution by using recycled materials. When I cut my clothes. I teach sewing classes to women who have survived human trafficking and domestic violence.”
Continuing, “And I say that because it’s so important to invest in others, invest in our community, and use your unique talent to make a difference. We all have something special and when we plant that seed in other people in our lives, we transform them and use it as a vehicle for change.”
Miss Venezuela, declared the first runner-up, wore a strapless dress that was decorated with sequins in light blue, dark blue and gold. It was complete with a mesh cape and heels.
Miss Dominican Republic, who is the second runner-up, wore a blush gown with silver embellishments and a sweetheart neckline with a front slit. She coordinated with sandals that had embellished straps around the ankle and over the toes.
(L-R): Miss Venezuela Amanda Dudamel Miss USA R’bonney Gabriel and Miss Dominican Republic Andreína Martínez speak during the 71st Miss Universe Pageant at the New Orleans Morial Convention Center on January 14, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana. CREDIT: Getty Images
The Miss Universe 2023 pageant celebrates international beauty, as well as a number of humanitarian causes of its contestants. Held on January 14 in New Orleans at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. The event invites contestants from at least 80 countries to compete for this year’s crown: a diamond and blue sapphire creation by Mouawad Jewelry, titled “Force for Good”. The 2023 winner will be presented with the crown by Miss Universe 2022 winner Harnaaz Sandhu from India.
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The event is sponsored by fashion, beauty and hospitality brands including Carnival, Cream Silk, Hyatt Regency, J. by Jacqueline Aguilera, Jojo Bragais, Lazada, Liva, Muba, Portia and Scarlett and Olivia Quido. Miss Ukraine (Viktoria Apanasenko), Miss USA (R’Bonney Gabriel) and Miss Russia (Anna Linnikova) are considered to be the main contestants at this year’s event. The hosts of this event are actress Jeannie Mai Jenkins and former Miss Universe Olivia Culpo.
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Formally labeled as an old-fashioned organization, the Miss Universe pageant has since changed, ushering in a new era when it was purchased in 2022 by transgender businesswoman Anne Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip for $20,000,000. The entrepreneur also owns Miss USA and Miss Teen USA, as well as media outlets in Thailand.
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