Textiles are one of the biggest polluters in the world. Recycling provides a sustainable solution by extending the life of clothing. While vintage and thrift-store advocates have long promoted this, high street, sportswear, and luxury brands are now also adopting the practice.

From New York City to Manila, 30-year-old fashion designer and former Miss Universe R’Bonney Gabriel is making waves in the textile industry and redefining eco-conscious fashion through culturally inspired designs.

On Friday, August 29, at the Bench Tower in Bonifacio Global City, her debut collection in the Philippines, “How to Survive on Land and Sea,” launched at Bench Fashion Week Holiday 2024.

Denim Reimagined

An ode to her Filipino-American roots, the collection blends streetwear influenced by Houston and beachwear inspired by the Philippines, using recycled materials from Divisoria and ukay-ukay finds, along with her signature deconstructing technique.

The eco-conscious designer showcased the versatility of denim in her collection by textile manipulation and upcycling.

The collection prominently features seashell embroidery, with shells collected from a trip to Siargao. Coated with three or four layers of paint, they create an iridescent effect that makes them shine on the runway.

Left photo is of deconstructed denim jeans, along with a corseted top, while the right photo is one of Gabriel’s trademarks, a deconstructed cropped blazer.

R’Bonney Gabriel’s latest collection also emphasizes inclusivity by including designs specifically for plus-size women.

Models walking for R’Bonney included Miss Universe Philippines 2024 Chelsea Manalo, Gazini Ganados, and Lou Yanong. R’Bonney’s parents, Dana Walker and Remigio Gabriel, also attended the fashion show.

The Filipino-American beauty queen expressed her gratitude to the Filipino community for supporting her milestone.

From humble beginnings

The Fil-Am designer holds a Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design from the University of North Texas. She is dedicated to fighting textile pollution by upcycling fabrics and repurposing existing clothing.

She started shaping her career aspirations in fashion fifteen years ago when she sewed her first dress. “I thought it was the coolest thing ever,” she enthuses.

Her passion for designing has long been a childhood aspiration. Watching her mother use a sewing machine at home informed her first experiences with garments.

In addition to leading her brand, “R’Bonney Nola,” she runs sewing workshops to inspire and educate others.

Despite her success, she keeps her label small and independent, releasing up to two limited edition collections per year. This approach reflects her commitment to upcycled fashion and fits with her busy career as a host and model.

While everyone is busy chasing trends, hopping on the latest ‘core’ aesthetics, and experimenting with Hollywood’s method dressing, the designers at Bench Fashion Week (BFW) Holiday 2024 reminded us that the most memorable style moments are always the ones with a personal story behind them.