Miss Universe 2022 R’Bonney Gabriel proudly showed off the leather jackets she scored from an ukay-ukay or thrift store during her visit to the Philippines.
The Filipino-American beauty queen shared that she bought 15 leather jackets, explaining that she is currently working on a new fashion collection and plans to “upcycle” the pieces.
“The longer the jacket, the more material I have,” she said, while trying on one of the jackets she bought.
R’Bonney also shared plant to transform a “beautiful” brown leather jacket she found into a clutch bag.
The half-Pinay likewise had her mom, Dana Walker, try on one of the jackets she picked up from the thrift store.
“I’m gonna have to give that one away,” R’Bonney said after a white leather jacket looked “really good” on her mother.
“I’m so excited because I’m gonna incorporate these into my new collection. Corsets, miniskirts, long skirts, you name it,” the beauty queen said.
“Let me know what else y’all think I should make with these or if there’s any that I absolutely just have to save and can’t cut up,” R’Bonney added.
When asked about the cost, the former Miss Universe titleholder said that each leather jacket was priced at “around P1,600 per piece,” adding that buyers could “probably make a deal” if they purchase multiple items.
@rbonneynolaWhat should I make with these jackets?♬ original sound – rbonneynola
R’Bonney is a sustainable fashion designer who is currently working on a new collection.
In 2024, she designed a line for the homegrown clothing brand Bench, featured during Bench Fashion Week Holiday 2024 event.
Titled “How to Survive on Land and Sea,” the pieces drew inspiration from the streetwear of Houston, her hometown in the United States, and Philippine beachwear.
Each piece was crafted using seashells and recyclable materials.
