By RUEL J. MENDOZA
Hindi inaasahan ni Miss Universe 2022 R’Bonney Gabriel na siya ang unang mapauwi sa first episode ng fashion design competition na “Project Runway” Season 22.
Kabilang ang Filipino-American designer at beauty queen sa 22 contestants sa opening challenge, kung saan kailangan nilang ipakita ang isang “signature look” na inihanda nila sa kanilang bahay.
Para sa kanyang unang design, gumawa si R’Bonney ng recycled denim ensemble. Pero nakulangan ang judges sa kanyang gawa para sa challenge, kaya siya ang unang natanggal sa competition.
Matapos ma-eliminate, hindi napigilang maging emosyonal ni R’Bonney habang binabalikan ang naging short experience niya sa show.
“I feel so disappointed in myself. I’m extremely embarrassed. I wish the outcome was different. I feel wholeheartedly that I didn’t bring the right garment. This cannot define me as a designer. That doesn’t mean I’m not talented. I just want my design work to be my ultimate shining star,” sey ng Fil-Am beauty queen.
Sa kabila ng pagkatalo, determinado pa rin si R’Bonney na mag-grow bilang isang designer. Isang humbling experience nga raw ang mapabilang sa Project Runway.
“I’d be lying if I were to say I don’t feel insecure after this experience. It definitely makes me question myself as a designer but I’m gonna take this as a learning lesson. I just want to dedicate more time to my craft and my fashion business, and I want to continue to improve on that.”
Matagal nang sinusuportahan ni R’Bonney ang sustainable fashion at ipagpapatuloy pa rin niya ang pagpapalawak ng fashion label niya na R’Bonney Nola.
