MANILA, Philippines — R’Bonney Gabriel, the winner of the Miss Universe 2022 title, announced that she will compete in the 22nd season of the reality design competition Project Runway.
Gabriel, a Filipino-American fashion designer and beauty queen, made the announcement on her Instagram account on May 28. She said joining the competition fulfills a long-held goal tied to her interest in fashion design.
“From 16 years of sewing, and so many hours of watching ‘Project Runway,’ I thought it was time to enter the workroom,” Gabriel wrote. “Design has been my passion since I was young, and it’s a dream come true to join this season.”
“Project Runway” features fashion designers competing in a series of design challenges based on specific themes. The winner receives an opportunity to develop a fashion collection and gain industry exposure.
Gabriel is one of 22 contestants selected for Season 22. The cast also includes Aaron Potts, Andrea Moore, Andriy Volkov, Anna Molinari, Bao Tranchi, Bi Pham, Bryan Barrientos, Chloe Magleby, Dani Bennett, Elizabeth Shevelev, Jeffrey Kelly Abess, Jennifer Daniels, Jude Mikulencak, Omolara Odupita, Naheim Muhammad, Octavius Terry, Plane Jane, Robert Crone, Varvara Diakonenkova, Yang Yang Xu and Joseph McRae.
The judging panel will feature returning judges Heidi Klum, Law Roach and Nina Garcia. Christian Siriano will return as mentor.
Season 22 of “Project Runway” is scheduled to premiere on July 9.
