The new Miss Universe 2022 has been crowned in New Orleans, Louisiana, with Miss USA R’Bonney Gabriel taking the crown.
In a historic moment, Ms Gabriel, who was the first Filipino-American to win Miss USA, also won the global competition after going up against Miss Venezuela, Amanda Dudamel.
The fashion designer, model and sewing instructor from Texas was incredibly shocked when the name of the winner was announced, and she was handed a bouquet of flowers, draped in the winner's sash and given a tiara.
Sixteen competitors where whittled down to just two – but it was Miss USA's final Q&A answer that finally sealed the deal.
The three last finalists, which also included Miss Dominican Republic, Andreina Martinez, were asked how they would work to demonstrate Miss Universe is "an empowering and progressive organisation" if they were to win.
Miss USA's answer resonated with many people, as she said: "I would use it to be a transformational leader". R’Bonney works using recycled materials in her fashion design, and also teaches survivors of human trafficking and domestic violence.
She also struck a chord when she said she would use "fashion as a force for good".
She explained: "As a very passionate designer, I've been sewing for 13 years, I used fashion as a force for good. In my industry, I'm cutting down on pollution through recycled materials when I make my clothing, I teach sewing classes to women to help them survive human trafficking and domestic violence.
"And I say that because it's important to invest in others, invest in our community, and use our unique talent to make a difference.
"We have something special and we can plant those seeds to other people in our life. We transform them and we use that as a vehicle for change."
People on social media said her answer was "on point" and "amazing".
She was also credited for saying that as "women, age doesn't define us", and in her official bio, she said it is her "mission for women and young girls to see themselves in her, and feel inspired to conquer their goals by owning who they are".
Ms Gabriel is a former high school volleyball player who "pivoted to fashion" and "quickly fell in love with constructing designs with fabrics and textiles at the young age of 15".
She earned a Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design from the University of North Texas, and is currently CEO of her own sustainable clothing line R'Bonney Nola.
What did you think of her winning answer? Let us know in the comments below.
