Miss Venezuela Gabriela Isler won the crown of Miss Universe in 2013, and since then, she’s been a force. While taking over the universe, Isler has continued to use her reign traveling the world and advocating for causes, while encouraging others to use the power of their voices.

Mesmerizing, powerful, and glamorous. Three words ringing in the minds of editors when beholding the beauty of former Miss Universe, Gabriela Isler. After the coveted title announcement back in 2013, Isler traded in her title of Miss Venezuela to literally reign over the universe as we know it. This ambitious, talented, and humble pageant queen disrupts the stereotype of what the industry would perceive its crowned queens to be. Though winning the crown more than six years ago, Isler continues to voice and advocate change within her community and while traveling the world. Before the next queen is crowned on 2019’s Miss Universe broadcast this Sunday, December 8th, BODE Magazine got close with Isler, on the pageant world then and now, her hopes for the future, the art of travel and of course her take on fashion.

Please tell Bode Magazine readers, who you are, what you do. For those new and current, in three words, who is Gabriela Isler?

If I have to define myself in three words, it will be focused, passionate, and kind.

Day-to-day life as Miss Universe is never the same. Can you take us through what those days look like for you?

Back in the days as Miss Universe, I remember that every day was different from the other, I could be traveling back from Indonesia one day and the next volunteering at a hospital in NYC. During my reign, I visited around 18 countries, and my work was different in each one. One day, you are a national pageant judge or a host, next day you can be traveling to Rome to meet the Pope, next day you could be going to Vegas to present a music award. My days were never quiet. I was always busy between my travels, photoshoots, fittings, gym, replying to fan letters, and attending many events and charity galas.

With the new generation of young women entering the pageant scene, what is one of the top things you have noticed they do differently than women before you?

From my own experience, I realized that now they are more conscious about the power of their voices. I believe they are more active in the image and message they want to show to the world and the impact they can create in others. And, I also realized how now living in this social media era, they have even more pressure on others that they need to be very smart to handle it.

While taking a peek at your Instagram, you center wellness, health, and fitness. Please take us through the importance of incorporating a healthy lifestyle, promoting it in the pageant world, and your favorite brands that match your same methods and message in living.

Yes, for me, it is a priority to take care of my health, my mind, and my soul.  This industry can be very stressful as it is continuously pushing yourself to be in shape. For a while, I decided to eat a balanced diet that includes carbs and those things that make me happy and refill my spirit like desserts, and I also decided to practice Yoga as part of my routine. Being a former Miss Universe, I want to promote a real-life, where an inner balance it’s paramount to look beautiful on the outside. One of the brands I love is the one mother nature gives us! More natural, the better; I am an organic shopper. To complement my looks, I love the Alo Yoga brand, they are comfortable and very chic as well.

Now, onto the fashion! What brands are you currently in love with for your everyday looks, seasonal looks, and also during pageant events?

I always try to promote Venezuelan designers, for this Miss Universe I will be wearing Angel Sanchez, Carolina Herrera, and other looks from new Venezuelan designers. One of my favorite Venezuelan designers is Efrain Mogollon with Moda Operandi. I love every collection by him. 

As Miss Universe, I am sure brands fight to work with you. With so many people to choose from, who was the most fun or memorable to meet and/or work with?

I would say that more than a brand, the most memorable experience I had was in Indonesia, where I was doing a commercial. They dressed me up with their costumes and jewelry, and they also taught me how to dance to their traditional music. 

What is your favorite, timeless piece currently in your closet, that you wear more than any other piece you own? 

I am a very simple and classy woman. I would say a Carolina Herrera classic black bag.

Favorite item you splurged on?

My travels to Asia.

What is the one pageant trick you pass on to women that want to look and feel their best every day? Is there a piece that makes you feel your most beautiful and most confident self? 

For me, the most confident trick was always being happy and smile. As you may see, I am not a fashion lover. I enjoy to work with designers and having statement pieces, but there is no better way to feel confident than believing in yourself, your beauty and showing that optimism to the world with a lovely smile.

In the spotlight, makeup is likely at the forefront. What is the one beauty item you can’t live without? And which brands are you most loyal to get any look and job done?

I can’t live without concealer! I have dark circles, and I use it every day. The brands I like the most are Chanel, Dior, and Laura Mercier.

Do you opt for the bold lip or bold eye?

Bold lip! 

Being from Venezuela, what can women in the states learn in terms of beauty and fashion?

I would say makeup tricks. I remember many people ask me during my reign how many surgeries I had done in my face, and to be honest; I don’t have any. I learned how to study my face and using makeup, I learned how to correct and balance proportions and colors to look more pretty.