Veejay Floresca Makes ‘Project Runway’ History As First Trans Winner
Filipino designer Veejay Floresca claimed the Season 21 title, marking a milestone for the long-running fashion series.
Photo by Kristina Bumphrey/Variety via Getty Images
Project Runway crowned Veejay Floresca its Season 21 champion, making her the first trans woman to win in the show’s history. The Filipino designer’s victory marked the culmination of more than two decades of persistence, preparation, and belief in her craft.
“I wanted to be the first trans woman to win Project Runway,” Floresca said after her victory. “I think that will really inspire my community that you can actually reach your dreams by being who you are.”
Related: Inside DapperQ Ten: NYFW’s Largest Display Of Queer Fashion
Floresca’s path to this moment began in Manila, where she studied Fashion Design and Merchandising at De La Salle-College of St. Benilde, graduating cum laude. She launched her first studio in a small apartment, using her earnings to help support her family, including sending her sister to school. Later, she pursued advanced training abroad, earning a master’s degree at the Academy of Art in San Francisco and studying couture at Central Saint Martins in London.
She first gained recognition in 2008 as a finalist on the debut season of Project Runway Philippines. Although she placed third, the experience fueled her determination to compete on the U.S. edition. Starting in 2012, she auditioned for every season, often receiving the same rejection email. “Every time I would see the word ‘unfortunately’ at the top of the email,” she recalled to Elle, “I would tell myself, ‘It’s not your time yet, but hold on because your time will come.’ Now is that time.”
Related: Finding Fashion And Community In The Stands Of New York Liberty Games
On Season 21, Floresca’s work reflected both technical skill and personal storytelling. She often incorporated the color red as a tribute to her late father and her mother, whose favorite color became a symbol of strength throughout her designs. Even when her risks put her at odds with the judges, she held onto her instincts and carried those lessons into the finale. Her metallic collection, anchored by a striking chainmail gown, won over judges Heidi Klum, Nina García, and Law Roach.
The win came with a $200,000 prize, a spread in Elle magazine, representation with Agentry PR, and mentorship from the Council of Fashion Designers of America. Floresca now has the platform to expand her career on a larger scale, and we can’t wait to see what she does next.
