Filipino fashion designer Veejay Floresca has clinched the title of Project Runway Season 21, making history as the first transgender woman to win the internationally acclaimed design competition.
Floresca’s victory was announced in the season finale on September 25, 2025, after a fierce face-off with finalists Jesus Estrada and Ethan Mundt. Overcome with emotion, Floresca expressed gratitude and reflected on a long journey that spanned continents and setbacks.
Originally from the Philippines, Floresca first appeared in the spotlight as a finalist in Project Runway Philippines in 2008, where he placed as second runner-up. Since then, she has persistently pursued her dream of joining the U.S. edition of Project Runway, applying season after season until finally earning a spot.
Her designs on this season stood out for their bold use of color, architectural lines, and deeply personal storytelling. A recurring motif in her collections is the color red, which she uses to honor her mother and remember her father. Floresca’s risk-taking approach paid off — one notable moment came during the “Rodeo Runway” challenge, where she nearly faced elimination for a fringed vinyl look, but pushed forward despite criticism.
Her win also brings a prize package designed to catapult her career: US$200,000 in cash, a mentorship with the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), and a feature spread in Elle magazine.
Floresca’s triumph is more than a personal milestone — it resonates across fashion, identity, and representation. She spoke of her win as validation not only for herself but for communities often left in the margins. “I wanted to be the first trans woman to win Project Runway. I think that will really inspire my community that you can actually reach your dreams by being who you are,” she said.
Industry watchers and fellow designers have celebrated the success, saying her win signals shifting tides in fashion’s inclusivity and the ever-growing acceptance of diverse voices. As Floresca steps into her new role, many will be watching how she leverages this platform to build her brand and inspire others.
