On Friday, September 26, 2025, Veejay Floresca emerged victorious on Project Runway Season 21, becoming the first transgender woman to claim the title.
The 40-year-old Filipina designer's triumph was revealed on the finale episode, "See You on the Runway."
@iambabyian04 Project Runway Season 21 Winner. Congratulation Dark Horse Veejay ???? #projectrunway #pinoy #runway ? original sound - Ian
Her closing collection bested those of finalists Jesús Estrada and Ethan Mundt and earned praise from the season’s judges: supermodel-host Heidi Klum, stylist Law Roach, Elle editor-in-chief Nina García, and guest judge Michael Kors.
Heidi, before revealing the winner, praised the champion’s growth and collection: "The winner not only grew over the competition, they gave a finale collection that was inspiring, cohesive, and one we won't soon forget.
"And we can't wait to see what the winner does next."
VEEJAY FLORESCA'S A BEAUTiFUL MOMENT
In the finale episode, Veejay expressed that reaching the Project Runway's finale runway was a long-awaited milestone and truly a dream fulfilled.
She said, "I told my mom, one day he'll see me there. One day I will be part of that show. And this is my time. This is the moment that I've been waiting for."
@jongsaaa Project Runway Season 21 FINALE (Veejay Floresca Collection) #fyp #foryoupage #projectrunway #projectrunwayseason21 #projectrunwayseason21finale ? original sound - Erich P. Monroe
Her collection, titled “A Beautiful Moment,” featured metallic pieces inspired by a movie she and her late father loved when she was a child.
She said: "My collection represents me as a designer because it is very innovative.
"It's modern. I think it's the right balance of concept and wearability. And I hope that the judges agree."
Following her father’s passing, Veejay said she promised to take on his role as the family’s breadwinner, and this win was her way of honoring him.
"After my dad's passing, I made a promise to take his role and become the breadwinner of the family. This moment is just the perfect moment to honor him."
Veejay added: "This collection is everything that I have envisioned. I did my best to show them that I am the designer who doesn't play it safe.
"I'm really proud of myself. As a trans woman, I want to inspire my community that they can accomplish anything that they want."
This wasn’t Veejay’s first time on the Project Runway stage.
She finished second on the inaugural Project Runway Philippines in 2008 and returned to the U.S. edition as a more seasoned designer, holding a master’s degree in fashion from San Francisco’s Academy of Art University and bridal training from London’s Central Saint Martins.
She also placed first runner-up on the Hulu fashion competition Dress My Tour.
Veejay’s prize package includes USD200,000, a mentorship with the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), and a feature spread in the American edition of Elle.
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