By Dara Clariza Evangelista
Filipino designer Veejay Floresca has turned patience into triumph, securing a major challenge win on Project Runway Season 21 after more than two decades of perseverance.
Floresca, now based in New York, first revealed that it took 21 years of auditioning and rejections before finally earning a spot on the iconic American fashion reality series.
“I patiently waited for 21 years to finally be part of this iconic show. I auditioned every season and was rejected many times, but I told myself to never give up,” she shared in a post ahead of the premiere.
Her persistence paid off. In Episode 5, Floresca impressed the judges with a striking look under the theme “Runway Look Inspired by an Unconventional Fabric Creation.” The standout detail, a tote bag described as “so beautiful and chic”, earned her the top spot for the week and cemented her status as a serious contender this season.
Floresca is no stranger to fashion competitions. She first appeared on Project Runway Philippines in 2008 and has since built a successful career, dressing Miss Universe queens Pia Wurtzbach and Rabiya Mateo, as well as beauty icons Gazini Ganados, Venus Raj, and Katrina Dimaranan. Beyond her design work, she also made headlines in 2022 when she represented the Philippines at the Miss Trans Star International pageant, finishing in the Top 16.
Now, with Heidi Klum, Nina Garcia, Law Roach, and Christian Siriano looking on, Floresca’s latest achievement highlights not only her creative skill but also her resilience. Fans across the Philippines and the LGBTQ+ community have celebrated the win as a moment of collective pride.
Though Project Runway Season 21 is still underway, Floresca’s Episode 5 triumph already stands as a milestone, proof that perseverance, artistry, and authenticity can shine on one of fashion’s biggest stage.
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Miss Jay-Ann is on the cover of STYLISH Magazine’s special Women In Style cover edition as she talks about her business, vlogging, and her luxury bag collection — from Chanel to Hermès.
Read our cover story here.
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