By Dara Clariza Evangelista
Filipino designer Veejay Floresca has officially claimed the crown on the American Project Runway Season 21, taking home the grand prize and making history as the show’s first trans woman winner.
The finale saw Floresca competing against Jesus Estrada and Ethan Mundt in a high-pressure five-day challenge, where each finalist was tasked to create a five-look collection. Floresca delivered a polished lineup of metallic pieces, culminating in a chainmail gown that left the judges stunned. Michael Kors praised her wool dress with a perfectly draped shoulder detail, while Nina Garcia called her slit-trouser design one of the evening’s standouts.
Her win secured not only the $200,000 cash prize, CFDA mentorship, and a feature in Elle, but also a milestone moment for Filipino representation and trans visibility in global fashion. Floresca, who began her journey as a contestant on the inaugural Project Runway Philippines, dedicated her victory to her community.
“I’ve seen you, Heidi, since Season 1, just a little gay boy in the Philippines watching the show, and I’ve always been wanting to do this,” she shared emotionally on the finale runway. “Now this is my time. Thank you for being part of my dream.”
She added: “I came here with the goal to be the first trans woman to win this competition, and I think that will really inspire my community, that you can actually reach your dreams by being who you are.”
Floresca’s journey from Manila to New York, and now to the Project Runway hall of champions, is a testament to both her artistry and her resilience. With this win, she has carved a space for herself on the international stage while inspiring countless others to embrace their own dreams unapologetically.
Project Runway was first aired in the USA in 2004, and has since been franchised in 125 countries. Floresca actually joined her hometown’s first-ever season of Project Runway Philippines, wherein she won as the show’s third placer. This leap as the winner into the show’s original franchise in the USA is definitely a huge milestone!
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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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