September 26, 2025 | 3:02pm
MANILA, Philippines — Filipina designer Veejay Floresca has been named winner of “Project Runway” Season 21, becoming the first openly trans person and the first of Filipino descent to come out on top of the fashion reality competition.
Veejay bested 11 other designers on “Project Runway” Season 21, 17 years after competing in the inaugural Philippine edition of the show.
As champion, Veejay takes home a $200,000 (P11.6 million) cash prize, six months of representation by Agentry PR, a mentorship with the Council of Fashion Designers of America, and a spread in “Elle” magazine.
Her winning collection featured metallic looks, capped by a draped chainmail gown.
Joining her in the Top 3 were fellow designers and returning contestants Jesus Estrada (a contestant from the show’s seventh season) and Ethan Mundt, more popularly known as “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 13 contestant Utica Queen.
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“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,” said Veejay.
Her win capped a banner day for Filipinos, coming after Filipino-American singer Jessica Sanchez’s victory on “America’s Got Talent” Season 20 and Kirk Bondad’s Mister International title, the country’s second.
The De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde graduate in fashion design and merchandising previously competed on “Project Runway Philippines” Season 1 in 2008. She reached the finale and finished third behind Philipp Tampus and winner Aries Lagat.
She is also known for appearing in a viral video with four of her friends reacting to Venus Raj’s 4th runner-up finish in Miss Universe 2010.
The trans designer moved to Los Angeles and centered her craft on sustainable materials, establishing her own bridal wear brand. She also competed in Miss Trans Star International 2022 and another fashion competition series, “Dress My Tour.”
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