Filipino designer Veejay Floresca is the winner of “Project Runway” Season 21!
According to reports from various media outlets including TVLine, Veejay secured the victory after a tense final fashion face-off, ultimately prevailing over the other designers in the Top 3, Jesus Estrada and Ethan Mundt.
For the final challenge, each designer was tasked with creating a five-look collection in five days.
The collections were judged by Law Roach, Heidi Klum, Nina Garcia, and Michael Kors.
For her winning set, Veejay produced a collection of metallic looks, receiving help from previously eliminated contestant Joan Madison, and was tasked with using a metallic leather fabric in her designs. Her collection was finished off with an effortlessly draped chainmail gown.
Veejay’s mom, Madore, got to witness her emotional victory.
“Oh my God. I don’t want to be dramatic. This is again, this is tears of joy. I’ve seen you, Heidi, since Season 1. I’m just a little gay boy in the Philippines watching the show, and I’ve always been wanting to do this. Now, this is my time. So thank you so much. Thank you for being part of my dream,” Veejay said.
She also emphasized the personal significance of her win.
“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,” Veejay said.
Veejay bagged the grand prize, which includes the $200,000 cash prize, six months of representation by Agentry PR, the mentorship with the CFDA, and a spread in Elle Magazine.
Veejay competed in the “Project Runway Philippines” inaugural season in 2008, finishing in third place. She also competed in Miss Trans Star International 2022 and the fashion competition series, “Dress My Tour,” in 2024.
Congratulations, Veejay!
—Carby Rose Basina/CDC, GMA Integrated News
