Meet Veejay Floresca, Filipina Trans Designer Who Made History With 'Project Runway' Win

For over 21 years, Veejay Floresca has been dreaming of making it on Project Runway. A Filipino designer who first entered the spotlight through Project Runway Philippines in 2008, Floresca knew that the international stage was where she truly belonged. That dream has now come true, and it is bigger and brighter than she ever imagined. She not only joined Project Runway Season 21 but also emerged as its winner.

Floresca’s victory is historic. She is the first trans woman ever to win Project Runway, and her journey has inspired many around the world. Her win is both a personal milestone and a beacon of hope for the LGBTQ+ community in the Philippines and beyond. As she is all set to make a mark in the fashion world, let’s take a closer look at her life and journey.

Veejay Floresca’s early life and education

Born on April 28, 1985, Floresca is a true Taurus, she is determined, passionate, and resilient. She studied Fashion Design and Merchandising at De La Salle-College of St. Benilde, where she excelled as a full scholar and graduated cum laude. Even in her student years, she showed a talent for innovation and resourcefulness, qualities that would later define her career.

After completing her degree, Floresca quickly stepped into the fashion world, working as a head designer at a friend’s shop before branching out on her own. In a small apartment where the living room doubled as a receiving area for her clients, Floresca founded her first studio. It was a family mission for her. With her earnings, she was able to send her sister to school and eventually helped her family move into a better home.

Veejay Floresca’s fashion journey abroad

Floresca’s hunger for growth eventually led her overseas. She earned a master’s degree in fashion at the Academy of Art in San Francisco. Later, she pursued specialised training in bridal wear at the prestigious Central Saint Martins in London, further sharpening her expertise in couture. These international experiences broadened her creative vision and gave her the confidence to compete on a global scale.

Veejay Floresca and her journey on Project Runway Philippines

Floresca first captured public attention in 2008 when she competed on the inaugural season of Project Runway Philippines. With her daring designs and meticulous craftsmanship, she advanced all the way to the finale, ultimately finishing in third place. Though she did not take home the winning prize, the experience helped her gain a solid and firm place in the fashion industry.

Floresca's competitive spirit didn’t stop there. She later joined the reality show, Dress My Tour, where she competed against 11 designers who were all tasked with creating tour-ready outfits for music celebrities. She was the only Asian contestant  on the show and ultimately finished as first runner-up, impressing both judges and celebrity guests such as Toni Braxton and Paula Abdul.

Veejay Floresca was a beauty queen

In 2022, Floresca added another feather to her cap when she represented the Philippines at Miss Trans Star International in Barcelona, Spain. Wearing her own designs, she stood tall among contestants from around the world and reached the Top 16. The pageant provided her with yet another platform to celebrate her trans identity and visibility on an international stage.

Beyond her professional achievements, Floresca is a proud advocate for equality, inclusivity, and anti-discrimination. Living as a trans woman in the United States, she realised how far the Philippines still was to in its recognition towards LGBTQ+ rights. She often uses her platform to strike conversations about education, creativity, and social justice, believing that fashion can be a powerful tool for change.

Even outside of design competitions and pageants, Floresca has found herself in viral moments. In 2010, she appeared in a now-iconic reaction video, alongside fellow Filipino designers, Martin Bautista, Lex Librea, and Aleq Africa, cheering as Venus Raj went to the Top 15 of Miss Universe. The video quickly became a hit among pageant fans, earning over 4.1 million views and further made her an important figure in Filipino pop culture.

Veejay Floresca made history on Project Runway

Season 21 of Project Runway brought together 12 designers from different backgrounds, with Heidi Klum returning as host. For Floresca, who had auditioned multiple times, it was a long-awaited chance to prove herself on the global stage. She revealed that she had been waiting 21 years for this opportunity, and once she entered the workroom, she made every moment count.

The season ended with a grand finale, where Floresca faced off against fellow designers, Jesus Estrada and Ethan Mundt. The tension was high, but her collection, won over the judges. When Heidi Klum announced her as the winner, Floresca broke down in tears, overwhelmed by the win. She could be quoted as saying:

“I wanted to be the first trans woman to win Project Runway. I think that will really inspire my community that you can actually reach your dreams by being who you are.” 

Floresca’s win is more than a personal achievement, it is a cultural milestone for many. As the first trans woman to win Project Runway, she has sent a powerful message to aspiring designers, trans individuals, and Filipinos everywhere. From humble beginnings in Manila to international acclaim, her path has been marked by struggle. She is not just a designer but also a storyteller who uses fabrics and silhouettes to narrate stories.

Floresca has shown the world what it means to achieve success by staying true to one's authentic self.

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