History was stitched into the finale of Project Runway Season 21 as Veejay Floresca became the show’s first transgender champion.Her victory marks a milestone for the franchise and a breakthrough moment for queer representation on mainstream TV.
A Dream More Than a Decade in the Making
Floresca has been a fan of the show for decades, competing in the very first season of Project Runway Philippines back in 2008, where she placed as second runner-up. That experience lit a fire in her. When she moved to the United States in 2012, she promised herself she’d one day compete on the original show.
She has applied to Project Runway US every year since then and never let the fear of rejection stop her.
“They would always say that it’s not my time yet, ‘You should apply again next season.’ And that’s what I’ve been doing: apply, apply, apply, apply…” she told The Hollywood Reporter.
Now in 2025, Floresca’s finale showstopping chainmail gown wowed the judges and secured her the crown as Project Runway Season 21 champion.
Carrying a Title That Matters
For Floresca, winning is about more than fashion, it’s about visibility. “It’s a big celebration for my community. It’s a big celebration for people who feel different,” she said. “It’s a big hope to people who feel that they can achieve something because they’re trans or because they’re gay. And I want people to be inspired of my story, that it is possible.”
The Season That Delivered
This season had its share of drama as well as iconic looks, most notably Floresca’s fiery clashes with twin designers Jesus and Antonio Estrada. But in the end, none of it really mattered. Each challenge showed off her sharp tailoring and bold imagination, earning her consistent praise from the judges and cementing her reputation as a designer to watch.
More Than a Win
By taking the crown, Floresca isn’t just adding her name to the list of Runway champions, she’s expanding what that list represents. “Being able to carry that major [title of being the] first trans woman to ever win Project Runway is an opportunity that I’m thankful [for],” she said. “I will never, ever take it for granted.”
Her victory is proof that persistence pays off, talent rises to the top, and the runway is big enough for every kind of story. We can’t wait to see what she does next!
