Veejay Floresca reveals she tried out 13 times before winning 'Project Runway'

Filipina fashion designer Veejay Floresca has clinched the top prize on Project Runway Season 21!

The win has put the trans designer on cloud nine, as she shared on Good Morning America that the victory was the ultimate "fulfillment of a dream." 

"I've been wanting to be part of this competition, so when Heidi (Klum) announced my name as the winner, I couldn't believe it," she told the hosts. "I'm like, 'Am I dreaming? Is it really happening?' But then you know, I realized that I deserve it, and I worked hard to be in that position and to be announced as a winner. I'm just really really happy."

Talking about the historic feat, Floresca said that winning the competition as the first Filipino-American and first trans woman is a "celebration of authenticity."

"With what's going on in our country, I think that being here representing my community, it feels amazing. And I tell everybody that fashion is a safe space for everybody with diversity [and] inclusivity. So I feel honored to be the first person to represent the community," she said.

Before she ever saw the runway, Floresca faced rejection 13 times trying to get into the competition.

"Since 2012, I've been auditioning, and then 'no, no, no.' But I'm like, I will still keep doing until they say yes."

That brutal grind, she believes, is essential to succeeding in fashion.

"It's a lot of work," she explained, calling the industry "cutthroat" and not for those who are "sensitive."

But the constant setbacks only fueled her fire: "It just made me stronger. And being in that competition, my mindset is to win this. So, I am very, very competitive." 

When asked to pick a favorite, Floresca didn't hesitate: she thinks she truly nailed the unconventional materials challenge with her shuttlecock dress.

"It looked like it's lace, so to me, I accomplished the goal to become innovative and to create something fresh and new," she explained.

Talking about the biggest challenge in fashion, Floresca said it's the design itself—constantly creating new pieces that resonate with the public. Despite the overwhelming competition, especially in New York, she says success hinges on passion.

"There's a lot of designers out there, especially in New York City. Everybody comes here to fulfill their dreams, but I think if you have the passion, you'll be very successful. And I'm glad that I'm doing what I love the most which is fashion," Floresca said.

Now that she's conquered Project Runway, Floresca has her sights set on her brand's growth. Her immediate goal is to expand her brand and become the next Christian Siriano—the Season 4 winner who is now a globally recognized name in fashion.

Eventually, Floresca dreams of seeing her designs on the biggest names in Hollywood, including Zendaya, Olivia Rodrigo, Project Runway hosts Heidi Klum and Nina Garcia.

Floresca first competed in the Project Runway Philippines inaugural season in 2008, where she finished in third place.

She established herself in New York and centered her craft on sustainable practices, creating unique, eco-conscious garments as she believed that fashion "should be personal, inclusive, and kind to the planet."

She also joined the Miss Trans Star International 2022 and Dress My Tour, a reality competition series where designers create outfits for musical artists in 2024.