Who Is Veejay Floresca? 15 Things About the First Filipina Winner of "Project Runway"

She's also the first transgender woman to win the reality TV series.

Published on Aug 3, 2025

Project Runway's 21st season earned the excitement of fans early on with the return of past contestants and the comeback of host Heidi Klum. For Filipino viewers, however, the season was extra special thanks to Veejay Floresca, who dominated the competition and made history as the first trans woman to win in the reality TV series.

In celebration of her triumph, here are 15 things you need to know about Veejay Floresca.

Who Is Veejay Floresca?

1. She is a Taurus

The designer was born on April 28, 1985. She entered the competition at 40. She once had a ready-to-wear line named FOUR28, which is named after her birthday.

2. She is a Benildean

Veejay has a degree in Fashion Design and Merchandising from De La Salle-College of St. Benilde. She was a full scholar throughout her college years, and she graduated cum laude.

3. She is the breadwinner

After college, Veejay worked as a head designer in one her friend's shops. A year later, she established her own studio in her apartment, where she turned the living room into a receiving area. By doing so, she was able to send her sister to school and move her family to a better location.

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Facebook/Veejay Floresca.

4. She continued pursuing her fashion education

Veejay has a master's degree in fashion from the Academy of Art in San Francisco, California. In addition, she spent time studying bridal wear at Central Saint Martins in London.

5. She was on the first season of "Project Runway Philippines"

Did you know that there used to be a franchise of Project Runway here in the Philippines? In 2008, Veejay competed on the first season, where she made it all the way to the finale and placed third.

6. She was on the first season of "Dress My Tour"

Veejay placed first runner-up on the show Dress My Tour, where 11 designers were challenged to create pieces for celebrities in the music industry. She was the only Asian contestant. The show was hosted by Kate Upton and was graced by Toni Braxton and Paula Abdul, among others.

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Facebook/Veejay Floresca.

7. She is a beauty queen

In 2022, Veejay represented the Philippines in the Miss Trans Star International, which was held in Barcelona, Spain. She wore her designs during the pageant, where she finished as one of the top 16 finalists.

8. She went viral in 2010

If you are a Miss Universe fan, then you have seen the viral video of Veejay (along with fellow designer Martin Bautista, Lex Librea, and Aleq Africa) reacting to Venus Raj making the top 15 in 2010. As of writing, the video has 4.1 million views.

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Facebook/Veejay Floresca.

9. She is an advocate

Over the years, Veejay continues to speak up about the several movements she supports—equal rights, anti-discrimination, education, creativity, and inclusivity. She openly shared how living in the United States as a transwoman made her realize that the Philippines still has a long way to go in terms of trans and queer rights.

10. She is the fourth designer of Filipino descent on Project Runway

Veejay joins Ysabel Hilado, Kenneth Barlis, and Darren Apolonio in the list of Project Runway designers from the Philippines. When the season 21 cast was announced, Veejay revealed that she waited for 21 years to be on the show, having auditioned multiple times.

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INSTAGRAM/veejayfloresca.

11. She applied for "Project Runway US" 11 times

They say your dream is never denied, only redirected. Veejay's win stemmed from perseverance, and trust us, she has a lot of it. The designer revealed that she's been trying out for the US version of Project Runway since 2012—a whole 11 cycles' worth! "Every time I would see the word ‘unfortunately’ at the top of the email, I would tell myself, ‘It’s not your time yet, but hold on because your time will come.’ Now is that time," she said in an interview for Elle USA.

12. The color red in her designs is an ode to her mother

The color red is a constant presence in Veejay's creations. She explained that this was her late mother's favorite color. She sadly passed away in 2001, but was able to instill in Veejay a sense of fight and tenacity throughout her life. “She is the strongest woman I know," said Veejay. "Every time I get the chance to honor her in my work, I will.”

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INSTAGRAM/veejayfloresca.

13. She's the first transgender designer to win "Project Runway"

Veejay's success isn't just a triumph for the Filipino community, but for trans creatives everywhere, too. When asked how she feels about making history, she said that she hopes LGBTQIA+ individuals will be inspired by her journey to follow their own dreams.

"It’s an industry where we embrace diversity and uniqueness and inclusivity. So 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]. I will never, ever take it for granted, and I will even use this opportunity to speak to people, to inspire people, to make them feel that they are valid and they are enough to do whatever they want in life," Veejay told The Hollywood Reporter.

14. She earned big on her "Project Runway" win

Veejay made bank from her victory, earning $200,000 in cash or approximately P11.6 million! Not only that, she was also given a mentorship with the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), and a magazine editorial in Elle USA.

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INSTAGRAM/vee.

15. Her dream client is Zendaya

Veejay revealed that she already has a design for the Hollywood actress, and she's just waiting for her longtime stylist and Project Runway judge Law Roach to hit her up. She also mentioned wanting to dress up Heidi Klum and Nina Garcia. She explained. "My brand is inclusivity, I celebrate women of all ages, gender identity, size. So being able to work up with Nina, Heidi and Zendaya, and also, honestly, everybody. I hope they will trust me, because I love to work with everybody."