'Project Runway' Season 21 Crowns Veejay Floresca as Show’s First-Ever Transgender Winner

Project Runway, the long-running reality competition known for spotlighting new fashion talent, crowned its first-ever transgender winner in its 21st season finale. Veejay Floresca, a Filipino American designer, clinched the top honor after years of perseverance, becoming a beacon of representation for both transgender people and the Filipino diaspora in mainstream media and fashion .

In a televised finale, Floresca was announced as the winner by host Heidi Klum, marking a watershed moment for the show and its global audience. “It’s a fulfillment of a dream. I’ve been wanting to be part of this competition for so long, and when Heidi announced my name as the winner, I couldn’t believe it,” Floresca said in an interview with Good Morning America. “I realized that I deserve it. I’ve worked hard to be in that position” .

Floresca’s path to victory was defined by resilience. She revealed that she auditioned for Project Runway thirteen times over thirteen years, finally securing her spot and ultimately the championship. “Since I moved to the US in 2012, I’ve always been auditioning. They kept saying no, but I kept trying until they said yes. Perseverance,” Floresca explained .

Her win is particularly significant for the LGBTQ+ community, as it celebrates the visibility and achievement of transgender people in an industry historically challenged by issues of inclusivity. “Being the first Filipino American trans woman of color to win this iconic competition is a celebration of authenticity,” Floresca said. “Fashion is a safe space for everybody. We celebrate diversity, inclusivity. I feel honored to be the first person to represent my community” .

The fashion industry has seen growing calls for diversity, but tangible milestones such as this remain comparatively rare. Floresca’s win has been met with widespread praise from LGBTQ+ advocates and fashion insiders alike, who view her success as a sign of changing times and a step forward for representation on mainstream platforms .

Floresca’s dual identity as a transgender woman and a Filipino American has resonated deeply with viewers and fans. The victory is being hailed as a moment of pride for both the LGBTQ+ and Filipino communities, amplifying the importance of intersectional representation.

Advocacy organizations, including GLAAD and the Human Rights Campaign, have lauded Floresca’s accomplishment as a milestone that could inspire a new generation of LGBTQ+ youth to pursue their dreams in creative fields . “Visibility matters, and Veejay’s win on such a prominent stage sends a powerful message that talent and authenticity are to be celebrated,” a spokesperson from GLAAD commented .

Online, Floresca’s moment of triumph generated an outpouring of support on social media platforms, with hashtags like #ProjectRunway and #TransIsBeautiful trending in the hours following the finale. Filipino American groups and LGBTQ+ organizations shared messages of congratulations and solidarity, emphasizing the significance of Floresca’s success for communities that often face underrepresentation .

Floresca’s designs throughout the competition were noted for their creativity and technical execution. One standout moment featured her “shuttlecock dress,” a fan favorite crafted from unconventional materials, which she cited as her personal favorite among her competition looks . Her unique vision and commitment to authenticity set her apart in a highly competitive field.

Fashion analysts suggest that Floresca’s win could pave the way for increased opportunities for LGBTQ+ designers and models, encouraging fashion houses and media platforms to expand their definitions of beauty and talent .

Industry leaders have also called attention to the importance of sustained support for transgender visibility beyond headline-making moments. “Veejay Floresca’s win is monumental, but the real test will be how the industry continues to open doors for transgender talent in the seasons to come,” said a spokesperson for the Council of Fashion Designers of America .

As the first transgender winner in Project Runway’s history, Floresca’s journey is being celebrated as a testament to resilience, authenticity, and the ongoing evolution of the fashion industry’s approach to diversity. Her victory marks not only a personal achievement but a cultural milestone, underscoring the power of representation and the importance of inclusive storytelling in media and entertainment .

Project Runway’s decision to spotlight designers from a broad spectrum of backgrounds has been central to its appeal over two decades on air. The show’s producers have reiterated their commitment to fostering diversity, and Floresca’s win is expected to influence casting and programming decisions in future seasons .

With Floresca’s historic achievement, Project Runway continues to play a vital role in shaping fashion’s future. For LGBTQ+ viewers and aspiring designers worldwide, her victory stands as a symbol of hope and possibility—a reminder that authenticity and perseverance can transform not only individual lives, but the very industries they touch.