The fashion world has a new champion: Filipino designer Veejay Floresca has claimed the crown on Project Runway‘s twenty‑first season. In a finale aired September 25, 2025, Floresca edged out rivals Jesus Estrada and Ethan Mundt. She won the competition and made history in the process.
How Season 21 of Project Runway Unfolded
The 2025 edition of Project Runway kicked off on July 31 and ran for 10 episodes. It culminated in a dramatic finale. This season marked a shift in platform, airing on Freeform rather than Bravo. Returning to the judging panel were Heidi Klum and Nina García. Meanwhile, stylist Law Roach joined as a new permanent judge. Christian Siriano resumed his mentor role.
From the start, the season included returning contestants — Jesus Estrada and Caycee Black (from Season 19) — among the field of 12 designers. They were vying for the title. The finale challenged the last three to produce a five-look collection in five days. The focus was on metallic leather fabrics.
The Finale & Veejay’s Victory
In the final showdown, Veejay’s metallic-tinged collection stood out for its bold vision. According to GMA News, her set included a draped chainmail gown. She received assistance from previously eliminated contestant Joan Madison. Her finale designs, which referenced the Terminator franchise, blended flashy metallic leather with luxurious knits. They were more cohesive, in the judges’ view, than Ethan’s Gothic-inspired entries or Jesus’s maximalist pink looks.
Judges Heidi Klum, Nina García, Law Roach, and Michael Kors ultimately named Veejay the winner. She achieved success over Estrada and Mundt. The win awarded her the $200,000 cash prize, a six‑month representation by Agentry PR, a mentorship with the CFDA, and a feature in Elle magazine.
Veejay’s Journey & Significance of the Win
Floresca’s triumph carries deep personal and cultural resonance. Born and raised in the Philippines, she first appeared on the Philippine version of Project Runway in 2008. She finished as second runner-up. She later moved to the U.S. and earned a master’s degree in fashion from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco.
In an interview with Elle, she reflected on years of rejection and perseverance: “Every time I would see the word ‘unfortunately’ … I would tell myself, ‘It’s not your time yet, but hold on because your time will come.’” Her signature use of red — meant to honor her mother — became a recurring motif. As a trans woman of color and immigrant, Floresca spoke candidly about representation. She said, “I came here with the goal to be the first trans woman to win this competition… I hope that my story can change people’s perspective.”
Her win is historic for multiple reasons. She is the first openly transgender person to win Project Runway and the first Filipino designer to take the title.
Criticism, Drama & Reactions from Season 21
The season did not lack controversy. The finale had a tension-filled conclusion, noting the show often “felt like the series was shortchanging us … and being overloaded with drama.” Episode 9, “Something Wicked,” had interpersonal conflicts and producer-driven tension. This was especially evident through Law Roach’s pointed questioning of designers.
Finalist Ethan Mundt (aka Utica Queen) shared a humorous behind-the-scenes anecdote. He accidentally fell onto guest judge Tyra Banks in the finale. He recalled, “Everyone’s screaming … I grab her waist as I’m falling down.” He also expressed surprise at Veejay’s win, saying the show tends to favor those who can “fit the brand.” However, he acknowledged her ability to do so.
What’s Next for Veejay and Project Runway
With her win, Veejay gains the spotlight and resources to expand her brand and influence. Her story resonates well beyond fashion: as she told Elle, “people need to see that we are not enemies — we are just normal people with dreams and aspirations.”
For Project Runway itself, Season 21 represented a reboot of sorts. This included a shift to Freeform, the return of Heidi Klum, and a retooled judging panel. As fans digest the finale and its lingering tensions, the question now is: who will follow Veejay’s historic victory when Project Runway returns?
Project Runway may have crowned its Season 21 winner, but Veejay Floresca’s win ensures her influence will extend far beyond the runway.
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