Veejay Floresca pens inspiring message after 'Project Runway' win: 'If I can do it, you can too'

Following her triumphant win on “Project Runway” Season 21, Filipino designer Veejay Floresca took to social media to share a message of hope, resilience, and gratitude, reflecting on the long journey to the coveted title.

In a heartfelt post on Facebook, Veejay said that winning the competition is a living proof that when you truly believe in yourself, anything is possible.

“It might take years, heartbreaks, and setbacks — but every single step is worth it,” she said.

Veejay said that she had been a “superfan” of the competition since day one, recounting watching the first episode and witnessing Austin Scarlett win the very first challenge using a dress made of corn husks.

“In that moment I whispered to myself, ‘One day, I’ll be on that stage.’ This show isn’t just about clothes; it’s about stories. Stories that show resilience. Stories that inspire,” Veejay said.

She also highlighted the profound significance of the win, particularly for her personal identity. She described herself as an immigrant, a trans woman, someone who has been told “no” more times than she can count, and someone who had lost twice before, stating that “standing here as the winner of this iconic show means hope.”

The designer used her experience to offer inspiration to others, emphasizing that rejection and failure should not be roadblocks.

“Let it sharpen you. Let it build you. Use it as your stepping stone. You are worthy. If I can do it, you can too,” she said.

Veejay expressed her gratitude to everyone who supported her and those behind the show and congratulated her fellow designers.

“For anyone dreaming of competing on Project Runway: prepare yourself. Enter with a winning mindset. Know your purpose. Hold on to it,” she said.

“This isn’t just my win. This is a win for everyone who has walked this journey with me from the very beginning until today. You know who you are. Thank you for believing in me,” she added.

Veejay bagged the grand prize, which includes the $200,000 cash prize, six months of representation by Agentry PR, the mentorship with the CFDA, and a spread in Elle Magazine.

She first competed in the "Project Runway Philippines" inaugural season in 2008, finishing in third place. She also competed in Miss Trans Star International 2022 and the fashion competition series, "Dress My Tour," in 2024. 

—Carby Rose Basina/JCB, GMA Integrated News