From “Project Runway” to NYFW: How a Filipino Designer Built Her Career in the U.S.

“It’s a roller coaster. And actually, that is the reason why I never stopped trying.”Filipino American fashion designer Veejay Floresva spent years rebuilding her career in the U.S. before winning “Project Runway” Season 21 in 2025. With that win, she became the first Filipina and the first trans woman to win the American edition of the show.In this episode of Asia Forward, she looks back on the path that took her from “Project Runway Philippines” to the U.S. fashion industry, and most recently, New York Fashion Week.Floresca talks about moving to the U.S., starting over as an immigrant and trans woman, and why she kept applying to “Project Runway” for 15 years before being selected. She also reflects on what winning the competition changed for her, both personally and professionally.The conversation also looks at how her Filipino background continues to shape her work, including her use of materials sourced from the Philippines, such as piña and banig, as well as the Filipino influences in her Spring/Summer 2027 NYFW presentation.Floresca talks about the business behind her brand, including her decisions to go for custom-made fashion instead of ready-to-wear, her belief in size inclusivity and the challenge of balancing creativity with long-term growth.Looking ahead, she shares how she sees the Filipino fashion industry developing over the next five to 10 years and what it will take for more Filipino designers to reach U.S. and international markets. Chapters:00:43 Introduction1:23 How Veejay Floresca looks back on her Spring/Summer 2027 NYFW presentation.2:05 Why Veejay Floresca thinks NYFW is important.2:46 How Veejay Floresca became interested in fashion and started her career in the Philippines.5:53 How Veejay Floresca competed in Project Runway Philippines.6:54 How winning Project Runway Philippines helped launch Veejay Floresca’s career.7:27 How Veejay Floresca decided to come to the U.S. to pursue her graduate degree in fashion.8:31 How Veejay Floresca decided to stay in America as a trans woman.10:03 Why Veejay Floresca spent 15 years applying to the U.S. edition of Project Runway.13:03 How Veejay Floresca looks back on her experience in Project Runway Season 21.14:30 What valuable lessons Veejay Floresca learned from competing on Project Runway.15:57 What winning Project Runway Season 21 meant to Veejay Floresca.16:55 How Veejay Floresca’s experience as a Filipino immigrant influences her designs.19:46 How the public responded to Veejay Floresca’s newest collection featuring Barong Tagalog and other Filipino design elements.21:30 How Veejay Floresca balances the creative and business sides, and Filipino and American fashion.22:59 How Veejay Floresca sources materials from the Philippines, including piña and banig.25:05 How Veejay Floresca sets herself apart from other New York designers.25:55 Why Veejay Floresca chooses making custom-made fashion over ready-to-wear.29:29 Why Veejay Floresca believes in size inclusivity.30:57 What challenges Veejay Floresca sees for Filipino designers trying to enter international markets.32:57 How mentors have shaped Veejay Floresca’s career as a fashion designer.34:20 How Veejay Floresca views her role as a Filipino representative in the fashion industry34:59 Where Veejay Floresva sees the Filipino fashion industry in 5-10 years.