Project Runway’s Veejay Floresca Celebrates Sustainably in Every Custom Garment
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Veejay Floresca's whirlwind rise includes not only becoming the first Filipino and transgender winner of Project Runway in 2025 but now debuting her first solo show at New York Fashion Week last February. For Floresca this dream-come-true is the result of more than a decade of grit, having applied to the show for 13 years while navigating the competitive fashion industry as an immigrant designer.
Her winter 2026 show at New York Fashion Week was inspired by abstract artist Willem de Kooning, and emphasized color, texture and fluidity. Her designs blend architectural precision with femininity. By focusing on custom-made garments Floresca’s business is inherently sustainable, just the way she likes it. She feels fashion designers carry a responsibility to apply environmentally conscious practices in their work.
Floresca’s work reflects her identity and values. She prioritizes inclusivity and accessibility, designing for women of all ages and sizes. Floresca uses her platform to advocate for Asian American designers and the LGBTQ+ community.
Looking ahead, she remains focused on building a lasting brand grounded in the same talent and self-confidence that carried her this far.
Dalton Primeaux: There is an intrinsic relationship between sustainability and thoughtful fashion design that is fascinating. Can you talk about your connection to both, the ethical intention and the practical application of slow fashion?
Veejay Floresca: I love sustainability and as a fashion designer it is my job to create a business that practices that. Fashion, especially fast fashion, is one of the biggest contributors to waste and it is upsetting. So, for me, I want to focus on what I do best, and that is custom clothing. Plus, if I ever do retail or ready-to-wear, it will also be in small batches and limited capsule collections to avoid overproduction.
DP: Can you talk about your relationship with special occasions and more specifically weddings? Is it fair to say the relationship between you and the client is really what makes the finished product so special?
VF: It is an amazing feeling to create clothing for special occasions, like weddings. It is one of those things that I truly enjoy. You’re being part of someone’s love story and celebrating a milestone. And that relationship you build with clients, sometimes it becomes even more than a client and designer, it grows into a friendship, and I like that.
DP: What a dream! To make someone feel their most beautiful on one of their most memorable days. What about the process, in a technical sense, is the most important to ensure the delivered product is as exquisite as the person wearing it?
VF: It’s important to know the person wearing it. People are unique and different. You can’t force someone to wear something he or she is not comfortable in. The person wearing it, their personality, is important when it comes to my design process.
DP: You mentioned in a previous interview that Monique Lhuillier was an inspiration, I can see it in the femininity and joyousness in your designs. Any other designers you remember inspiring you along the way?
VF: I love her, classic and very elegant. I also like Carolina Herrera, Vera Wang, Stella McCartney, Harris Reed, and Christian Siriano. These designers are very focused and creative, and I want to be like them: successful designers who built strong businesses and legacies.
DP: Any additional sustainability practices that you've applied to your personal life—the small things?
VF: I always carry a tote bag in my purse. It’s good to choose small businesses, we need to support them. Re-wear clothing—don’t wear clothes only once. Lastly, be mindful of separating recyclables.
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