Veejay Floresca becomes first transgender winner on Project Runway

Filipino designer Veejay Floresca was crowned the winner of Project Runway season 21 in the show's finale late last week, becoming the first transgender person to win the longrunning competition and the first openly transgender Filipino woman to claim the title. The finale collection, a fivepiece set of metallics, knits and versatile eveningwear that Floresca called A Beautiful Moment, sealed her victory over finalists Jesus Estrada and Ethan Mundt, known as Utica Queen from RuPaul's Drag Race. Reports differ on the exact broadcast date, with some outlets noting the finale aired Sept. 25 and others saying it streamed Sept. 26 on Freeform, Hulu and Disney.

Floresca, who is based in New York, presented a cohesive, finely crafted lineup in silver, gray and black that judges said balanced concept with wearability. ELLE editorinchief Nina Garcia, image architect Law Roach, host and model Heidi Klum and guest judge Michael Kors praised the collection's range and distinctiveness. Garcia called the work "surprising in a very good way," while other judges highlighted the collection's craftsmanship and imagination. Christian Siriano served as the season mentor and applauded the cast's...