Interview with Veejay Floresca

Veejay Floresca is a Filipino fashion designer who was born and raised in the Philippines. She pursued her early education in fashion with distinction, earning a full scholarship to study fashion design and marketing at De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde in Manila. She graduated cum laude in 2006, demonstrating both academic excellence and creative promise. After completing her undergraduate studies, Floresca emigrated to the United States, where she continued to develop her skills in the fashion industry. She obtained a master’s degree in fashion from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. Seeking further specialization, she later studied haute couture at Central Saint Martins, the renowned art and design school in London.

 

In 2008, Floresca gained national attention in the Philippines by competing in the first season of Project Runway Philippines, where she placed third. Her appearance on the show helped establish her as a recognizable figure in the Filipino fashion scene. In 2010, she became widely known beyond fashion circles after appearing in a viral video alongside three friends, celebrating the fourth-place finish of Filipino beauty queen Venus Raj in the Miss Universe pageant. The video resonated strongly with audiences and became a cultural moment in the Philippines, highlighting Floresca’s visibility and personality in popular media. By the early 2010s, Veejay Floresca was recognized as an internationally trained fashion designer with experience spanning the Philippines, the United States, and the United Kingdom, as well as a visible figure in both fashion and popular culture.

 

Monika: Today it is my pleasure and honor to interview Veejay Floresca, a talented young fashion designer from the Philippines whose work has appeared on the covers of many fashion magazines. Hello, Veejay.

Veejay: Hi, Monika. Thank you so much for having me. It is great to be here and to share my story with your readers.

Monika: For those who are just discovering your work, could you tell us a bit about who you are and what brought you to where you are today?

Veejay: I am from the Philippines, and I moved to San Francisco two years ago to complete my master’s degree in fashion design. Relocating to a new country was both exciting and challenging. It pushed me to grow not only as a designer but also as a person.

Monika: When did you first realize that fashion design was the path you wanted to follow, and how did your professional journey begin?

Veejay: I earned my bachelor’s degree in fashion design in the Philippines. During my studies, I discovered that this was truly what I wanted to do, and I became deeply passionate about it. I love everything about my work, from the creative process to seeing an idea come to life. Fashion allows me to express who I am and tell stories through design.

Her new bride collection - Misamis.

Monika: Have you ever considered stepping in front of the camera yourself and pursuing modeling, even briefly, alongside your work as a designer?

Veejay: I am too short to be a model. I am 5’6”, but the minimum height is usually 5’8”. I have always been aware of industry standards, and they can be quite strict. That said, I am happy expressing myself creatively behind the scenes rather than on the runway.

Monika: Which designers inspire you the most, and are there particular names or creative visions that have influenced your own aesthetic?

Veejay: I have a lot of inspirations. I admire young designers like Alexander Wang, Prabal Gurung, Christopher Kane, and Proenza Schouler, most of whom are contemporary designers, and that aligns closely with my own design aesthetics. I am drawn to their modern approach and strong point of view. Their work constantly motivates me to push my own creative boundaries.

Monika: The fashion world has embraced many prominent transgender models, such as Lea T, Felipa Tavares, Ines Rau, Andreja Pejić, and Valentijn de Hingh. How do you explain the strong interest and visibility of transgender women within the fashion industry?

Veejay: We are lucky that fashion is an industry where it does not discriminate. I think we are ready for that. Fashion is open, and it supports the LGBT community. It allows people to express who they truly are. That openness creates space for diversity and authenticity to thrive.

Monika: Do you see a similar rise and recognition happening among transgender fashion designers, and do you feel that space is opening up in the same way?

Veejay: I want to be known as the first transgender designer who will win Project Runway US. Haha. It is a big dream, but dreams are meant to be ambitious. I believe visibility and talent will eventually open more doors for transgender designers.

Monika: How would you describe your personal style on an everyday basis, and are there particular colors, silhouettes, or pieces you gravitate toward? 

Veejay: I work a lot during the day, so I make sure to wear comfortable clothes. I like jeans, a nice top, and I usually pair them with a tailored coat since San Francisco is a cold place. I like to experiment with colors and accessories, but nothing too over the top. Comfort is important to me, but I still want to feel polished and stylish.

At Vancouver Fashion Week (YouTube)

Monika: Looking ahead to the coming year, which fashion trends do you believe will dominate 2015 and shape the way people dress?

Veejay: There will be a lot of oversized shapes and silhouettes. In terms of color, neutrals are back. We will also see a lot of leather and metal hardware used as details. It feels something funny and fresh. These trends allow designers to play with proportion and texture in exciting ways.

Monika: When you were going through your transition, did you have any transgender role models or public figures who helped guide or inspire you along the way? 

Veejay: I did not have any specific role model. I watched a lot of YouTube videos and read blogs by people who had transitioned. I also talked to some friends for advice. Those personal stories helped me feel less alone during that time.

Monika: On a deeply personal level, what was the most difficult part of coming out for you?

Veejay: My fear of rejection. It was something I carried with me for a long time. Learning to face that fear was an important part of my personal growth. 

Monika: How do you view the current situation of transgender women in both American and Filipino societies, based on your own experiences?

Veejay: The Philippines is a country where many people are still conservative when it comes to acceptance, but the overall majority are open. It really depends on which industry or community you belong to. Attitudes can vary greatly from one place to another.

Monika: Do you personally engage in politics or advocacy work, and do you believe transgender women have the power to influence political life and leadership?

Veejay: I am not involved in politics; it is not my thing. For me, being a good leader is not about gender, it is about the willingness to serve people. Leadership comes from values and integrity, not identity. Anyone with compassion and dedication can make a meaningful impact.

Monika: How central is love in your life, and in what ways does it shape who you are today? 

Veejay: Love is important; without love, I would not exist. I love my job, my family, my friends, and myself, and I know these people love me as well. Love gives me strength and balance. It keeps me grounded no matter where life takes me.

 

Fashion on grass.

 

Monika: Many transgender women choose to share their journeys through memoirs. Have you ever imagined telling your own story in a book one day? 

Veejay: Yes, definitely. I think everyone has a story worth sharing. Writing a book would be a powerful way to inspire others and document my journey. 

Monika: At this stage of your life, what feels like the next important step, and where do you envision yourself five to seven years from now?

Veejay: I am happy with where I am today. I see myself having my own studio in New York, maybe being engaged to someone, and continuing to inspire people by showing that dreams do come true. I want to keep growing both personally and professionally. Happiness and fulfillment are my main goals.

Monika: What advice would you give to transgender girls who dream of building a career in fashion similar to yours?

Veejay: Yes, if they have a passion for art and design. It is not an easy job, but it is fun. I would suggest that they study fashion to gain skills, because it is a career meant for all types of people. Hard work and dedication really matter in this industry. Believing in yourself is just as important as talent.

Monika: Veejay, thank you so much for this inspiring and heartfelt conversation.

All the photos: courtesy of Veejay Floresca.

© 2015 - Monika Kowalska

 

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