Project Runway Finale Recap: Fierce Fashion, Surprising Flops, and One Fabulous Winner

Fashion lovers, reality TV junkies, and drama connoisseurs — the Project Runway Season 21 finale gave us everything. Tears were shed. Zippers were busted. Models were stolen. And in the middle of it all, three designers battled it out for fashion glory, a cool $200,000, and a coveted spread in Elle magazine. In case you blinked and missed the sequins, here’s your ultimate Project Runway finale recap, complete with juicy details, designer breakdowns, and the win that made history.

A Sudden Cut and the Final Three Revealed

The episode opened mid-tension with the judges making a final pre-finale cut. Sorry Belania and Antonio — you’re out. That left us with three distinct designers ready to make their mark: Jesus Estrada, Veejay Floresca, and Ethan Mundt.

The task? Create a five-look collection in just five days. Oh, and do it while collaborating with a previously eliminated contestant. No pressure at all.

• Ethan teamed up with Yuchen to build a collection of evening gowns inspired by his love of drag culture.

• Veejay brought back Joan, diving into slick, metallic leather looks.

• Jesus partnered with his brother Antonio to create an all-pink tribute to their mother.

Aside from a brief model snatching incident and one wardrobe malfunction involving a rebellious zipper, the prep went surprisingly smoothly. Which honestly, made us nervous.

Ethan’s Drag-Infused Drama: Too Much or Just Enough?

Let’s start with Ethan. Known for his theatrical flair, he leaned hard into his drag roots, delivering a gothic collection full of drama, mood, and silhouettes that said, “I am not here to play it safe.”

The judges appreciated the vision — to a point. Law Roach felt Ethan’s drag persona Utica may have upstaged the designer himself. Nina Garcia didn’t hold back either, calling the collection the biggest surprise of the night — and not in the “what a lovely twist” kind of way. The word “costume” got thrown around a little too often. Still, the risk-taking was undeniable.

Jesus Brings Bold Pink and a Whole Lot of Heart

Next came Jesus, who dedicated his collection to his mother. Cue the collective awws. His five-look set was an unapologetic pink explosion, with feathers, bold silhouettes, and a statement gown that sadly got dragged down by what Michael Kors would probably call a “Muppet sleeve situation.”

Oh, and let’s not forget the bulky white zipper that tried to steal the spotlight. But despite these flaws, the judges praised his confidence and his ability to make clothes that looked powerful and empowering on the models. While it wasn’t a perfect collection, Jesus brought a theatrical elegance that kept him in the conversation until the very end.

Veejay Steals the Show with Metallic Mastery

And then there was Veejay — the designer who flew a little under the radar all season before completely owning the finale. Her collection was a futuristic dream, filled with metallic leather, sleek lines, and a finale piece that had jaws on the floor — an effortlessly draped chainmail gown that looked like it came straight from the closet of a fashion-forward space queen.

One look — a slit trouser paired with a tailored jacket — sparked some debate. Heidi questioned its cohesion, wondering if it fit the overall vibe. Nina, on the other hand, was obsessed with the slit (classic Nina). And Michael Kors could not get enough of the wool dress with the perfectly draped shoulder. When Michael gets quiet and leans forward, you know a designer just nailed it.

And the Winner of Project Runway Season 21 Is…

Veejay Floresca walked away with the $200,000 grand prize, a CFDA mentorship, six months of Agentry PR representation, and the feature in Elle. But more importantly, she walked away as the first trans woman to win Project Runway — a landmark moment not just for the show, but for fashion history.

In a tearful and powerful victory speech, Veejay recalled watching Project Runway as a young gay boy in the Philippines, dreaming of this exact moment. She told Heidi Klum, “This is my time, so thank you. Thank you for being part of my dream.” We weren’t crying. You were crying.

Her win wasn’t just well earned — it was groundbreaking. In a competition where fashion is often about pushing boundaries, Veejay pushed the cultural envelope and proved that authenticity and talent will always be in style.

One for the History Books

Season 21 of Project Runway reminded us why this show still reigns supreme in the fashion competition world. Between Ethan’s over-the-top gothic gowns, Jesus’ heartfelt tribute, and Veejay’s glittering rise to the top, this finale had it all.

If you’re looking for a Project Runway finale recap that captures the glitz, grit, and glorious chaos of the runway, this is it. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or a casual watcher, Veejay’s win is one that will be remembered — not just for its historical importance, but because she slayed. Period.

What did you think of the finale? Did the right designer win? Sound off in the comments and stay tuned for more fashion recaps, runway snark, and behind-the-scenes buzz.

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