Kriti Mehrotra
If there’s only one way we can ever describe fashion designer Veejay Floresca, it has to be as a creative entrepreneur for whom inclusivity and sustainability matter just as much as style. The truth is she has had her fair share of ups and downs in this industry over the years, but her stint in Hulu’s ‘Dress My Tour’ proves she deserves a seat at the table for reasons more than one. After all, she showcased her sheer talent for conveying beautiful, intricate stories through her pieces to not only win a chance to dress the iconic Pa ula Abdul but also secure second place.
Veejay Floresca Built Her Brand Through Skill and Familial Support
Although born and raised in Manila, Philippines, Veejay developed an interest in the world of fashion at a relatively early age thanks to her surroundings, just to then pursue a career in the same. She actually kickstarted her career back in the mid-2000s itself upon graduating from De La Salle University with a Bachelor’s in Fashion/Apparel Design (2002-2006) before spreading her wings. In fact, per her own accounts, shortly following her father’s unfortunate demise, she dove head first to pursue different international degrees concerning her field so as to prove her mettle.
Veejay first attended the University of the Arts in London for an Associate’s degree in Fashion/Apparel Design prior to relocating to California for a Master’s from the Academy of Art University in San Diego. It was only then that she established her own brand, but her mother truly, unwaveringly supported her at every step of the way despite the society of their homeland’s conservative thinking or expectations. Thus, it is no surprise the duo is extremely close to this day — they recently celebrated Mother’s Day together in New York, plus it turns out the latter even helps her child upcycle and create original pieces.
Veejay Floresca is No Stranger to Success
Since Veejay has always worked hard, she was admittedly a millionaire by the time she turned 25, all the while also being one of the most prominent couture designers to have ever come out of the Philippines. She does find this fact a little strange because she has unfortunately never truly, 100%, felt accepted in her homeland as a trans woman, yet she can not deny that that’s where her initial mainstream rise came from. She actually supplied her original works to productions such as ‘Pinoy Big Brother’ in 2009, ‘Pinoy Big Brother: Teen Edition’ in 2010, the Philippines’ version of ‘Temptation Island’ in 2011, and ‘Binibining Pilipinas’ in 2012, along with fashion shows like Marry Me At Marriott, among others.
As if that’s not enough, Veejay has also made a name for herself by participating in the Miss Trans Star International 2022 — she represented the Philippines despite having formally become a US citizen the same year. “The reason why I moved…,” she said back then. “The life of being a trans woman here in the United States, it’s really painful for me to say, is so much better than being a trans person in the Philippines, and that’s also why I am joining the pageant… I want to engage in conversations. I want to share my stories… it is important to be surrounded with the people you love and also to live in a place where you feel safe… We’re not begging for special rights. We’re just asking for equal rights.”
Therefore, of course, Veejay has faced her fair share of hardships since the moment she decided to step foot in the fashion industry, whether personal or professional, yet she has never given up hope in any way, shape, or form. In fact, according to her own accounts, she “can’t remember how many times I applied to be part of a fashion design TV show here in the US. It wasn’t an easy journey. I received a lot of NO, rejected many times, and got ‘try again next season’ replies. But I didn’t give up. I knew that one day, someone will say ‘YES.'” And Hulu’s ‘Dress My Tour’ did, which she took complete advantage of by refusing to hold back on any of her ideas as well as doing her best to execute them. It’s how she also managed to create a piece for actor-comedian Nico Santos for his wedding.
Veejay Floresca is a Thriving Designer
Based in Los Angeles, California, Veejay currently serves as the proud owner-operator of not only Veejay Floresca Studio but also Veejay Floresca Bridal, through which she is even open for custom orders and collaborations. So, apart from specializing in statement pieces that support both sustainability plus inclusivity in every manner, she is also a bridal designer with a collection unlike any other — she combines minimalism with contemporary trends for perfectly unique looks.
However, the best part of Veejay’s brands is arguably the fact she offers customizations without any extra charge for all her original pieces, proving that she is not all talk and will genuinely do anything she can to achieve her goals. Yes, her pieces in itself are quite expensive, but they are well worth it considering they promise luxury, great fittings, as well as a celebration of each person’s unique, individual beauty in the way they desire. As for her most recent sustainable contemporary collection, which she premiered via the FILIPINXT fashion show in New York in early May, it will be available to purchase through her website soon.
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