American streaming platform Hulu just launched a new fashion reality show called Dress My Tour. With a grand prize of $100,000 (or about P 5.8 million), 11 fashion designers compete against each other to create show-stopping looks for international musical acts. Throughout the 10 episodes, contestants were tasked to design looks based on specific themes for celebrities like Paula Abdul, Toni Braxton, Jojo Siwa, French Montana, and many others.
Joining the inaugural season of the global reality show is Filipina designer Veejay Floresca. Just last July 19, the Los Angeles-based designer was in Manila for the annual Marry Me at Marriott showcase, where she presented her latest line of bridal gowns. Shortly after, Veejay jetted back to the U.S. to celebrate yet another milestone in her career: the premiere of Hulu's Dress My Tour.
Among the roster of designers, Veejay is the sole Asian and Filipina designer on the show. Since her stint with Project Runway Philippines Season 1 back in 2008, Veejay has since found in her a renewed sense of growth. "I was able to stay true to who I am as a designer, and at the same time I got to to fulfill the challenge that was asked from us [on the show]," Veejay muses, reflecting on her journey in the reality show. After all, her mere presence on the Dress My Tour stage is a culmination of 12 years worth of trying, facing rejections, and constantly getting back on her feet.
In this exclusive interview, Veejay Floresca gives us a glimpse into her journey on Dress My Tour, along with some poignant reflections and insights as a Los Angeles-based Filipina designer.
Veejay Floresca on her "Dress My Tour " Journey and Career as a U.S.-Based Filipina Designer
Congratulations on getting featured on Hulu’s “Dress My Tour”! How does it feel to be given this opportunity?
“Honestly, I’m feeling really grateful because ever since I moved to the United States from the Philippines I’ve been waiting for this opportunity. It took me like 12 years for me to be in a fashion TV reality show. So I’m really feeling grateful that finally, I’ve been given the opportunity for me to show the people my talent and skills.”
Could you tell us what the casting process was like for you? What was it like when you found out you got in?
“The process for this one was very different compared to the others [...] For this one, I actually got a message two years ago from a casting manager who’s doing the show.”
“So since this is Season 1, I think they did a lot of research about the contestants. So I got a message [from a casting director] and then after that I applied, and then a lot of interviews [came after]. And then after that, that’s where it all started. I applied, I’ve had [to do] several interviews before getting in as a finalist.”
3. What was it like shooting the reality series?
“Definitely mixed emotions. You know, this is not the first time– I’ve actually done this before, but [it was] probably like 16 or 17 years ago, which is Project Runway Philippines Season 1.
"So for this show, it’s a bit similar but at the same time it’s very different because I’m more mature and my aesthetic has changed. And also, I’m dealing with different kinds of people. In Project Runway Philippines, everyone was Filipino. But for this one, I’m the only Asian [among the contestants]. And you know we’re talking about different cultures, we’re talking about different aesthetics, different skill sets. So it’s fun, but at the same time it’s really scary because you don’t know what to expect."
What were the biggest challenges you faced while filming the show?
“ I’m an evening wear and bridal wear designer. So the show itself is called 'Dress My Tour,' so pretty much that is the biggest challenge for me, because I’m not really used to designing performance wear, stage wear, or costume.
“And if you’re going to watch the show, I think that I did a great job because I was able to stay true to who I am as a designer, and at the same time I got to to fulfill the challenge that was asked from us to do.”
Could you share with us some of your most memorable moments from the show?
“Oh my god, I’ve had a lot of memorable moments on the show. But I think one of them is finally [getting] to meet Toni Braxton. I mean, Toni Braxton is an icon. Even until now, I listen to her songs, and I grew up listening to her songs.”
"To be able to meet her in person, hug her, show her my work, and [to see that] she likes it... for me that is the most memorable moment.”
What is the greatest lesson that you’ve learned from “Dress My Tour”?
“No matter how hard you work and how much you give your best, if it’s not meant for you, then you can’t do anything else [about it]. I don’t want to sound negative, but I think it applies to any of us. Sometimes we want a certain job, award, or promotion– but if it’s not meant for you, then you gotta move on. You gotta accept reality, but don’t let it discourage you from moving forward.
“Spoiler alert: I did not win, but I still feel like a winner because the result definitely did not discourage me from pursuing my dreams”
You got to dress some international names in entertainment. As the sole Asian and Filipina designer on the show, what impact do you hope to make on the global fashion scene?
“My goal is to bring back what Filipino creativity is [all about]. Because I think that as Filipino designers, we’re very resourceful. You know I’ve been telling this to everyone, that I think Filipino artistry and creativity is something that I’m really proud of [because] I think it’s very global. But what we really need is actually getting opportunities to show the people what we can do.
"We’re not given a lot of resources in the Philippines, that’s why we need to come up with new things and innovative ideas.
"There’s a lot of Filipino designers who are really big in the industry–Monique Lhuillier, Michael Cinco, Josie Natori. And to be able to represent what we have in the show, to me, is one of my proudest moments. ”
You’ve come a long way from your beginnings here in the Philippines. What advice do you have for aspiring designers looking to take on a path similar to yours?
“Even though I’ve sacrificed my flourishing career in the Philippines [to move to the States], I still don’t have any regrets because I think that my decision to move here is still what I will do if ever I’ll be given another choice.
“My advice is really to be sure of your decisions. But more than that, my advice is also to love what you do. Because I think that if you are passionate about your job, you will wake up each day wanting to do it all over again.”
After Dress My Tour, what’s next for Veejay Floresca?
“Definitely I’ll keep doing what I love the most, which is fashion. So I’m presenting a new collection this November in Calgary, Canada. Also, I’m doing another bridal line that is more niche, and the name of the brand is 'Filipino Bridal.' So being a designer here in the U.S., I think that there is a missing market for Filipino clients who are looking for Filipino bridal [wear]. And I’ve witnessed it, kasi most of my clients here are looking for something Filipino. So I wanted to be able to introduce that market here in the U.S. I’m really excited for that and I’m launching it this year."
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