Tonight is the night. After weeks of jaw-dropping looks and messy drama, the finale of Project Runway Season 21 is here.
And it’s not just the winning title that these finalist contestants are fighting for. From the $200,000 cash prize to a prestigious CFDA mentorship, there’s a lot on the line. There’s only five designers still in the running … but one might have self-eliminated.
Is Antonio leaving the competition after all?
The episode begins and the jury is still out on Antonio’s whereabouts. Meanwhile, the rest of the Top 5 are in the backstage room, and Jesus is still upset at Veejay. Shockingly, both Ethan and Belania side with her, defending that she’s allowed to share her opinion. Even if they are a bit shady.
The cameras show Antonio sitting outside the building, and a producer calms him down by spoiling a big finale twist. Apparently, the past designers get to help out the Finale 3 for their last runway. Meaning, if he gets the boot and Jesus advances, he would still be in the finale in a supporting role. This gives Antonio the push he needs to stay in the competition.
“My brother needs me. And we made it this far, so no matter what happens, we’re still going to be there for each other, I would do anything for my brother,” he vents.
The brothers share a tearful embrace when Antonio comes back to set, and the designers return to face the judges. First and foremost, who is the winner of The Wicked challenge? Ethan gets the win, which automatically puts him forward to the finale.
Jesus is shocked, but not disappointed for long, because Heidi Klum gives him the second spot. Last but certainly not least is Veejay. She gets the third finale spot, sending Antonio and Belania home.
There’s only one challenge left this season, and it’s a big feat for these designers. They have to deliver a full collection, with five total looks in five days. How hard could this be?
The final challenge is coming right from the heart
Jesus dedicates his collection to his family and female empowerment. He makes every look bright fushia, as a nod to his mom and her favorite color. It was also Antonio’s wish to make a pink collection if he made it to the finale.
Veejay’s muse is … The Terminator. It was a confusing theme at first, but then she emotionally revealed that it was her and her dad’s go-to movie to watch. He died in 2001, and this collection is a perfect way to honor him.
Ethan originally wants to go full, expensive glam with his collection. Think jewels, royalty, and stunning gowns. This all changes when Chrisitan Siriano enters the work room. He calls out Ethan for his dresses, as he argues they’ve all been done before. This makes Ethan do a complete 180 and go full-gothic chic, dating back to his first PR win.
The designers get to work and aren’t working alone. Antonio, Joan, and Yuchen are back! It’s no surprise Antonio is helping his twin, but Yuchen aids Ethan while Joan helps out Veejay.
A modeling casting call gone wrong
In addition to having helpers for the first time, they also get to have a full-fledged model casting.
Both men and women show off their walk and one is instantly familiar. Mimi Tao made history back in Season 19 as the first trans model to appear on Project Runway.
Also among the models is Jesus’ go-to model Jessica. Practically everything he has put her in this season has resulted in him the challenge. She is his good luck charm, and naturally, Veejay wants her for herself. And sure enough, when Christian draws for order, Veejay is first and nabs her. Jesus is instantly upset and wastes no time calling her, “A spiteful b*tch”. Things get tense quickly, and Ethan is dumbfounded by this blowup.
“Why are you doing this in front of Christian? Wildly inappropriate. When you don’t get what you want, you don’t throw a tantrum,” he vents.
Ethan does have a point. Christian was the one who vetoed the entire judges panel to keep Jesus and Belania after an almost double-elimination. Maybe this workroom riff will make him regret his choice?
Ultimately Veejay gets so frustrated that she gives Jessica to Jesus. This feud between them has gotten worse since the last episode. Though, miraculously, they decide to bury the hatchet.
The night before the runway the two designers apologize to each other and officially put their drama behind them.
A runway of looks that makes the competition tighter than ever
For the first time since the premiere, the panel of esteemed judges are watching with a full live audience.
Speaking of the judges panel, this is one for the books. The regulars for this season, including Heidi, Law Roach, and Nina Garcia are in the attendance. But the real pièce de résistance is the guest judge, Micheal Kors. Not only is he a design legend, but he was a main judge on Project Runway for its first 10 years before his shocking exit. While he’s made appearances here and there throughout the seasons, it’s always a surprise for fans whenever he comes back.
The looks come down the runway and the designers couldn’t be prouder of the results. However, it’s time for them to hear the hard truths, aka the judges’ critics.
While they enjoyed Ethan’s collection, Law lets him know that he thought it was all Utica Queen, his drag alter-ego, and didn’t represent himself.
Jesus’ looks received high praise, but Nina suggested that less could have been more in his approach. Veejay was applauded for her skill and technique, but there was one all-black outfit that didn’t seem to fit within her collection.
Who is the winner of Project Runway Season 21?
The judges begin their final deliberation, and it doesn’t seem like they are leaning in a specific way. The anticipation continues to build, and ultimately, Heidi announces that they’ve reached a decision. Drum roll please … the winner of Project Runway Season 21 is Veejay Floresca!
She drops down to her knees in happy tears, and her mother is crying alongside her in the audience. Jesus, a true frenemy to her throughout this entire season, was genuinely happy for her as well as Ethan.
Not only does she win this season, but Veejay makes history as the first trans person to win the show. They all celebrate with champagne and good vibes.
The end of the episode ends in a casting call for talented designers. An official renewal for the series hasn’t been announced as of yet by its new home, Freeform. But, based on all of the attention from this season, who knows what the future of the show holds.
Project Runway is available to stream on Hulu.
TELL US – WHAT DID YOU THINK OF SEASON 21 OF PROJECT RUNWAY?
