Project Runway Finale Recap: Did The Right Designer Win Season 21?

Thursday's Project Runway Season 21 finale picked up in the middle of a tense elimination, before Heidi officially sent Belania and Antonio home. That left us with our Top 3: Jesus Estrada, Veejay Floresca and Ethan Mundt, who gave it their all in one final fashion face-off. Let's recap!

Each designer was tasked with making a five-look collection in five days, which was to be judged by Law, Heidi, Nina and returning veteran judge Michael Kors. Each finalist got help from a previously eliminated contestant to complete their last challenge: Ethan paired with Yuchen to work on a collection of evening gowns inspired by his love of drag; Veejay got a hand from Joan to design pieces using a metallic leather fabric; and Jesus teamed up with brother Antonio to bring to life an explosion of pink looks dedicated to their mother.

Aside from a stolen model and a busted zipper, all things leading up to the final show went rather smoothly. Ethan ultimately delivered a Gothic collection featuring a show-stopping gown with a surprising silhouette. Overall, the judges appreciated his vision and his love for drama, but they worried his designs veered too far into costume. Law even thought that Ethan's drag persona Utica overshadowed the contestant entirely. Nina went so far as to call Ethan's collection the biggest surprise of the night — and not in a good way.

Meanwhile, Jesus completed an all-pink collection, with a feathered gown that was hindered by its Muppet-like sleeves and bulky white zipper. Despite a few shortcomings, the judges felt like Jesus brought confidence and boldness to the runway, and they could see that his models felt good wearing the clothes. Unlike Ethan, they thought Jesus understood the art of being both elegant and over the top.

Veejay produced a collection of metallic looks, finished off with an effortlessly draped chainmail gown. One of her looks, a jacket paired with a slit trouser, had the judges divided: Heidi wondered if it stood out too much from the rest of the work, while Nina just adored that slit. Michael was awestruck by a different design, a wool dress with a perfectly draped shoulder detail.

While each contestant put forth a strong effort, only one designer could walk away from this finale with the $200,000 cash prize, six months of representation by Agentry PR, the mentorship with the CFDA, and the spread in Elle magazine. And that designer was... Veejay!

"I've seen you, Heidi, since Season 1, just a little gay boy in the Philippines watching the show, and I've always been wanting to do this," the emotional winner said at the end of the episode. "Now this is my time, so thank you. Thank you for being part of my dream."

She added: "I came here with the goal to be the first trans woman to win this competition, and I think that will really inspire my community that you can actually reach your dreams by being who you are."

How do you feel about Project Runway's newest winner? Grade the finale, and Season 21 overall, in our poll below, then drop a comment with your thoughts on Veejay's victory.