Sha’Vi Lewis, who starred in the 18th series of Project Runway, has died at the age of 39, with his family saying they are in a ‘state of disbelief’ following his tragic death
Tragedy has struck the fashion world as a beloved designer from the TV series Project Runway passed away at the age of 39. Sha’Vi Lewis, who shot to fame after appearing on season 18 of the show, left his family in a “state of disbelief” with his untimely death.
His sister Akira expressed the family’s profound grief: “We are in a state of disbelief as we come to the reality that our star has been caste into eternity. As the days move forward we will continue to wrap our minds around a future without your presence. Continue to pray as we mourn the loss of our loved one, Franklin Sha’Vi Lewis Frierson Jr.”
The details surrounding the man’s death remain undisclosed by his family, who come from Newark, New Jersey, where Sha’Vi grew up. He was an alumnus of Clark Atlanta University and later launched his own clothing line.
However, it was his stint on Project Runway in 2019 and 2020 that brought him widespread recognition. Known for his innovative designs, including animal print pieces, a space-themed jumpsuit, and a Christmas costume, Sha’Vi wowed audiences and judges alike.
Despite his talent, he was eliminated in the sixth episode of the competition when his design, which drew inspiration from family history, failed to impress, reports the Mirror.
Since then, Sha’Vi has been a reality TV star and held a role as creative director for menswear company Stephen F. Sha’vi’s aunt Deidra DivaDoll Elkerson has paid tribute to him on Facebook, stating: “My fabulous talented nephew Sha’vi Lewis is gone from this place. I won’t hear his greetings to me anymore…
“I can just imagine the welcome he received when he got to those pearly gates, with so many loved ones who had gone on before… oh what a time what a time he is having with his grandmothers, grandfather, uncles, aunts, cousins. And good friends. My my my rest in joy nephew knowing that you left a hell of mark on this earth! You will be always loved and never ever forgotten.”
Project Runway is a highly popular programme, which started in 2004. Season 18 was judged by supermodel Karlie Kloss, editor-in-chief of Elle, Nina Garcia, fashion designer Brandon Maxwell, and former editor-in-chief of Teen Vogue, Elaine Welteroth.
It has since helped launch other designers to stardom, including series winner Geoffrey Mac, 47, known for the use of latex in his creations. He won the series Sha’Vi competed in.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
