The fashion industry is mourning the loss of a visionary.
Sha’Vi Lewis, a fashion designer who competed in Season 18 of Project Runway, died on February 24, according to his family. He was 39.
“We are in disbelief as we realize that our star has been cast into eternity,” his sister Akira Frierson Wood told TMZ. “As the days move forward we will continue to wrap our minds around a future without your presence.”
She went on to say, “While the rest of the world is only learning about Sha’vi, we knew he was and is fantastic! Please keep us in your prayers as we mourn the loss of Franklin Shavi Lewis Frierson Jr.
His cause of death was not revealed.
Lewis, whose work had been featured on the Emmys red carpet and season two of Pose, received a heartfelt tribute from his aunt Deidra “DivaDoll” Elkerson.
“I know he is in a much better place,” she posted on Facebook on February 25. “I can only imagine the welcome he received when he arrived at those pearly gates, with so many loved ones who had gone before. Oh, what a time he’s having with his grandmothers, grandfather, uncles, aunts, cousins, and good friends.”
Elkerson went on, “You made a hell of a mark on this earth!!! “You will always be loved and never forgotten.
According to Bravo’s Project Runway website, Lewis previously designed looks for his self-titled clothing line and worked as creative director for Stephen F., an Italian menswear company. While competing for judges Karlie Kloss and Christian Siriano on season 18, he met and befriended fellow contestant Brittany Allen, who also paid tribute to Lewis.
“I don’t have the words. “My heart aches,” she wrote in a February 25 Instagram post, alongside a photo of them together. “Without your light, the world and industry will be dim. Your love, laughter, and unwavering support no matter where we were in life meant everything.
Lewis, who grew up in New Jersey with a creative family, discovered a passion for fashion at a young age, which blossomed during his high school years.
“This kid named Johnny would sketch out all the theatrical costumes for the plays, and I would watch him every lunch break,” he told the Newark Museum of Art’s “Queer Newark” project. “And he would teach me how to sketch.” And after he graduated, everyone approached me.”
He continued, “My junior year, I began by making two dresses. My senior year, I did about ten. And from there, I was doing around 30 per year.”
After meeting a mentor in high school, Lewis was able to articulate his goals for his life.
“I want to be a designer,” he proudly stated. “I love clothes and I love fashion.”
