There have been hundreds of contestants since “Project Runway” began in 2004.
During the course of a season, we learn about every designer’s goals, desires, and backgrounds.
We fall in love with their humor, sense of style, and outlandish personality.
He earned a degree in apparel design and merchandising from Georgia Southern University.
Knight’s friend Jerris Madison published a piece reflecting on his friendship with Knight in Obvious Magazine.
The designer was born in Dayton, Ohio, but grew up in Washington.
Pepper always embraced her creative side.
Before “Project Runway,” Pepper ran her own business making hand-stitched wedding dresses and couture gowns.
We were a team … My childhood was a never-ending play date with my best friend."
Pepper was unliked by many of the contestants and struggled to connect with the younger designers.
However, being cast as the villain of the season did not hinder Pepper’s success.
In the overall competition of “Project Runway’s” first season, Pepper came in third place.
Pepper told The Picket, “There will always be people who love or hate your work …
It’s important to create one’s own sense and hold on to it.”
Before becoming a"Project Runway" designer, March had success as a costume designer.
The show ran from 1974 to 2019.
The show was a perfect match for March’s wild imagination.
March worked on the show for 10 years before becoming a “Project Runway” contestant.
He created an extravagant collection that included the use of human hair and leopard print.
Some of our favorite Chris March one-liners from the show, include: “Look!
Joan Rivers carved her name here when she was a little girl!”
We always love a good Chris March zinger.
March didn’t realize the effect being on television would have on his career.
He went on to star in his own reality TV series, “Mad Fashion” in 2011.
His designs on the show included a dress made out of shoes and a dress made of bras.
In 2010, Meryl Streep asked March to design her dresses for the Oscars and Golden Globes.
March was honored and toldPeople, “I wanted to faint!
Streep’s dress was not like March’s usual over-the-top designs, but she looked stunning all the same.
He was on the floor for four days before he awoke and made it to the hospital.
He was put in a medically induced coma for two months.
March also admitted to his fans that he’d been having suicidal thoughts due to his medical condition.
The GoFundMe raised $59,954, more than halfway to March’s goal of raising $100,000.
Unfortunately, on September 5, 2019, Chris March died of a heart attack at age 56.
It was an honor to share a very special experience with you.
I hope you are resting someplace beautiful dressed in one of your unbelievable creations.”
He was known for his fun and outlandish designs.
However, his fashion career did not end there.
Apparently, the “Project Runway” star did not want to inform his fans of his condition.
In the days following Kosuke’s death, the designer was mourned by his closest friends and family.
Although a funeral was held, Kosuke’s fans were not invited to participate.
His family instead chose to reflect on his life in private.
In ther/ProjectRunwaysubreddit, viewers remembered Kosuke for his positive attitude and enthusiastic spirit.
“This is what stuck out to me with Kooan.
He seemed like quite possibly the happiest contestant PR has ever had,” wrote one fan.
Because of these experiences, Lewis ensured that his clothing line would cast a spotlight onglamorous plus-sized designs.
Lewis' dedication to this vision ultimately carried him far.
Back in 2019, he earned a spot on the 18th season of “Project Runway.”
And, although he came in 10th place in the competition, Lewis' post-show career boomed.
He continued working in the television industry, creating outfits for Season 2 of “Pose.”
He also dressed"Real Housewives" star Cynthia Baileyas well as celebrity, Leah Janae.
Although Lewis ostensibly planned to accomplish even more, he died on February 24, 2025 at age 39.
Elkerson went on to ask Lewis' fans to send thoughts and prayers to his family.
Elkeson was not the only one of Lewis' family members to publicly mourn his death.
Lewis' reality TV co-stars were also quick to share their condolences.
Shavi Lewis, you were that person in my life."
