Sha’Vi Lewis, a fashion designer and Project Runway alum, has died, his family said. He was 39.
Born Franklin Sha’Vi Lewis Frierson, Jr. in Newark, New Jersey, he gained fame as a contestant on the 18th season of Project Runway, which aired from 2019 to 2020.
Lewis died on Monday, Feb. 24, his aunt, Deidra “DivaDoll” Elkerson, shared on Facebook.
“My fabulous talented nephew Sha’Vi Lewis is gone from this place,” she wrote. “I know he is in a much better place. I can just imagine the welcome he received when he got to those pearly gates, with so many loved ones who had gone before. Oh what a time what a time he is having with his grandmothers, grandfather, uncles, aunts, cousins and good friends.”
No cause of death was given.
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Lewis’ sister, Akira Frierson Wood, told TMZ the family is devastated.
“We are in a state of disbelief as we come to the reality that our star has been cast into eternity,” she told the outlet. “While the world is just catching on to the name Sha’vi we knew he was and is great! Continue to pray as we mourn the loss of our loved one, Franklin Shavi Lewis Frierson Jr.”
During his season, Lewis stood out on Project Runway with designs including animal prints and a memorable Christmas-themed dress.
He was eliminated in episode 6 during the family heritage challenge, where judges felt his story about his great aunt and grandmother didn’t fully connect with his design.
Geoffrey Mac, who was known for his use of latex, won the season Lewis competed on.
Outside of reality TV, Lewis went on to work as a creative director for Italian menswear brand Stephen F., according to Us Weekly. He also ran his own clothing line, and would promote his small business through social media.
Lewis’ time on Project Runway recently saw renewed attention when his season was released on Netflix in December 2024. He celebrated the moment with an Instagram post.
Project Runway, which has been a launchpad for up-and-coming designers since 2004, is set to return for its 21st season later this year on Freeform.
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