Celebrity Designer & ‘Project Runway’ Contestant Dies at 39 — Details

The death of the reality TV star has left his family shell-shocked, but they find comfort in the lasting impact he made on the world.

“Project Runway” contestant and celebrity designer Sha’Vi Lewis passed away at the age of 39 on Monday, February 24. His final Facebook post struck a chord with many.

Lewis’ aunt, Deidra “DivaDoll” Elkerson, confirmed his passing in an emotional Facebook post, writing, “I KNOW HE IS IN A MUCH BETTER PLACE.” Despite this, she mourned her nephew, expressing sadness over no longer hearing his familiar greetings.

Elkerson also penned, “I CAN JUST IMAGINE THE WELCOME HE RECIEVED 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, COUSIINS. AND GOOD FRIENDS [sic].”

She added, “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.”

Elkerson has urged others to keep Lewis’ loved ones in their thoughts, asking for prayers for his mother, Joyce Solomon-Frierson, his father, Franklin Frierson, his brother, Troy Solomon Frierson, and his sisters, Akira Frierson Wood and Destiny L. Owens.

Lewis’s sister Wood has also spoken out after his demise, “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.”

Wood noted that as much as the world was just getting to know her brother, his family knew how great he was. “Continue to pray as we mourn the loss of our loved one, Franklin Shavi Lewis Frierson Jr,” she added.

Lewis’s final Facebook post made on February 23 caught the attention of many, who have now sent their condolences. He wrote, “If I treated people the way they treat me, I’d be the worst person on earth…….. versallies [sic].”

Aside from this cryptic post, Lewis primarily shared his bespoke designs on Facebook. Bravo TV highlighted Lewis’ journey, noting that creativity was always a part of his life.

The designer was raised in Hillside, New Jersey. He comes from a musically inclined family and so, he was surrounded by artistic influences from an early age.

His passion for fashion ignited at seven when his grandmother, a seamstress and designer, crafted a sequined jacket he wanted for a choir concert. Inspired by her skills, he began creating and sewing his own garments.

During high school, Lewis honed his craft by taking summer classes at FIT, later enrolling at Clark Atlanta University to study fashion design. Though he did not graduate, his time there helped him develop his distinctive style and theatrical approach to fashion.

Over the years, he established his self-titled luxury womenswear brand, known for its classic yet bold aesthetic. He also worked as a creative director for the Italian menswear company Stephen F. His work developed, and he was often renowned for balancing sophistication with risk-taking in his designs.

According to his bio on Artists and Beyond, Lewis was a limited luxury designer specializing in women’s demi-couture cocktails and evening wear. His namesake brand, established in 2012, was inspired by vintage garment construction.

It was created to provide classic, sensual, and sophisticated pieces for the modern woman. His designs, which are influenced by extravagant glamour and meticulous attention to detail, have graced red carpets and special events, dressing today’s fashion elite.

Bravo TV also reiterates, “His fashions have been seen on Emmy red carpets, in the second season of ‘Pose’ on client Diva Davanna Booker, on celebrities Leah Janae and Cynthia Bailey, and at the Bermuda Fashion Festival.”

Lewis’s hard work and determination led him to compete in season 18 of “Project Runway,” a reality competition where aspiring fashion designers vie for a chance to break into the industry. Each week, contestants present their designs to a panel of judges, with one designer being eliminated until a winner is crowned.

Nancy Volpe-Beringer, the runner-up of “Project Runway” Season 18, paid tribute to Lewis. She wrote, “If you are lucky, you get to meet a person who instantly fills your heart and soul with a love and a bond so strong, you know will it will last forever. Shavi Lewis, you were that person in my life. Your family became my family.”

Beringer also spoke of the deep loss she feels in his absence. She reflected on the impact of Lewis’s unconditional love, infectious humor, and pure spirit and acknowledged how difficult it is to navigate life without him.

However, she also recognized the blessing of having had him in her life and emphasized that his legacy will continue to shine for his family, friends, and the fashion community. “I will never stop missing you or loving you. Rest in peace,” she concluded.

Brittany Allen, who was also on “Project Runaway” with Lewis, mourned him. She spoke of the depth of her sorrow and the ache in her heart amidst this loss. Allen also reflected on the impact of Lewis’s presence, noting that both the world and the fashion industry would feel dimmer without his light.

She continued, “Your love, your laughter, and your continuous support no matter where we were in life was everything. Season 18 forever and ever. Rest in power @shavilewis. Love, your Brit Brat.”

Just as his industry peers loved him, they also recognized his work. In November 2024, Lewis was honored with the Vernest Moore Vision Award by Odyssey International Productions.

Lewis expressed gratitude for the recognition, sharing that the evening was made even more special by the presence of his fashion industry peers, an old friend from Clark Atlanta University, and his mother. The designer’s family, his fashion industry colleagues, and others who were close to him will always celebrate the talented designer he was.