Sha’Vi Lewis, a former contestant from Project Runway, has passed away at the age of 39.
His aunt, Deidra DivaDoll Elkerson, shared the sad news on Facebook on February 24, saying, “My fabulous, talented nephew, Sha’Vi Lewis, is gone from this place. I won’t hear his greetings to me anymore, ‘Hey Auntie Diva.’” She also asked for prayers for his family during this difficult time.
Elkerson continued, “I know he’s in a much better place. I can just imagine the welcome he received at those pearly gates, with so many loved ones who had gone before him. Oh, what a time he must be having with his grandmothers, grandfather, uncles, aunts, cousins, and good friends.”
She ended with a heartfelt message: “Rest in joy, nephew, knowing that you left a hell of a mark on this earth! You will always be loved and never forgotten.”
Born Franklin Sha’Vi Lewis Frierson Jr., the talented fashion designer grew up in New Jersey and studied fashion at Clark Atlanta University. He gained attention after appearing on season 18 of Project Runway in 2019. Although he didn’t win, Sha’Vi placed 10th and was eliminated during the sixth week of the competition. Outside of the show, he achieved a lot, launching his own clothing line, serving as creative director for the Italian brand Stephen F, and designing for Pose and various celebrities on red carpets.
His sister, Akira Frierson Wood, said, “We are in a state of disbelief as we come to the reality that our star has been cast into eternity. We knew he was great even when the world was just catching on to his name.” She added, “Continue to pray as we mourn the loss of our loved one, Franklin Sha’Vi Lewis Frierson Jr.”
No cause of death has been shared, but People magazine reported that Sha’Vi is survived by his mother, Joyce Solomon-Frierson, his father, Franklin Frierson, his brother, Troy Solomon Frierson, and his sister, Akira Frierson Wood.
