The fashion industry has yet again lost a creative soul. Former "Project Runway" contestant Mychael Knight passed away on Oct. 17, Tuesday. He was 39.
Jerris Madison, a friend of the Knights, shared the official statement of the deceased designer's family on Obvious magazine's website, "We are still processing the untimely death of our son, brother, friend, and uncle. Mychael meant everything and we loved him dearly."
A fashion designer and stylist to the stars, Knight did not make it to the "Project Runway" when he auditioned for season 2. Fortunately, he made it to the cut in season 3 in 2006. He won fourth place and captivated the fans with his revealing and bold designs, winning the viewers' choice award. After "Project Runway," Knight also appeared in BET's "Rip the Runway" in 2007 where he launched his namesake line. Knight then came back in 2009 to "Project Runway: All Stars Challenge."
Knight was born in Germany and grew up in Montgomery, Alabama. He received his Fashion Merchandising and Apparel Design degree at Georgia State University. He started working in fashion in 2001 as an intern at Wilbourn Exclusive in Atlanta.
As a stylist, he had worked with celebrities like Jennifer Hudson and Patti LaBelle. Knight also partnered with Starbucks to create a limited-edition T-shirt line. The designer had released a unisex scent called MajK.
"Project Runway" judges Heidi Klum, Nina Garcia, and Michael Kors remembered Knight, describing him as a talented and an extraordinary designer. In an interview with E! News, Garcia said that she was shocked upon hearing the news. "He was such a talented, positive, and determined person and designer. He will surely be missed by his 'Project Runway' family and all those who knew him," she added.
Knight died outside Atlanta, surrounded by his family and friends. According to TMZ, Knight died after being admitted to a hospital in Georgia due to irritable bowel syndrome, but according to his family's statement, the cause of Knight's death is still unknown.
