'Project Runway' Fan Favorite Chris March Has Died

He was 56.

Chris March, a costume designer who has dressed stars like Beyonce and Meryl Streep, has died at the age of 56. March’s family confirmed the news to TMZ on Friday that the former Project Runway contestant died Thursday afternoon from a heart attack.

TMZ reports that March was still designing dresses “until the end.” 

"We are deeply saddened by the news of Chris March’s passing," a Bravo spokesperson told The Hollywood Reporter."He was a favorite among Bravo fans and the fashion community. Our condolences go out to his family and friends. He will truly be missed."

March competed alongside fashion designer Christian Siriano in season four of Project Runway. Siriano ultimately won, while March (a fan favorite) placed fouth. March also appeared on Project Runway All Stars and had his own Bravo show, Mad Fashion, in which he designed Chrissy Teigen’s 2011 Met Gala Gown and made custom designs for Jennifer Coolidge and Dina Manzo, among others. 

One of March’s biggest moments was creating Meryl Streep’s white Oscar gown and her Golden Globes gown in 2010. 

“I wanted to faint!” March toldPeople magazine in 2010. “I have always wanted to design something for someone like that, and it was a great and amazing opportunity. ... I liked the idea of putting a belt on an evening gown — I think it gives [a gown] a modern twist. I sketched it out quickly and she really liked it." 

Prior to Project Runway, March was the costume designer for the long-running musical revue Beach Blanket Babylon. He often cited his experience designing for drag queens as helping him get all the way to the top five on the long-running competition show.

Siriano memorialized his former castmate on Friday as news of March’s passing broke.

“Chris, you brought so much beauty into the world and will truly be missed,”  he said on Twitter. “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.” 

According to Variety, March had been routinely hospitalized after a near-deadly fall two years ago. He reportedly slipped in his apartment and was knocked out for four days.

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