Chris March, a veteran of Project Runway and his Mad Fashion Bravo TV series, has died, a source confirms to EW.
Per TMZ, March died Thursday from a heart attack, though he had been struggling with an onslaught of medical issues stemming from a 2017 accident in his home.
Bravo’s Andy Cohen addressed March’s death in a message on Instagram, accompanied by a photo from the designer’s appearance on Watch What Happens Live!
“This is how I’m going to remember Chris March, dressed as Lisa Vanderpump as I wear a Giggy costume he made for one of our first Halloween specials,” Cohen wrote. “He had a big booming laugh; he was a joy and delight,” the producer and talk-show host added.
In an email to EW, a Bravo spokesperson stated, “We are deeply saddened by the news of Chris March’s passing. 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 suffered a fall in his home in June 2017 that left him in a coma and resulted in other medical issues. This past March, he offered an update on his condition on his GoFundMe page, set up to help ease the financial burden from consistent medical treatment.
“I have recently run into several setbacks in my recovery, the biggest one being that my medical insurance went up over 500 percent at the beginning of 2019,” he said in a message shared via friend Nelson Caraballo. “I am also in need of leg braces, specialized physical therapy, a hearing aid, and a new living arrangement. Where I am now is unbearable and makes me anxious and depressed every day. I have considered suicide many times. I have tried my best to make strides. There is a long road of physical therapy ahead of me.”
March appeared in season 4 of Project Runway, on which he famously featured human hair in his couture pieces. Following the reality competition show, he designed looks for Madonna, Prince, Cirque du Soleil, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, and Meryl Streep.
In 2011, he developed and starred in Mad Fashion, which followed his design work with celebrity clientele, including Jennifer Coolidge and Chrissy Teigen. The show ran for 10 episodes. March later appeared on season 4 of Project Runway All-Stars in 2015.
This article has been updated with a statement from Bravo.
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As a seasoned enthusiast with a deep understanding of the fashion industry and its key figures, I express my condolences on the passing of Chris March, a renowned designer and veteran of Project Runway. I bring forth not only a wealth of knowledge about Chris March's contributions to the fashion world but also an ability to contextualize his impact on popular culture.
Chris March, a prominent figure known for his appearance on Project Runway's fourth season, was more than just a reality TV contestant. His unique and avant-garde approach to design set him apart, particularly his use of human hair in couture pieces, showcasing a bold and innovative perspective. My familiarity with March's body of work extends beyond television appearances, encompassing his design contributions to A-list celebrities such as Madonna, Prince, Cirque du Soleil, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, and Meryl Streep.
The tragic news of Chris March's passing, attributed to a heart attack following a series of medical challenges stemming from a 2017 home accident, underscores the fragility of life and the toll that unforeseen circ*mstances can take on even the most resilient individuals. It's essential to acknowledge the difficulties he faced, including a coma and ongoing medical issues, as detailed in his updates on a GoFundMe page created to alleviate the financial strain of his medical treatment.
March's influence extended beyond the runway, as evidenced by his role in the reality series Mad Fashion, where he showcased his design expertise while working with celebrity clientele like Jennifer Coolidge and Chrissy Teigen. This further emphasizes his multifaceted impact on the fashion and entertainment industries.
The expressions of grief from Bravo's Andy Cohen and a spokesperson for the network highlight the significant role Chris March played in the hearts of fans and the fashion community. The personal touch in Cohen's Instagram post, reminiscing about March's infectious laughter and sharing a memorable moment in a Lisa Vanderpump costume, adds a poignant layer to the collective mourning.
In conclusion, the loss of Chris March is not merely a moment of sadness for fans but a reflection on the transformative power of creativity in the fashion world. His journey, from Project Runway to designing for iconic figures, leaves an indelible mark on the industry. As we remember Chris March, it is a reminder of the challenges faced by even the most talented individuals and the importance of supporting one another in times of need.
