Wendy Pepper, a contestant on the first season of “Project Runway,” has died at the age of 53.
The designer — whose real name was Anne Eustis Pepper Stewart — “died peacefully on November 12, 2017, surrounded by her loving family,” according to an obituary published in The Washington Post on Friday. She was born in Dayton, Ohio, and lived in DC.
She “designed and hand-sewed exceptionally beautiful clothes for children and adults,” according to the obituary.
“She was an artist who proudly forged her own path in life … She was a chef, a writer, and a life-long entrepreneur. Her wit and humor were unmatched, as was her generosity of spirit.”
Pepper came in third place on the first season of “Project Runway” in 2004, and also made an appearance on the second season of “Project Runway All Stars.”
“We are saddened to hear of the passing of another member of the Project Runway family, designer Wendy Pepper, this year,” a spokesperson for Lifetime told Page Six on Friday. “Wendy was one of the original designers that sent creations down the catwalk, paving the way for other designers to come. We wish her family and friends peace during this difficult time.”
Pepper’s death comes just one month after the passing of fellow “Project Runway” contestant Mychael Knight, who appeared on Season 3 of the fashion competition series as well as on the “All Stars” spinoff. He was 39 years old.
Pepper is survived by a daughter, Finley M. Stewart of Middleburg, VA, as well as her parents, three brothers, one sister and many nieces and nephews.
Her cause of death was not specified. A funeral service will be held on Friday, December 1 at Christ Church in Georgetown.