(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Chicago-born fashion designer Stevie Edwards, who dressed celebrities including Tiffany Haddish and Diana Ross, has died.
The news broke late Sunday night, less than two months after Edwards announced on his social media pages that he was taking a break from designing to focus on his fight against cancer. Edwards had asked his supporters to donate to a GoFundMe set up to help with medical expenses.
Dionne Williams, Creator and Founder of the "Emerge! Fashion Show" at New York Fashion Week, was among his friends who were heartbroken to hear the news of his passing on Sunday.
"I was really in shock," Williams said.
Williams said Stevie's death leaves a void no one else can fill.
"This is a big loss for the Chicago fashion industry," she said. "I just feel like Stevie was one of the designers from the '90s who really stepped it up and paved the way for the designers in Chicago for today."
Dionne Williams said one of the things Stevie Edwards will be remembered for is his gift for creating designs that spoke to women. "You could be fearless," Williams said. "You can be confident in whatever style that you like. You can be bold. You can be soft. I think his designs really kind of showcased that."Dionne Williams
Edwards was born and raised on the South Side and stayed connected to his Chicago roots even as his star rose in the fashion world.
"He has so many celebrities and notables wear his clothes," said Williams.
She said one of the things he will be remembered for is his gift for creating designs that spoke to women.
"You could be fearless," Williams said. "You can be confident in whatever style that you like. You can be bold. You can be soft. I think his designs really kind of showcased that."
The Emerge! Fashion Show is already working on a tribute to Edwards for New York Fashion Week, which takes place in September.
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