Chris March (June 27 1972 – September 5 2019) was an American fashion designer, television personality, and costume artist. He gained prominence as a contestant on the inaugural season of the reality competition series Project Runway in 2004, where he placed fourth and became noted for his avant‑garde designs and theatrical presentation style. Following his appearance on the show, March launched a career that spanned runway collections, costume design for stage productions, and collaborations with commercial brands.
Early life and education
Born in New York City, March grew up in the surrounding area and attended the Parsons School of Design, where he earned a degree in fashion design. His early work was characterized by a blend of high fashion techniques and performative elements.
Career
After Project Runway, March established his own label, producing seasonal collections that were shown at New York Fashion Week. His designs often incorporated unconventional materials and dramatic silhouettes, reflecting his background in performance art. In addition to his runway work, March designed costumes for theater productions, most notably for the off‑Broadway musical Wicked and various television specials.
March also contributed to commercial projects, including collaborations with brands such as H&M and a limited‑edition line of accessories for Target. He appeared as a guest judge on later seasons of Project Runway and participated in related spin‑off series.
Legal issues
In 2010, March was involved in a lawsuit with a former business partner over alleged mismanagement of funds related to his fashion line. The case was settled out of court, with the details remaining confidential.
Personal life and death
March was openly gay and was an advocate for LGBTQ+ visibility within the fashion industry. He lived in Los Angeles during the latter part of his career. On September 5 2019, March died at the age of 47 in a Los Angeles hotel room; the cause of death was reported as an accidental overdose of prescription medication.
Legacy
Chris March is remembered for his contributions to contemporary fashion, particularly his integration of theatrical concepts into garment design. His work continues to influence designers who seek to merge performance art with high fashion.
