American Fashion Designer, and Project Runway alum, Mychael Knight has passed away. He was 39 years old. Mychael died at 7:25 am EST outside of Atlanta, GA on October 17, 2017, surrounded by his loving family and friends. His family asks that their privacy is respected during this time of grieving.
The Knight Family has selected OBVIOUS as their media source during their grievance for any inquiries.
Official Statement for The Knight Family:
“We are still processing the untimely death of our son, brother, friend, and uncle. Mychael meant everything to us and we loved him dearly. He was generous and so full of life. This is how we choose to remember his legacy.” – The Knight Family
***UPDATE***
There’s a lot of inquiries and speculation about Mychael Knight’s cause of death and whether it was from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). We do not have his cause of death at this time. Mychael, however, publicly disclosed his battle with IBS via is Facebook Page on July 12, 2017. We will provide more information once it becomes available.
I’m still in awe that I’ve created a post announcing his death. Mychael Knight was my friend, my brother, and a voice of reason everyone wants in their corner of the entertainment industry. He was passionate, outspoken, direct, kind, and unapologetic.
I met Mychael in Philly almost 10 years ago. We both were booked to speak on a fashion panel for Radio One. We instantly clicked and became friends. He was a true Southern Gentleman and had no problems telling you that he was from the South. No matter what situation or industry event we attended, he always remained himself. I admired that about him. He loved his family so much and others, it reflected. He was a big Momma’s Boy, his mother was one of his best friends.
When I lost my leg due to a rare form of bone cancer, Mychael helped me get my confidence back. I once complained about how designers aren’t making clothes for people like me. Mychael’s immediate response was, “I got you! Give me a few days to sketch something for you.” I said okay cool. Later, I checked my email and there the sketches were. I cried. I saw the vision. That’s me, I said! What my friend did for me changed my attitude about how I looked and boosted my confidence beyond words.
When our schedules allowed us to hang out, we attend various red carpet and industry events together. He would come over to my apt and vice versa to break bread and discuss how we were going to take over LA (He made the best cocktails!!!). I remember the times when I would try to introduce my version of healthy food options to him and he would say, “I told you I have a taste for a burger Jerris… LOL!” That moment still cracks me up!
Mychael, as I cry typing this, I’m so glad I gave you your flowers while you were here and grateful for the time you spent here. You taught me to continue to stand up for myself in this business. I’m grateful we never allowed egos to compete in our friendship.
I scrolled through your Facebook page and saw the last quote you posted: “Life Tip: Do You.” I felt like you were speaking to me and everyone that you love. I will never forget you.
I love you my brotha from anotha Mother. Until we see each other again.
– Jerris :^)
BIO
“Sharp and Chic, with a touch Danger.” A well-deserved description of label’s elevated approach to contemporary sportswear. MYCHAEL KNIGHT first began autographing women with his signature take on fashion in the Spring of 2001. Acquiring his taste while living & traveling European as a youth and honing his aesthetic while being educated in the US, he seamlessly binds the urbanity and sensuality of the today’s women. Noting Gianni Versace as an artistic idol, cut and fit are the mainstay mantra of the brand. From day dresses to outerwear, each collection celebrates ultra femininity and elevated ease. Championing the ‘woman who’s every woman’, the brand always maintains it’s consideration for women who lead multi-faceted lifestyles. Bright color palettes, refreshing details, and quality, sophisticated structure continue to define the brand’s effortless take on dressing the modern women.
Michael Anthony Knight, Jr. was born on April 11, 1978, in Nuremberg, Germany to Pamela and Michael Anthony Knight, Sr.
Although Knight spent his childhood in Montgomery, Alabama, in 1996, he received his high school diploma from Washingtonville Senior High School in Washingtonville, New York. Later that same year, Knight began his freshman year of college at Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, Georgia. In 2001, this university awarded Knight a Bachelor of Science degree in Apparel Design and Merchandising.
After completing his undergraduate studies, Knight broke into the fashion industry in Atlanta, Georgia by working as an intern at Wilbourn Exclusives in 2001 and then by becoming a Fashion Stylist in the music industry in 2002.
In 2005, Knight auditioned for the second season of the Bravo network reality television series, Project Runway, but he was not accepted as a Season Two Contestant. In 2006, Knight reauditioned for Project Runway, and this time he was accepted as a contestant for season three. Knight went on to win season three’s Fan Favorite award and to place fourth in the overall competition.
In 2007, Knight introduced his label, Mychael Knight, on BET’s Rip the Runway and he designed a line of custom tees for the Starbucks Corporation.
In 2008, Knight launched Kitty & Dick, his female and male lingerie label, and his unisex fragrance, MajK.
On August 20, 2009, the Project Runway: All-Star Challenge aired on Lifetime Television. Knight joined Daniel Vosovic and Santino Rice of season two, Jeffrey Sebelia and Uli Herzner of season three, Chris March and Sweet P of season four, and Korto Momolu of season five in a special, “one-shot” competition where the winner, Daniel Vosovic, received $100,000.
On March 17, 2010, Mychael Knight debuted his Fall/Winter 2010 line at Charleston Fashion Week in Charleston, South Carolina.
In 2013, Knight became a contestant on Project Runway: All Stars (season 3).
Mychael Knight’s Final Collection | Spring/Summer 2018
Mychael Knight Memories
50 comments
This saddens me to the core. I hadn’t had any interaction with Mychael in years but he was always so pleasant whenever we did. My condolences to his family.
.So sorry to see him go. He was one of my favorite finalist when I was a teenager. He was pretty hot in Atlanta and some Hollywood stars wore his clothes. Why did he died so young?
Very sad news. Rest in sweet peace Mychael.
I had just met him join during New York Fashion Week I model for him i can’t believe it he was sick but still slay the runway rip Mycheal you were such an amazing soul u will be missed
My heart breaks for his loved ones, I delibrately sought out and bought his Project Runway season because it was so inspiring to watch him move quietly, purposefully and unscathed by the drama around him. Watching his career bloom afterwards I realized that was how he moved through life, purposefully but above the petty drama. Rest in peace sweet prince, rest in peace.
R. I. P. You were so very talented! Thank you for being you! R. I. P.
Beautiful tribute from one who it is clear to see really loved him!
I have no words! A true fashion genius, and a bright light among us. You were loved and will be missed among your peers and the world in general. Rest in peace…
Hi I did not know of him but may he rest in peace. God bless his family.
I am so sorry for your loss of Mychael. I watched him on Project Runway. He was my favorite. He was kind, funny and talented.
To Mychael’s mom, you raised a kind hearted and talented man. I could see the love and respect he had for you, when he talked about you. I am so sorry.
My prayers to you, his family and friend’s.
I am praying for the family.
This saddens me to my Core. He was one of my favorite Designers on this show ever. There was just something about his Spirit that drew me to him and his work. I reached out to him to use his designs for a magazine and Red Carpet. He was so sweet and Busy!!!! We could not make it happen at that time.
I regret not being able to work with him and meet him in person. Rest in peace sweet angel. You left your mark of Beauty and Grace.
Your fashion always touched me deeply. Rest in Peace …
Condolence to the family & friends of Mychael Knight May you continue to find healing strength in God Rest in Heavenly Peace Mycheal
RIP! Mychael God called another one of his Angels home, you surely will be missed.
A true loss not only to the fashion world, but to those who knew and loved him. His designs are beautifully soft and edgy – a very unique style that bespeaks of his talent.
What a wonderful tribute. Thank you
We are rarely blessed with true gentlemen in this world, he was not of this world but in it, he stayed himself, honored his beliefs and values. Blessings to his family, thank you for sharing him with us.
So sorry for the loss of this young fashion designer. Followed him from the show. Loved his garments.God bless him. HE WILL BE MISSED
Praying for his family and friends ! The creativity he leaves with fashion will
forever keep his memory and talents alive ! God Bless !
O.M.G ….. Loss for words may you Rest in Peace gone way to soon !!!! Thank you for all of the inspiration you gave me to be all I can be !!
Peaceful rest, Mychael! To his mom and family…My deepest condolences! May God comfort your heart at this very difficult time! Peace Be Still!
So sad to hear of the passing of such a creative and fashionfoward genius, I never met him but he really reeled me in when he was on project runway. So talented. My condolences to the family and friend everywhere whom knew him best. God bless your soul. Rest in love. I can only imagine the fashions he’s creating with those wings as his inspiration.
Rest well Mychael! So sad to hear the news! May God give your family strength during this time.
Thank you Jerris for loving our friend, and being there for him. Myke loved who I love and I will love you for that always!!
Undeniably a huge loss for the Black fashion design world! Micheal was extremely talented and admired by many! May God bless his family and everyone very close to him!
He was my #1 favorite of all the Seasons of Project Runway. My condolences to his friends and family.
R.I.p. You were so talented until God needed you up there with him to recreate somethings for him.so u continue to let your light shine bright like a diamond.rest up he got work for you to do…..
It’s clear to speak of how many people Mychael impacted, I met MK during my very first fashion show I walked in ATL 2010, as he was one of the Host of the show. Very down to earth, funny, and quick Witt nice guy, something the industry definitely lacks. We met again throughout the years via mutual friends that he’s designed for and I danced for, and he was always nice and professional, then knew how to have a good time….this news today stung me with shock because we just never know!!! God truly blessed us with an amazing spirited person. It seems like all the good ones are being taken away, MK you will truly be missed, praise God that you were able to abide by the one rule God wants for us all…to LOVE!!! R.I.P bro, God bless your spirit, and bring peace to your family and friends. 🙏🏾
Mychael was simply too young to go. This universe has lost a major impact in the fashion industry. Rest In Love good and faithful servant.
RIP my brother. Loved you and your fashions on PR. Watched the show just to see what you were going to blow my mind with!
Rest in peace and may god bless and keep your family
R.I.P.Mychael Knight i loved you on Project Runway you were awesome still love you in Death.
RIP Micheal……. My condolences to his Family and Friends. I am so sorry for the family loss. I seen him on project runway and I love his work. We loss a good man at a early age. Missing him already again Sorry for your loss.
Mychael Knight, you will be missed by so many who cherished your life. Knight Family & Friends, please accept my condolences on your loss. #Cheers. #Peace
God bless.
To the family and friends of Mychael Knight – My heartfelt condolences for the loss of your loved one. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
One of my favvvvvvvssss on Project Runway
My sincerest condolences to Mychael’s beloved Mother, and also to his loved ones and friends as well. Another bright light is extinguished on earth and now shines brightly above. May he rest in heavenly peace. – a fan.
First & foremost my sincere condolences to his family. His future was so bright that it burns my eyes but God had another plan. May he rest in paradise. You’re already missed!““A Fan
I met the knight family 2002 come like God family to me 😇 God has a other angel rip mycheal my big God brother
An avid fan of Project Runway,I don’t remember the names of many of the contestants,but I remember Michael Knight..my condolences to the family.
i watched him and got hooked on project runway while in the hospital – i adored him and the show after all these years- he was my my favorite that season… it’s amazing how a person you have never met can change you
As an avid fan of the show Project Runway I remember being so pissed that he didnt win his season. I thought he was so talented. I remember when his mom was the client on one episode of PR. I was really sad when I saw the memorial to him at the end of the episode tonight. The world is a lesser place w/o him. My condolences to his family and friends. Father God wrap your arms around Michael in heaven and his family n friends here on earth. Keep them strong. RIP Michael.
Profound sadness at this news. Heartfelt condolences to his family.
I am a very sorry for your loss. I am very confused tho. Did someone else stand in for Mychael on this last season of Project Runway? The reason I ask is because on the show Mychael did not look like the handsome black man he was. This man looked like a man from India or somewhere like that. I certainly don’t mean any offense. I’m just wondering. Again, sorry for your loss and my prayers are with each of you.
Extremely talented designer, the best in all ways. My favorite from Project Runway. He will definitely be missed
Blessings to the Knight family. I followed Mychael on Project Runway. He is 1 of the inspirations that started me back to sewing & making my own clothes. He was such a creative talent, like a gush of fresh air. R.I.P. Mychael, the world is happy to have been graced with your creativity.
My prayers goes out to your family (Pam, Hubby and David Harris). Sheridan Heights in Montgomery, Al are sooo proud of you son and nephew successes. Pam, I miss you girl and was so surprised when I saw you on TV on Project Runway with your son. I know it’s tough…I send you and your family love. God is with you all in Jesus name I pray Amen.
Beautiful talented young man who was one of my favorites on Project Runway, his talent and beautiful personality will be missed, Rest In Peace
I am so sorry to hear that Mychael Knight have passed away. He was such a classy guy. I watched him on Project Runway and I could see that he was passionate about his gift. I pray for his family and all those who knew and loved him.