'Project Runway' alum Wendy Pepper dead at 53

A finalist on season one of Project Runway, Wendy designed and hand-sewed exceptionally handsome clothes for children and adults... "She was a big reason for the first season's success".

Project Runway season one cast member Wendy Pepper, whose full name was Anne Eustis Pepper, died Sunday.

Pepper, whose real name was Anne Eustis Pepper Stewart, died on November 12, according to an obituary in the Washington Post. Pepper was born in Dayton, Ohio, and graduated from Potomac School, the Madeira School, and the University of Washington, according to her obituary.

It was also written in the obituary: 'Her wit and humor were unmatched, as was her generosity of spirit'.

She is survived by her daughter, Finley, whom she often mentioned on the reality show, her parents, three brothers and a sister, as well as several nieces and nephews. 'Wendy was one of the original designers that sent creations down the catwalk, paving the way for other designers to come. The cause of death has not yet been revealed. Our hearts go out to Wendy's friends, fans, and family in this hard time. She designed and hand-sewed clothes for children and adults and was also a chef and a writer. A funeral service will be held on Friday, December 1 at Christ Church in Georgetown.

She appeared during the first season of Project Runway in 2004, making it to the finals at Fashion Week and ultimately coming in third. "I feel like it's an open door for people to come in and experience the world of fashion", she said at the time.