Fashion designer & ballroom star Abraham David Levy has died

Instagram (@abrahamdlevy)

(L-R) Abraham David Levy via Instagram; Susanne Bartsch, Jimbo, Murray Hill, and Abraham David Levy via Instagram.

Abraham David Levy worked on iconic looks for RuPaul's Drag Race queens, was seen in Paris Is Burning as a member of the House of Xtravaganza, and had collaborators like Susanne Bartsch.

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Legendary fashion designer Abraham David Levy has reportedly died this past weekend. Besides being a frequent collaborator of Susanne Bartsch, Kevin Aviance, Murray Hill, DreamDoll, and several RuPaul's Drag Race stars, Levy was also known for appearing in Paris Is Burning as a member of the House of Xtravaganza.

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Levy's passing was announced in a statement from the House of Xtravaganza, which reads:

"It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our brother Abraham David Levy Xtravaganza. A beloved member of the House since the mid-1980s, Abraham quickly became an asset to the family, earning a reputation in the ballroom scene for his sleek, model-like frame and avant-garde fashion creativity. He was immortalized in Paris Is Burning, competing in the Punk Rock category — a precursor to today's Bizarre category — sporting a striking high red mohawk.

Beyond ballroom, Abraham was a fixture of New York City's 1980s club-kid scene, playing a pivotal role in bringing voguing and ballroom culture to a wider nightlife audience. He was among the first to host voguing competitions outside of traditional ballrooms, helping to expand the movement's reach. His visionary approach to fashion and unwavering commitment to excellence took him from ballroom runways to RuPaul's Drag Race and New York Fashion Week, dressing countless nightlife icons and LGBTQ+ personalities along the way.

While we mourn the loss of our House brother and a vital part of Xtravaganza history and culture, we also celebrate Abraham's legacy — one that made the world more vibrant, daring, and undeniably fabulous."

This statement from the House of Xtravaganza was shared on Instagram.

See on Instagram

X/Twitter account @GoAwfCis also wrote a statement and shared a post that included pictures and videos of Levy's work:

"Though he got his start in ballroom, Levy has developed quite a reputation as a designer, making pieces worn by Tyra Banks and bringing life to the designs of Zaldy for Victoria's Secret like this look worn by Irina Shayk."

— (@)

Susanne Bartsch mourned the loss of her friend and collaborator in an Instagram story, writing:

"Where did you go! RIP @abrahamdlevy. I am heartbroken!!! And devastated."

Susanne Bartsch via Instagram story.

Instagram (@bartschland)

Kandy Muse, a breakout star from Drag Race season 13, All Stars 8, and season 2 of House of Villains, also mourned Levy's passing.

"Such a creative genius, such a sweet and tender soul, always filled with so much happiness and life!" she wrote in an Instagram story. "Thank you for creating magic on this earth. Rest easy @abrahamdlevy."

Kandy Muse via Instagram story.

Instagram (@thekandymuse)

Kandy Muse also shared a video of her working with Levy on an outfit, writing:

"Always had such an eye for attention to details and knew how to keep me calm while being stressed getting ready for All Stars 8, @abrahamdlevy."

Kandy Muse via Instagram story.

Instagram (@thekandymuse)

Whether they knew it or not, fans of TV shows like RuPaul's Drag Race and/or The Boulet Brothers' Dragula have also been gagging over Levy's work for many years. Several of his looks were featured by queens competing on the shows, as well as after their time in the series.

The fantastic X/Twitter page @Drag_Crave assembled a comprehensive thread of several iconic looks created by the designer.