Wendy Pepper, one of Project Runway’s first contestants, died November 12 in Washington, D.C..

She was born Anne Eustis Pepper, the fashion designer. According to an obituary, she was

“surrounded by her loving family.”

No cause of death was given. Pepper was one of the show’s original big personalities, and made it to the first season’s final round.

In 2012, she joined Project Runway All Stars’ second season. She was born in Dayton, Ohio, and graduated from Potomac School, the Madeira School, and the University of Washington. She is survived by her parents, three brothers, sister, and daughter.

Wendy Pepper was 53.

(Photo, YouTube; via Vulture)