Orange, N.J. – Lendrell Levi Martin, a sartorial innovator, advocate for BSI‑Greensboro, and beloved mentor, who passed away unexpectedly on June 9, 2025, in Orange, New Jersey. He was 37 years old .
Born March 14, 1988, Martin’s warmth, generosity, and creative fervor defined both his personal and professional life
. A graduate of the Burlington County Institute of Technology (BCIT), where he cultivated a lifelong bond with fellow alumni, Martin advanced his studies in fashion design at Drexel University. He carried that early technical foundation into a distinguished career in New York and New Jersey.
A Bold and Discerning Voice in Fashion
After earning a solid reputation, Martin became Senior Technical Designer at Madewell, applying precision and innovation to garment construction
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. He built his own brand—Lendrell Collection—as a digital creator and consultant, showcased at lendrellmartin.com and on Instagram @lendrellm
. His aesthetic was defined by meticulous tailoring—crochet polos, refined summer pieces—distinguished by balance, texture, and a quietly confident flair.
Peers recall Lendrell as someone whose impeccable sense of style could command a room or subtly elevate a conversation. His design philosophy combined technical skill with personal storytelling, mirroring mentorship roles he took on through organizations like FCCLA and BSI‑Greensboro, forging pathways for young designers from underserved communities. He demonstrated a rare commitment to both craft and community.
Distinguished Mentor and Advocate
Martin’s influence extended far beyond his own collections. As a Senior Technical Designer, he mentored emerging talent in New York’s competitive fashion world. Across state lines, he was an unwavering supporter of BSI-Greensboro, fostering connections that bridged regional divides. Though based in NYC/NJ, he regularly engaged with Greensboro initiatives, seeking creative collaboration and opportunities for local youth.
A dedicated volunteer and consultant, he invested countless hours in training sessions, portfolio reviews, and networking events, helping students and protégés refine their technical and conceptual skills.
A Friendship Born in Solidarity
One friendship that captures Lendrell’s essence began at the Jaffe Awards gala in New York, where he met one of BSI‑Greensboro’s representatives. The tablemates discovered a shared belief: fashion could be more than aesthetic—it could be a catalyst for empowerment. “Instant friends,” Lendrell’s companion later recalled. “We sat at the same table in NYC during the Jaffe Awards—instant friends! I’ll always treasure our friendship.”
Beyond the Labels
Lendrell Martin was more than fabrics and silhouettes. He was an empathetic, spirited individual whose kindness left an enduring mark. Described by family and friends as warm, generous, and vibrant, his ability to connect—whether at an awards gala, in a workshop, or across borders—was his true legacy. He was a man who listened, helped, and inspired.
His work—whether a pattern, a technical fit adjustment, or a mentor’s insight—carried his belief that beauty is inseparable from integrity.
Service Details and Legacy
A memorial service will be held at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, June 18, at Woody Home Funeral Services, 163 Oakwood Avenue, City of Orange, NJ
Family, friends, students, and colleagues are invited to celebrate his life, share stories, and honor his gentle but powerful influence.
Lendrell’s legacy lives on in the garments he perfected, the students he guided, and the communities he lifted. His digital archives, design tutorials, and mentorship records—through FCCLA, BSI‑Greensboro, and personal outreach—become enduring resources. His message: craft with purpose, and lead with compassion.
Remembering Lendrell Martin
Colleagues at Madewell remember him as a diligent collaborator whose technical precision elevated collections. At industry workshops, he was a patient teacher, turning complex patternmaking into clear lessons. At community events, he was a fierce advocate for mentorship and equitable opportunity.
As a Drexel University alumnus, he carried pride for his college and BCIT, often returning to speak with aspiring designers. He likened the design process to storytelling—a way to convey identity, culture, and resilience. That ethos fueled his advocacy for FCCLA, a program that shaped his sense of purpose.
Final Reflections
Loss is always felt most keenly in absence, but Lendrell Martin’s presence endures—in each student who steers their own career with his guidance, each garment that bears his technical mark, and each community he served with heart.
His radiant spirit, keen eye, and unwavering belief that design is a form of service continue to inspire. In the legacy he leaves behind, Lendrell’s life remains a blueprint for passion aligned with purpose.
Lendrell Levi Martin is survived by his family, countless friends and classmates at BCIT, colleagues in NYC/NJ, mentees across the country, and the communities of FCCLA and BSI‑Greensboro—all forever shaped by his generosity. His story reminds us that true design transcends the runway—it builds community, connects souls, and endures through grace.
