The man who created one of Australia’s most recognisable brands has passed away following a battle with a “brief illness”.
Premal Patel, the founder and CEO of Runaway The Label, died on December 14, the brand announced on Instagram.
He was just 47 when he “passed away peacefully following a brief illness”.
Last month he revealed he was rushed into the ICU with “dangerously low oxygen levels”.
“I was mid conversation and literally falling asleep. My oxygen was so low it wasn’t compatible with life without an external tank keeping me alive,” Mr Patel wrote on Instagram on November 5.
“I spent a week in hospital with test after test and still no answers.”
He discharged himself before landing back in emergency two days later. He was sent back home but soon reported back to the ICU.
“The third time … I wasn’t so lucky. I was placed into an induced coma with two tubes down into my lungs. I was at 50 per cent oxygen, on super high flow support. My lungs were so severely inflamed that they couldn’t absorb oxygen. I was actually dying,” he said.
“Then they finally found it – vape fluid in my lungs. They blasted my lungs with anti inflammatory treatment just to keep me breathing.”
He urged others to stop vaping.
Friends and fans were quick to express their heartbreak at the news of Mr Patel’s death.
Grace Garrick, the founder and director of PR agency MVMNT, took to Instagram to write: “Heartbroken and saddened by this news. Prem was truly one of a kind, so generous with his time and energy, and absolutely hilarious, always making everyone around him feel seen and welcome.
“I am so grateful to have known you. Sending so much love to PJ, his family, team and friends. RIP Prem.”
Stylist Donny Galella also expressed his sadness.
“Absolutely devastating news. Rest in peace Prem, sending my condolences and love to PJ, his family and loved ones,” the celebrity stylist said.
Gogglebox star Sarah Marie Fahd said: “I can’t believe this. It’s like a bad dream. Rest in peace dearest Prem. We love you so much and you will be missed not only by us, but by everyone whose life you’ve touched.”
“Devastating news. Sending so much love to Prem’s family and to the team,” said stylist and shoe designer Lana Wilkinson.
Content creator Jeremy Franco said: “I cannot believe this. Rest in peace.”
Carmen Azzopardi, an influencer, said: “Cannot believe it. I still quote so many of Prem’s iconic one liners to this day, he was enigmatic and truly one of one. My heart goes out to mamta, Prem’s family and all the Runaway team.”
Fellow designer Alex Perry said: “Rest with the highest my friend.”
Mr Patel’s brand Runaway The Label has worked with many high profile celebrities since it was founded in 2014.
In 2022 it launched a collection a collection with Australian model Rozalia Russian, with the collection attracting the attention of Bec Judd, Lana Wilkinson and Snezana Wood.
