Melbourne’s social set mourning sudden death of fashion ‘icon’

Tributes are flowing for eccentric Melbourne fashion industry doyen Shiva Singam following his shock death.

Shiva Singam has died, aged 50. Picture: Jason Edwards

Melbourne’s social and fashion scene is mourning the sudden passing of much-loved eccentric doyen and businessman Shiva Singam.

The 50-year-old passed away on Saturday from a suspected health complication.

Known as ‘Count Shiva’ he was a champion of fashion and the city, most recently working as head of partnerships at the Melbourne Fashion Festival and as a consultant.

Earlier this year he celebrated his milestone birthday in extravagant style with a golden jubilee of celebrations.

His family released a tribute on Instagram on Monday, from his sister Janee.

“It is with deep sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our son, brother, uncle, cousin and dear friend, Shiva. He died peacefully on Saturday 7 October, 2023.

“Shiva was a captivating, fun loving, intelligent, and thoughtful man. He touched so many lives with his magnetic personality and generous spirit.

Shiva Singam has died, aged 50.

“He leaves behind thousands of friends who remember his kindness, big heart, humour, and incredible fashion style. We are so grateful that he was surrounded by loyal and loving friends to this day, and we know you were the constant source of strength, love, laughter and inspiration in his life.

“Thank you for your thoughts and heartfelt messages. We will provide further information to celebrate Shiva’s life in the next few days. With love and best wishes, Janee on behalf of the Singam and Rutherford families.”

Shiva was a socialite, always impeccably dressed and widely respected.

Known around the sartorial set as Count Shiva, although his royal lineage was never quite fully explained, the flamboyant and eclectic fashion taste maker always had a presence on the red carpet.

Singam has been remembered for his ‘welcoming million-watt smile’.

More than happy to attend the opening of an envelope in support of up-and-comers or veterans of the industry, he was never one to miss an event, or be so rude as to rock up fashionably late.

An expert on all things royal jewels, and a titan of good manners and etiquette, Shiva always stood out of the crowd on the media wall, smiling brightly in his never ending wardrobe of resplendent robes, capes and kurta sets all while dripping in colourful gemstones.

Most recently attending the newly created India Fashion Week in Melbourne, he worked tirelessly in helping newcomers get a much needed foot into the sartorial world. He put people together, connected them though fashion, handshakes all while with a dazzling, cheeky smile.

Behind the scenes he was honing new talent and with his finely curated knowledge of who’s who, he was most at home on the runway, directing the fashionable set on where to sit on the front row, always with “dah-ling”.

Now he is being mourned by Melbourne’s fashion community.

Good friend Sharon Johal, who is currently in India for a wedding, said she and husband Ankur have been in tears, reeling since discovering the sad news on Sunday night.

“We are devastated by the loss of our wonderful Shiva,” Johal said.

Singam’s power and support for Melbourne’s fashion industry was unparalleled.

“Shiva was not only a great friend of ours that has left an incredible hole in our hearts but an absolute icon in the fashion community working tirelessly to not only support Australian fashion but proudly celebrate and further his heritage with the extravagance opulence and painstaking work of Indian artisans through the royal inspired outfits he wore with drama, hence forever known as our “Count Shiva”.”

The Melbourne Fashion Festival CEO Caroline Ralphsmith said the organisation was heartbroken.

“The legacy and spirit he has left behind is incomparable. He has been the heart, soul and life of the Melbourne Fashion Festival and wider fashion community for many, many years, however the impact he’s had over the last 18 months in helping revitalise the festival after the pandemic has been nothing short of extraordinary.

“Shiva’s dedication, creativity, kindness, intuition and boundless energy will be impossible to replace and forever missed. Our deepest love to his family, friends, colleagues and connections; he brought such beauty and light into all our lives.”

Award-winning milliner Richard Nylon remembered his friend of nearly 30 years, saying his power and support for Melbuurne fashion was unparalleled.

“His energy and joie de vivre were the bubbles in every glass of Dom Perignon, and his welcoming million-watt smile a sure sign that something wonderful and glamorous was in the air,’’ he said.

PR dynamo Helen Reizer said Singam was a ‘funny, caring and caring man’. Picture: Julie Kiriacoudis

“More than that, he was a power for Melbourne fashion, supportive, positive and generous with praise. On a more personal level Shiva possessed a warmth, caring and genuine concern for people’s wellbeing. His voice calling out “Darling!” with arms extended, a twinkle in his eye and a glass of the finest champagne being offered meant that Shiva was present-and his presence will be sorely missed by all who knew him. It was a joy to be his friend.”

Shiva’s close friend, brand manager and fashion expert Chris Kontos, described him as an icon.

“He was one of my best friends and we’re all in shock,’’ Kontos said.

“He was so loved, an icon and the industry will never be the same. He adored the Fashion Festival and his level of eccentric was crazy. He was just a good person and a genuinely great human and he’s going to be totally missed.”

Fashion leader and influencer Nadia Bartel said Shiva was a special person.

“He would always make an effort to chat to you and lift you up with a big smile on his face,’’ she said. “He was the nicest man.”

Leading fashion designer Dom Bagnato said Shiva’s passing was devastating.

“He was the most devoted and caring man,’’ he said.

“Such a supporter of fashion in all areas. He only turned 50 this year, that’s when you start living. Any way he could help out, he would, and his positive outlook on life was infectious.”

Former Melbourne Fashion Festival boss Graeme Lewsey said: “Heartbroken to have lost you my dear glorious friend, yet forever better to have experienced so much joy, laughter and flamboyance with you.”

PR dynamo Helen Reizer said he was funny, caring and adored.

“He’s fashion royalty in Melbourne, every time he’d text me I’d have a smile on my face,’’ she said.

Long term friend Sarah Gale from AMPR added: “The world simply won’t be the same without you in it. You lit up every room with your cheeky smile and unmistakable style. I am so blessed to have known you, worked alongside you and called you my friend. Shine bright like the diamond you are”.

Top designer Jason Grech said Shiva would be dearly missed.

“Rest in love darling. Personally and professionally you have impacted my life and those around you. You lit up every room you entered with your warm infectious smile and your tender soul. I’m going to miss our laughter, shared jokes, your red carpet moments and everything about you. Our industry will miss you dearly, you were an asset and an ally for us all.”