British design, manner muse Stella Tennant dies at 50

LONDON (AP) — Stella Tennant, the aristocratic British model who was a muse to designers this kind of as Karl Lagerfeld and Gianni Versace, died abruptly at the age of 50, her family explained Wednesday.

Tennant, the granddaughter of a duke, rose to fame in the 1990s while strolling the runway for Versace, Alexander McQueen and other designers.

In a assertion, her spouse and children stated: “It is with excellent disappointment we announce the unexpected demise of Stella Tennant on Dec. 22.”

“Stella was a superb female and an inspiration to us all. She will be greatly skipped,” it mentioned.


The relatives requested for privateness and said arrangements for a memorial support would be announced later. They did not disclose her bring about of dying.

Law enforcement Scotland reported officers were known as to an deal with in the Scottish Borders town of Duns on Tuesday following the sudden loss of life of a 50-12 months-old lady. Law enforcement explained there have been no suspicious situation.

The granddaughter of the 11th Duke of Devonshire Andrew Cavendish and his spouse Deborah Mitford of a glamorous, unconventional aristocratic relatives, Tennant was a person of the primary British products of the 1990s.

Late in the 10 years, Lagerfeld announced her as the new facial area of Chanel, with an unique modelling contract, and she turned a muse to the designer.

Style home Versace paid tribute to Tennant on Twitter, stating: “Versace is mourning the loss of life of Stella Tennant. Stella was Gianni Versace’s muse for quite a few a long time and good friend of the family. We will miss out on you eternally Stella. Rest In Peace.”

Donatella Versace posted a picture of Tennant on Instagram in a tribute to the product.

“Stella, I simply cannot believe you are gone,” she wrote. “You have remaining us way much too soon. We satisfied when you were at the commencing of your vocation. I cherish just about every moment we used together. Ciao. Relaxation In Peace.”

Stella McCartney reported she was “speechless” after hearing the information.

“What unhappy, horrific news to stop this previously shocking year!” McCartney wrote in a article on Instagram that provided a photograph of her and Tennant. “Rest in peace, you inspiring female. Your soul and interior natural beauty exceeded the exterior perfection, Stella.”

Tennant also appeared in promoting campaigns for Calvin Klein, Chanel, Hermes and Burberry.

In 1999, Tennant married French photographer David Lasnet. She is survived by him and their 4 kids.

“From the very first time I met Stella I was entirely blown away,” style designer Marc Jacobs claimed on social media. “Her splendor, design and style and body language put together with her manners, kindness, perception of humor and personality had been like no other. … My condolences to David and her family members. What a terrible, heartbreaking reduction.”