British model and fashion designer Stella Tennant passed away Tuesday at the age of 50, according to her family.
Her family said, “Stella was a wonderful woman and an inspiration to us all. She will be greatly missed.” They said her death was “sudden,” and police said there were “no suspicious circumstances.”
Tennant’s death came five days after her 50th birthday.
“It is with great sadness we announce the sudden death of Stella Tennant on 22nd December 2020,” the family said. “Her family ask for their privacy to be respected. Arrangements for a memorial service will be announced at a later date.”
Tenant achieved success as a fashion model, posing for magazines such as Harper’s Bazaar, Numéro, and Vogue.
She became famous after being photographed for British Vogue at the age of 22 in 1993. She went on to work with designers and fashion houses such as Alexander McQueen, Calvin Klein, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Burberry.
Versace, an Italian luxury fashion company, paid tribute to Tennant on Twitter, stating, “Versace is mourning the death of #StellaTennant. Stella was Gianni Versace’s muse for many years and friend of the family. We will miss you forever Stella. Rest In Peace.”
Born on December 17, 1970, Tennant was known for her aristocratic heritage. She also starred in the closing ceremony of the 2012 London Olympic Games.
She retired from the catwalk in 1998, as she was pregnant with her first child; however, she later returned.
Tenant married French photographer and osteopath David Lasnet on June 22, 1999. They had four children. In August 2020, Tennant and Lasnet announced they had separated
She worked on campaigns to promote using less energy and reduce the environmental impact of fast fashion.
In 2019, she told The Guardian, “It’s going to take us a long time to change our habits, but I think that this is so obviously a step in the right direction.”
At the time, she said she was reusing clothes she has had since the 90s. She used to buy only five new items a year.
She said, “At my age, I think it’s probably quite normal you’re not that interested in consuming, [and not] loving shopping as much as when you’re much younger. We all need to think a little bit harder.” Tennant was inducted into the Scottish Fashion Awards Hall of Fame in 2012.
