British model Stella Tennant has passed away. She was 50 years old.
A family spokesperson confirmed the tragic news in a statement: “It is with great sadness we announce the sudden death of Stella Tennant on 22 December 2020. Stella was a wonderful woman and an inspiration to us all. She will be greatly missed.”
Tennant's striking look helped to define fashion in the '90s—her pixie haircut, piercing blue gaze, and angular figure resonated with the grunge era—though her career extended well beyond the decade.
Born in Scotland to noble lineage (her parents were the honorable Tobias William Tennant, son of the second Baron Glenconner, and Lady Emma Cavendish, and her grandmother was the socialite Deborah Cavendish, Duchess of Devonshire), Tennant's career took off while she was a student at the University of Southampton. After sending in some photos to magazine editors, she attracted the attention of photographer Steven Meisel. A cover soon followed, as did designer-muse relationships with Helmut Lang and, later, Karl Lagerfeld, who signed her up for an exclusive contract with Chanel, citing her resemblance to the brand’s founder, Coco Chanel.
Over the course of her career, Tennent continued to grace covers, spreads, and campaigns, including Burberry, Calvin Klein, Hermès, Prada, and Alexander McQueen. Tennant was also one of the nine models featured in the Closing Ceremony of the 2012 London Olympics.
In 1999, she married David Lasnet, a photographer turned osteopath. They have four children together, and lived in the village of Edrom in Berwickshire, Scotland.
“Her family ask for their privacy to be respected,” the spokesperson continued. “Arrangements for a memorial service will be announced at a later date.”
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
Barry Samaha is the style commerce editor at Esquire, where he covers all things fashion and grooming. Previously, he was an editor at Harper’s Bazaar, Surface, and WWD, along with overseeing editorial content at Tod’s Group. He has also written for The Daily Beast, Coveteur, Departures, Paper, Bustle Group, Forbes, and many more. He is based in New York City and can't seem to find enough closet space for all his shoes.
-
Trust Jennifer Lawrence: It's Mesh Flats Season
In some fashion circles, it never really ended.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
Bella Hadid's Lace Bustier Dress Deserves a Double Take
She's heating up the lingerie dressing trend.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
Katie Holmes Does Minimalism Her Way
The actress wore a slip dress with a '90s styling cue–plus her favorite Mary Janes.
By Halie LeSavage Last updated
-
The J.Crew Sale Is Full of Fashion Editors’ Favorite Summer Essentials
From airy linen button-downs to nautical stripes, these are the closet basics of every style maven.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
Tankinis Are Fashions' Most Practical Swimwear Trend
With the days inching closer to beach and pool season, it's still unclear if the '90s swimsuit style will resurface as the It style of the season.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
The J.Crew Sale Has Everything on My Spring Outfit Mood Board
The perfect fashion destination to shop for warm-weather looks.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
20 Trending Shoe Styles From Sam Edelman’s Major Spring Sale
From sandals to pumps to sneakers, the footwear brand now has over 500 markdowns to shop.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
Fashion Editors' Full-Proof Formula for Elevated Going-Out Outfits
Part of growing up is realizing that style and comfort can coexist.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
Stylists on Why Leather Jackets Are a Great Investment
Fashion insiders weigh in on their favorite styles.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
Grown-Ups Are Rediscovering the Charm of Peter Pan Collars
From bibbed button-downs to round-neck leather jackets, this year's takes feel more sophisticated than sweet.
By Emma Childs Published
-
Sabrina Carpenter Wears Vintage Victoria's Secret Lingerie to Tease Upcoming Coachella Performance
Her look was pulled from the brand's 1997 archives.
By Lauren Tappan Published