Jocelyn Wildenstein, seen at the Guggenheim Soho in New York City on September 22, 2000, has passed away, her partner confirmed. AP Photo
Jocelyn Wildenstein, a Swiss-born socialite famously known for her cat-like appearance due to extensive cosmetic surgeries, has passed away at the age of 79. Her partner, French designer Lloyd Klein, confirmed that she died from a pulmonary embolism in Paris. Wildenstein, who often downplayed the extent of her cosmetic procedures, was a fixture in tabloids throughout her life due to her eccentric appearance and tumultuous love life.
Her striking transformation earned her nicknames like "Catwoman" and "Bride of Wildenstein," terms coined by the American press. The media’s fascination with her began in the 1990s and grew as she became a symbol of extreme beauty standards. She was particularly known for her feline-inspired features, including dramatic "cat eyes" and skin pulled so tight it left her face almost wrinkle-free well into her 70s. Despite her fame, she consistently denied the extent of her surgeries, claiming her looks were simply the result of genetics or changes in hairstyle.
Jocelyn Wildenstein is photographed in New York City on February 10, 1999. Getty Images
Wildenstein's story began in Lausanne, Switzerland, where she was raised in a family that fostered a love for African wildlife, especially big cats. This passion for African animals led her to meet billionaire art dealer Alec Wildenstein during a safari in Kenya in 1977. The two married in 1978, and she became a prominent figure in New York society, living a lavish lifestyle. Their marriage took her to places like Ol Jogi, a massive ranch in Kenya, where she indulged in extravagant spending, including the creation of a bulletproof enclosure for tigers. She was known for her love of couture and a lifestyle that included spending about $1 million a month.
However, her marriage to Alec fell apart in 1998 after allegations of infidelity and an argument that ended in a confrontation with a gun. The couple went through a messy divorce, which ultimately resulted in a staggering $2.5 billion settlement for Wildenstein, along with $100 million annually for the next 13 years. Alec Wildenstein passed away in 2008.
Lloyd Klein and Jocelyn Wildenstein are seen together on August 5, 2017, in New York City. Getty Images
Wildenstein’s personal life continued to capture public attention, particularly her relationship with Lloyd Klein, a French designer nearly 30 years her junior. The couple met in 2003 and shared a love for high fashion, but their relationship was marred by frequent arguments and legal issues. Wildenstein was arrested twice for fights with Klein in 2016 and 2017. Despite her massive divorce settlement, Wildenstein filed for bankruptcy in 2018, revealing that she was financially struggling despite her once vast fortune.
Though she often kept a low profile in her later years, Wildenstein occasionally reappeared in the public eye, particularly at fashion events with Klein. Her distinctive looks, once mocked in the tabloids, were now embraced by some fashion magazines that celebrated her as a glamorous figure. However, much of her life remained shrouded in mystery, from her true age to the full extent of her cosmetic procedures. She had promised to reveal more of her story in a 2023 HBO series, but the show has yet to be released.
Despite the scrutiny and speculation, Wildenstein remained defiant about her choices and her image. In an interview, she remarked, "I have nothing to prove. In the end, I don’t care." Her death marks the end of an era for a woman who captivated the media for decades with her ever-changing appearance and larger-than-life persona.
