Jocelyne Wildenstein, the Swiss socialite identified for her dramatic, feline-like look as a result of intensive cosmetic surgery, has handed away on the age of 84. Wildenstein, sometimes called “Catwoman” within the tabloids, died peacefully in her sleep on December 31, 2024, in her suite in Paris. Her associate, clothier Lloyd Klein, confirmed her loss of life.

“It’s with heavy coronary heart and with nice unhappiness that Mr. Lloyd Klein proclaims the surprising loss of life of his beloved fiancée and longtime companion, Jocelyne Wildenstein,” Klein stated in an English-language assertion despatched to the Agence France-Presse information company.

Born Jocelyne Périsset in Lausanne, Switzerland, in 1940, she gained worldwide fame after marrying billionaire artwork supplier Alec Wildenstein in 1978. The couple had two kids, Diane and Alec Jr., however their marriage resulted in a extremely publicized divorce in 1999. The settlement, amounting to $2.5 billion, was one of many largest of its time.

Wildenstein’s putting look, usually related to feline options, was the results of quite a few beauty procedures. Whereas many speculated that these surgical procedures have been to please her ex-husband, Alec, who she claimed “hates to be with outdated folks,” she denied this. She defined that her look was a mirrored image of her heritage and private fashion. In a 1998 interview with Vainness Truthful, she attributed her cat-like eyes and excessive cheekbones to her grandmother’s options, saying, “The lynx has excellent eyes.” Regardless of the controversy surrounding her look, she at all times maintained a robust sense of identification.

In her later years, Wildenstein confronted vital monetary struggles, declaring chapter in 2018. However, she remained resilient, retaining her humorousness and love for all times. Wildenstein started her relationship with Klein in 2003, and the 2 grew to become engaged in 2017.

Jocelyne Wildenstein’s life was a combination of wealth, controversy, and power. She can be remembered not just for her putting look but in addition for her enduring spirit within the face of adversity.