Jocelyne Wildenstein, 'Catwoman' Icon of Plastic Surgery, Passes Away at 84
Jocelyne Wildenstein, the Swiss-born socialite famously known for her extreme and controversial cosmetic surgeries that gave her a feline appearance, has passed away at the age of 84. Her death was confirmed by her partner, fashion designer Lloyd Klein, who announced the sad news on January 1, 2025. According to Klein, Wildenstein died peacefully in her sleep at their temporary residence in a Paris hotel on December 31, 2024.
Wildenstein, born in 1940 in Lausanne, Switzerland, gained worldwide fame not only for her extravagant lifestyle but also for her extensive plastic surgery to make herself resemble a big cat. This earned her the nickname "Catwoman" in the media. Her obsession with feline features started after meeting her late husband, art dealer Alec Wildenstein, who was passionate about big cats. During their marriage, Wildenstein underwent multiple surgeries, reportedly spending millions of dollars to alter her appearance, all in the hope of pleasing her husband, who was known for keeping a lynx as a pet. Despite his disapproval of her surgeries, Wildenstein persisted in her quest to look more like the creatures she admired.
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Her marriage to Alec, a member of the prominent Wildenstein family involved in art dealing and horse racing, was tumultuous and ended in a highly publicized divorce. The settlement, which reportedly reached $2.5 billion, made headlines, and Wildenstein received an annual allowance of $100 million for 13 years. The intense media attention on her appearance, however, was a double-edged sword, and she later admitted that it played a role in keeping her in the public eye during her difficult divorce.
Though her surgeries often made her a subject of ridicule, there were those who admired her unique sense of beauty. For Wildenstein, her extreme appearance was not just about vanity but about her personal connection to the wild. She often spoke of her love for big cats and how she saw a kind of kinship between herself and these powerful creatures. In a 2004 interview, she even stated that her favorite animal was the leopard, as they were known to form deep, exclusive bonds with one person.
Over the years, Wildenstein's life became one of the most talked-about in social circles, known for both her eccentricity and her wealth. Despite the rumors and controversies that surrounded her, including claims about her alleged past, Wildenstein maintained a certain air of mystery. She once claimed that she never sought to change her face but was instead drawn to the idea of enhancing her features to resemble the grace of the big cats she adored.
Even after her divorce, Wildenstein continued to live an extravagant life. Reports indicate that she spent more than $700,000 annually on luxuries such as food, wine, flowers, and medication. Her love for wildlife conservation, especially in Africa, also remained a significant part of her legacy.
As the world mourns the loss of this enigmatic figure, Jocelyne Wildenstein's death marks the end of an era defined by a combination of fame, fortune, and controversy. Her lasting image as "Catwoman" will undoubtedly continue to spark fascination for years to come.
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