British supermodel Stella Tennant died suddenly on Tuesday, five days after her 50th birthday on December 17, her family confirmed.
"It is with great sadness we announce the sudden
death of Stella Tennant on 22nd December 2020," the family wrote in a statement, according to The Guardian. "Stella was a wonderful woman and an inspiration to us all. She will be greatly missed. Her family ask for their privacy to be respected. Arrangements for a memorial service will be announced at a later date."
Tennant was one of the most recognizable supermodels of the '90s, beloved for her alluring, glam-rock androgynous look. She was a muse for several designers, including Karl Lagerfeld, who made her the face of Chanel in 1996. Tennant also appeared on runways for the likes of Versace, Burberry, and Calvin Klein, and even returned to the catwalk after a hiatus to walk the Salvatore Ferragamo show in 2018.
As the news broke of Tennant's passing, tributes poured in on social media.
Versace shared a photo of Tennant from a shoot for the house's Atelier Versace SS 1996 campaign, writing, "Versace is mourning the death of Stella Tennant. Stella was Gianni Versace’s muse for many years and friend of the family. We will miss you forever Stella. Rest In Peace." Donatella Versace added: "Stella, I cannot believe you are gone. You have left us way too soon. We met when you were at the beginning of your career. I cherish every moment we spent together. Ciao. Rest In Peace. Donatella ?"
Stella McCartney also honored her dear friend. "My darling Stella, I fucking love you and will miss you so, so terribly," she wrote on Instagram under a black-and-white photo of her and Tennant. "What sad, horrific news to end this already shocking year! My heart goes out to your stunning family who must be in such undeserving pain. I am speechless… Rest in peace, you inspiring woman. Your soul and inner beauty exceeded the external perfection, Stella. May you ride high above us all on the most perfect horse, eternally in peace. x Stella."