Jocelyn Wildenstein, the Swiss-born socialite renowned for her dramatic cosmetic transformations that earned her the infamous monikers “Catwoman” and “Bride of Wildenstein,” has died at the age of 79. Her partner, fashion designer Lloyd Klein, confirmed to AFP that she passed away in Paris due to a pulmonary embolism.
Wildenstein, often spelled “Jocelyne,” was a fixture in the tabloids throughout much of her adult life, captivating the public with her tumultuous relationships, notable appearance changes, and the enormous divorce settlement she received from her former husband, art magnate Alec Wildenstein. Despite her immense wealth, Wildenstein later claimed she had gone bankrupt after depleting her fortune.
Her appearance, which included the feline features she was known for, became the subject of constant media attention. Wildenstein, however, often minimized the extent of her cosmetic surgeries, asserting that the “cat eyes” for which she was famous were simply a family trait, or attributing her looks to different hairstyles. Occasionally, she playfully addressed her critics. In a 2006 interview with photographer Zed Nelson, Wildenstein offered this reflection: “If you feel good with your imperfections, with your aging, then you should do nothing. Otherwise, it’s all about choosing the right doctor.”
Born Jocelyn Périsset in Lausanne, Switzerland, Wildenstein’s early years were spent swimming in lakes and skiing in the nearby mountains. She was notably private about her birthdate, offering various accounts to reporters. Klein, however, confirmed her passing at the age of 79, though other reports suggested she was 84 at the time of her death.
Wildenstein relocated to Paris in her early 20s, mingling with fellow expatriates in the city’s vibrant social scene while continuing to dream of traveling to Africa, a passion instilled by her father’s love of African wildlife. Her travels eventually led her to meet Alec Wildenstein in 1977 during a Kenyan safari. Alec, an art dealer, recalled in a 1998 interview with Vanity Fair that he had been asked to hunt a lion on a neighbor’s property, and Jocelyn joined him on the excursion. The couple married the following year, and Jocelyn became the new mistress of Ol Jogi, a vast ranch in Kenya, which became one of her favorite residences.
Her fascination with Africa’s big cats grew even further after the marriage, and so did her extravagant lifestyle. Upon inheriting Ol Jogi, Wildenstein reportedly installed a bulletproof enclosure for two tigers, complementing a sprawling estate that included over 200 buildings and a staff of more than 300. The couple’s lavish lifestyle was said to cost upwards of $1 million a month. Wildenstein’s penchant for opulence was also evident in her fashion choices, such as a Chanel gown priced at $350,000, which she deemed a worthy indulgence.
Jocelyn Wildenstein’s life, defined by her unique appearance, immense wealth, and love of wildlife, captured the public’s imagination and solidified her status as one of the most talked-about figures of her time.
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