Did Stella Tennant commit suicide? The Complete Story

Her Family’s Statement

The family told The Telegraph “Stella had been unwell for some time… she felt unable to go on.” She was a beautiful person, a sensitive and talented woman flourishing with creativity, humor, and intelligence that had touched so many hearts, as remembered by her friends and family. They issued a heartfelt request for privacy to grieve the loss of Stella and to pay homage in her last journey. The family members expressed how overwhelmed they were by the outpouring of messages conveying condolences and support since Stella’s death. 

The news of Stella Tennant's death came just 2 weeks after the model celebrated her 50th birthday. She died at her home in Duns, Scotland, reported by the New York Times. 

The family released a statement to The Guardian on December 23 confirming the passing away of the iconic model who broke records in the fashion industry with her arrival in the early '90s. 

Industry’s Reaction To Stella Tennant’s Death

As soon as the news of her death broke, the industry took to social media to express their grievances and love.

Versace posted on Instagram, “I cannot believe you are gone... Gone too soon.”

Anna Wintour, the global editorial director of Vogue and the worldwide chief content officer of Conde Nast, said in a statement to People, “Stella was a definition of originality and she always stood for everything she believed in”. She had transcended more than being just a model every time she worked with the brand, her “acute intelligence and innate sense of style” brought something new to the table and that made her unique. 

Edward Enninful, the editor of Vogue, took to Instagram to convey what an inspiration Tennant was. 

McCartney shared a throwback picture with the caption “Will miss you...What sad, horrific news to end this already shocking year.”

The whole industry resorted to its own ways to honor the model.

Stella Tennant, an Inspiration

Stella Tennant, born in London in 1970, quickly rose to fame for her androgynous sultry looks and aristocratic heritage. Being the granddaughter of Deborah Mitford and Andrew Cavendish, the 11th Duke of Devonshire, she was already a known face. But what skyrocketed her career was the issue of the British Vogue featuring her in 1993. She was styled by Isabella Blow for the look and photographed by Steven Meisel. The pictures displayed her with a nose ring, eyeliner, and punk jumper. It was a perfectly aligned look with the androgynous cool celebrated during that decade. 

Stella Tennant married French photographer David Lasnet in 1999. The couple separated in August 2020 after celebrating 20 years of togetherness. She is now survived by four beautiful children together, their son Marcel and daughters Cecily, Jasmine, and Iris and their father. She balanced her family and career success. Along with being a talented supermodel, she was a great wife and a perfect mom. Her family life did not slow down her career, and she continued doing what she loved until her passing. 

The Legacy of Stella Tennant 

Only at the age of 22, her charm and style made her a preferred model for renowned designers like Alexander McQueen, Burberry, Calvin Klein, and Jean Paul Gaultier. 

Soon after, the world saw her modeling alongside the reigning supermodel squad of that decade, Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, and Claudia Schiffer. She ruled the runway for all high-fashion brands over the past 30 years. Chanel, Alexander McQueen, Valentino, Versace, Balenciaga, and Jean Paul Gaultier adored her, and she became a regular in all their fashion shows. 

Stella Tennant always made a statement with her bold style. She carried her striking looks and short pixie hairstyle as her trademark, which captured the attention of late Karl Lagerfeld. He made her the face of Chanel in 1996. It was in the same year that she debuted the head-turning micro-mini bikini for Chanel in the brand's haute couture show, which became one of the most talked-about looks in pop-culture history of runway shows. This look went on to be referenced by so many models and designers and later worn by Kim Kardashian West almost two decades forth, bringing back the style on her Instagram. 

Tennant was featured on the cover of Vogue in 2018 and walked for the opening ceremony of the Valentino Couture show in January 2020. She remained very much in demand even in her later ages just like her fellow supermodel, Kate Moss. 

What Caused Stella Tennant To End Her Life?

The reason that Stella Tennant took such a huge step is unclear will possibly remain so forever. However, the family has confirmed that she was struggling with mental health issues. They were naturally not ready to lose her so soon. The family went on to add how important it is to raise mental health awareness because it is often misunderstood to the point there is not much left to do.