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Arts & Culture
04 January 2025

Jocelyn Wildenstein, Iconic 'Catwoman', Dies At 84

Swiss socialite passes away unexpectedly on New Year's Eve, leaving behind legal troubles and cherished memories.

Jocelyn Wildenstein, the Swiss socialite famously dubbed 'Catwoman' due to her extensive plastic surgery, has passed away at the age of 84, following complications from phlebitis. Her death, which occurred on New Year's Eve, has left many shocked, including her long-term partner, fashion designer Lloyd Klein.

Wildenstein died peacefully during the afternoon, shortly after celebrating with Klein at their hotel in Paris. According to Klein, they were preparing for New Year's festivities and had enjoyed dinner and drinks together just days before her untimely demise. "We were at the Ritz two days ago. Everything was good, everything was good," he recalled, emphasizing how vibrant she seemed only days earlier.

Tragically, it was during their festive preparations and after taking what they believed would be a short nap when Klein discovered Wildenstein had passed away. Describing the heartbreaking moment, he noted, "When I wake up, I said, 'Jocelyn, we have to wake up, we have to get dressed,' and she was cold and she was dead. It's extremely sad to lay down with your other half ... and to find her cold.”

Her death has been attributed to complications from phlebitis, which causes swelling and blockages due to inflammation of the veins. Klein explained how she had struggled with the condition, stating, "Because of her phlebitis, the legs were very, very swollen, and the blood was blocked, and there was no oxygen in the brain." This health complication had plagued Wildenstein for years, and she had been aware of her fragile health.

While her passing echoes through the fashion and socialite communities, it also surfaces questions about her life leading up to her death. Wildenstein was embroiled in significant financial and legal troubles before her death. She filed for bankruptcy in 2018 and owed approximately $268,000 to Regal Jewelry and Gift Shop, stemming from unreturned jewelry. The case had been dragging through the courts since April 2021, with orders demanding her to pay her debts. Just prior to her passing, court records show Wildenstein missed a contempt hearing, which had resulted in Judge Migna Sanchez-Llorens issuing a writ of bodily attachment for unsatisfied court orders against her.

Due to the financial strain, she was also reportedly facing eviction from her Miami apartment, adding another layer of difficulty to her already troubled circumstances. Her attorney withdrew from representation just weeks before her death, leaving her without legal counsel during her most pressing legal disputes.

Despite these struggles, Klein painted the picture of their final days together with fondness. They had been immersed in the beauty and excitement of Paris, attending Fashion Week and enjoying dinners, with Klein noting how "she was thriving at the top of her game" during their latest outings. "She was extremely beautiful," he remarked, emphasizing how well she had been prior to her health crisis.

The news of Wildenstein's death has been met with reflections on her unique life and transformation. Known for her dramatic appearance and celebrity status, she built her notoriety through her looks and extravagant lifestyle. Despite her shocking decline, Klein recalls how vibrant and alive she felt just before their shared moments of joy turned tragic. He expressed disbelief at how swiftly her situation shifted from celebration to sorrow, leaving behind many questions about her legacy.

Jocelyn Wildenstein's death marks the end of not only her life but also the end of an era characterized by her iconic persona, complex legal challenges, and the fascination surrounding her transformation. While the world knew her for her physical appearance, Klein knows her heart and spirit—and remembers her as someone who loved life until the very end.