Jocelyn Wildenstein, the Swiss-born socialite famously known as "Catwoman" due to her dramatic surgical enhancements, passed away at the age of 84 on December 31, 2023. Her partner, fashion designer Lloyd Klein, revealed the news, stating she died from complications of phlebitis, which led to her pulmonary embolism during their New Year’s celebration at the Ritz Hotel in Paris.
Wildenstein's life was one marked by extravagant spending and public intrigue. Often appearing as the subject of tabloid headlines, she became synonymous with luxury and controversy. She reportedly underwent extensive cosmetic surgery to alter her appearance, achieving the feline features for which she became renowned. Through the years, she faced scrutiny but also found empowerment in her unique aesthetic. “If you feel good with your imperfections, with your aging, then you should do nothing,” she stated, hinting at the complex feelings surrounding beauty standards and self-perception.
Born Jocelyn Périsset, she grew up in Lausanne, Switzerland, before moving to Paris, where her vibrant social life flourished among the elite. It was during this time she met and married Alec Wildenstein, a billionaire art dealer, after they crossed paths on a Kenyan safari. Their marriage brought her wealth and notoriety; she enjoyed lavish gifts and lived extravagantly at her husband’s monumental ranch, Ol Jogi, which featured tigers and immense luxury. The couple’s marriage, initially filled with opulence, soured over time due to accusations of infidelity, leading to one of the priciest divorces on record.
The aftermath of her split from Alec Wildenstein was marked by financial turbulence. Despite the initial $2.5 billion settlement, which included $100 million annually for 13 years, Wildenstein declared bankruptcy, claiming she had depleting her fortune. “I’m broke,” she told The Times shortly before her death. The stark reality of her financial despondency contrasted with her public image of glamour, reinforcing the paradox of her existence within the high-society echelons.
Wildenstein’s last long-term relationship was with Klein, whom she met at New York Fashion Week. Their love for flamboyant style bound them closely, though their relationship was tumultuous and had its share of drama. Klein recalled the sorrow of discovering her unresponsive after their celebratory nap on New Year’s Eve, saying, “It's extremely sad to lay down with your other half and to find her cold.” Wildenstein's death came as a shock, especially since she had been seen just days prior appearing vibrant and beautiful at various social events.
Despite her ups and downs, Wildenstein remained resolute and unapologetic about her persona. She thrived on the media’s attention, famously stating, “I have nothing to prove. I don’t care.” This attitude positioned her not merely as the subject of speculation but as a cultural icon, even inspiring fashionistas who saw her as one of the quintessential campy figures of modern celebrity culture.
Outside the scrutiny of tabloids, Wildenstein enjoyed creating art and was said to have planned on sharing her life story through an HBO series. Although the project has yet to materialize, it highlights her desire to control the narrative of her unconventional life. Perhaps her legacy is one of contradiction—a glamorous figure caught between wealth and bankruptcy, celebrity and private life, and beauty and societal judgment.
Jocelyn Wildenstein's story serves as both cautionary tale and cultural commentary, encapsulating the desires, struggles, and triumphs faced by those thrust under the bright lights of fame. Her life, richly woven with complex layers of fashion, fortune, and self-identity, leaves behind questions on the nature of beauty, the cost of fame, and the human condition itself. Her untimely passing does not just mark the end of her life but opens the door to reflections on her lasting impact on popular culture and the world of fashion.