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Top 15 Facts about The Life and Career of Stella Tennant

The British model and fashion designer had a successful career that spanned more than three decades. From being featured in several famous magazines both as a model and as a designer, Stella left an indelible mark in the world of fashion. With her androgynous looks and incredible talent, she took the ever-changing world of fashion by storm and managed to stay on top throughout the course of her career. Join me as we delve into some of the interesting tenets of her life to uncover who the model really was and understand her better.

1 She had noble roots

The talented model was born on December 17, 1970, to the Cavendish family which is a noble family. The model’s grandfather Andrew Cavendish was the 11th Duke of Devonshire hence her noble roots. She introduced a hint of aristocratic sophistication to the world of fashion, having grown up in the lavish surroundings of her family’s historical background. Tennant’s distinct image was shaped by her fusion of avant-garde and aristocratic, which helped her stand out in a field that is renowned for its diversity. Her already alluring and androgynous figure on the international fashion scene was further enhanced by her aristocratic ancestry.

2 She stumbled into modelling accidentally

Stella Tennant at a runway. , , via Wikimedia Commons

The model stumbled into the career that defined her life accidentally. While visiting the Winchester School of Art in 1993  where she was meant to study sculpture, the model landed her first modelling job. With her striking looks and confident personality, Stella Tennant was the perfect person to grace the cover of Vogue Magazine. She had her photoshoot with the talented fashion photographer Steven Meisel and then she later met Kristen McMenamy, Shalom Harlow and Linda Evangelista.

3 She had a signature look

The model’s distinctive androgynous and aristocratic appearance helped her stand out in the modelling industry. Her tall, slender frame and captivating features questioned conventional ideas of femininity in the field. Furthermore, Tennant’s distinct charm made it possible for her to move between high fashion and commercial work with ease, making her a highly sought-after and adaptable model. Designers like Gianni Versace, Alexander McQueen, and Karl Lagerfeld were drawn to her distinctive appearance on the catwalk and consequently began working with her on many occasions.

4 Stella worked closely with Chanel

The model had a close association with Karl Lagerfeld and this friendship was instrumental to her career. Karl is known for being the driving force behind the famous fashion brand Chanel and with the collaborations the two had had, he recognized the allure behind Stella’s androgynous looks and aristocratic allure. She then became one of the creative’s muses and was a frequent face in Chanel’s runways as well as editorials and campaigns. The work with Chanel solidified her status as a talented model and fashion icon. Tennant’s relationship with Lagerfeld demonstrated not only her talent as a model but also her capacity to enthral and inspire in the fast-paced world of haute couture. Tennant’s lasting impact was highlighted by their creative collaboration, which made a lasting impression on the business.

5 Stella Tennant was a versatile model

Stella Tennant posing on the runway. , , via Wikimedia Commons

Stella’s ability to transition seamlessly from high fashion to commercial work gave an apt portrayal of her versatility as a model. The model was not confined to one style even though it enthralled the audience instead she explored other styles and genres when she ventured into mainstream campaigns which were different from what designers like Karl Lagerfel and Alexander McQueen showcased with her. This versatility cemented her title as a sought-after model and also gave her audience a chance to connect with her.

6 Stella appeared on many Vogue covers

The talented model made several appearances on the cover of British Vogue throughout her career which cemented her position as a talented model. Her ability to effortlessly portray a variety of styles and emotions was evident in each of her covers. Additionally her partnerships with well-known stylists and photographers produced visually arresting and unforgettable covers that had a long-lasting effect on the fashion industry. Tennant was a favourite for magazine covers because of her ability to go beyond conventional beauty standards and always produce captivating photographs.

7 Her wedding gown captured the attention of the fashion industry

Stella Tennant got married in 1999 to French photographer David Lasnet in an event that captured the attention of the fashion industry with its blend of aristocratic elegance and high fashion. However, what stole the show at the wedding was the model’s wedding gown which had been customised by designer Karl Lagerfeld of Chanel who worked closely with the model. The gown featured a high collar and simple sleeves which was a reflection of Stella’s style which is simple yet elegant. Having Lagerfeld as her designer for the wedding showed that the duo had a close relationship and also cemented her position in the fashion industry.

8 She was a mother

A picture of the celebrated model. , , via Wikimedia Commons

This may come as a surprise to many but the celebrated model and fashion designer was a mother of four. She beautifully managed to balance the demands that come with motherhood alongside her successful modelling career. Her commitment to her family made her relatable to her audience in that they could relate with her on a personal level and this fact added a layer of depth to her public persona. Furthermore, her decision to embrace motherhood and at the same time continue to chase her goals when it came to her career broke the traditional stereotypes that are usually associated with the industry which is often described as youth-centric. She became a source of inspiration for models who have kids and feel like they cannot get back into the game.

9 Stella went for early retirement and made a comeback

After her first pregnancy in 1988, the celebrated model announced that she was retiring from the fashion industry. This was because she desired a quieter life away from the spotlight that being a model brought her. However, she made a comeback in mid-2000, a move that was well-received by the industry as they had gained back exceptional talent. Her return was met with a lot of enthusiasm and she effortlessly got back into the glamorous world of modelling. Furthermore, her comeback portrayed her resilience in that she was able to quickly adapt to the ever-changing trends that had happened while she was away.

10 She was recognized at the British Fashion Awards

In 2011, Stella Tennant was recognised in the British Fashion Awards and it was a significant part of her career. The model was honoured with the Outstanding Achievement Award, which is a prestigious title that meant that people in the fashion industry recognized the impact she was making in the field and they appreciated her efforts. Her accomplishments as a trailblazer were honoured with the prize, which recognised not only her amazing runway presence but also her capacity to go above social norms.

11 She was a sculpture

A picture of a woman sculpting. , Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Stella Tennant was gifted with multi-faceted creativity in that apart from being a model and fashion designer, she was also a sculptor away from the runway. The model embraced the passion for visual arts and explored the world of sculpting. This new avenue of art showed us that she liked to explore the different realms of art and did not want to limit herself to one form of art. Her ability to leap into uncharted territory for those in the fashion industry meant that she broke a lot of traditional beliefs of the fashion industry in her quest to unlock her full potential when it came to creativity.

12 Tennant was vocal on environmental activism

Tennant’s devotion to sustainable practices was demonstrated by her involvement in environmental activism within the fashion industry. She promoted ethical production and consumption since she understood the negative effects of fashion on the environment. Tennant emphasised the value of making ethical fashion decisions by working with companies and campaigns that support eco-friendly fashion.

Her enthusiasm went beyond modelling by bringing attention to the environmental impact of the business, she was able to effect positive change. Tennant’s activism encouraged the public and industry insiders to prioritise sustainability, mirroring a growing consciousness within the fashion business.

13 Modelling agencies

IMG models logo. , Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The model worked with IMG Models over the course of her career and they were instrumental in ensuring that her career was successful. IMG Models is a successful modelling agency that is considered one of the best when it comes to talent representation and therefore it is no surprise that the talented model worked with the agency. The agency worked to secure spots for her in high-profile runways and thus contributed greatly to her success as a model.

14 Her tragic passing

The model’s untimely demise happened on December 22 2020 and the news of her passing was received with shock in the fashion industry. At the time of her death, the model was 50 years old and she left a great legacy. Many people in the fashion industry, from designers to models and fashion enthusiasts sent their tributes, showing the impact that the model had on the industry during the three decades that she was active in it.

15 Her Legacy

Tennant. , , via Wikimedia Commons

Tennant left an indelible mark in the fashion industry that is still being felt to date. Tennant’s legacy includes refining standards of beauty, breaking down barriers based on age, and supporting environmental sustainability. She was the embodiment of adaptability, moving between the worlds of high fashion and commerce with ease.  Tennant’s influence went beyond the catwalk; her support of environmentally friendly methods brought attention to the need for reform in the fashion industry.