Beloved ‘Catwoman’ Jocelyn Wildenstein, Icon of Cosmetic Surgery, Passes Away
Jocelyn Wildenstein, the infamous ‘Catwoman’ socialite, passes away
Updated: 12:56 PM CST Jan 2, 2025
In the world of the glamorous and the outrageous, few names spark as much intrigue as Jocelyn Wildenstein. Known to many as the ‘Catwoman’ of high society, her life was a whirlwind of extravagant beauty, tumultuous relationships, and jaw-dropping transformations. Tragically, the Swiss-born socialite has passed away in Paris due to a pulmonary embolism, as confirmed by her partner, Lloyd Klein. At 79, Wildenstein leaves behind a legacy that has captivated and bewildered the public for decades.
A tabloid fixture, Wildenstein was renowned for her feline-inspired looks, which she consistently attributed to family traits, despite the extensive cosmetic surgeries she underwent. Her eye-catching “cat eyes” and startling visage became symbols of her larger-than-life persona, earning her the monikers “Bride of Wildenstein” and the beloved “Catwoman.” Yet, in classic Wildenstein fashion, she once claimed, “If you feel good with your imperfections, with your aging, then you should do nothing. Otherwise, it’s all about choosing the right doctor.”
A Life of Luxury, Love, and Lions
Born Jocelyn Périsset in Lausanne, Switzerland, Wildenstein was immersed in a world of privilege from the start. As a child, she reveled in the natural beauty around her, enjoying the lakes and mountains. Her father ignited her passion for African wildlife, a love she pursued fervently throughout her life. In her early twenties, she swapped the serene Swiss landscape for the vibrant social scene of Paris, mingling with fellow expatriates and living life in the fast lane.
It was a chance encounter on a Kenyan safari in 1977 that would change her life forever. There, she met billionaire art dealer Alec Wildenstein. Their whirlwind romance led to marriage, and with it, an extravagant lifestyle that included their sprawling estate, Ol Jogi, in Kenya. Picture this: a luxurious home complete with a bulletproof enclosure for tigers, a staff of over 300, and a monthly spending spree of $1 million. For Wildenstein, indulging in a $350,000 couture gown was just another day in the life.
But beneath the glitz and glamour lay a turbulent relationship. By 1998, Wildenstein’s marriage had unraveled, leading to explosive revelations and a divorce settlement that rocked headlines: a staggering $2.5 billion. Following her divorce, Wildenstein found love again with French designer Lloyd Klein, but their relationship was riddled with drama, including arrests and financial strain.
Despite her monumental divorce payout, Wildenstein faced bankruptcy by 2018, claiming she was broke just a few years later. Yet, she never lost her flair for the fabulous, often returning to the limelight with her striking looks. In the fashion world, her unique style became an icon of camp—celebrated by publications that once ridiculed her. Wildenstein remained a figure of fascination, embodying resilience against the odds.
While Wildenstein promised to unveil more of her intricate life story in an HBO series, many details remain shrouded in mystery: her true age, the extent of her surgeries, and the fate of her fortune. But through it all, she stood her ground, declaring, “I have nothing to prove. In the end, I don’t care.”
