Jocelyne Wildenstein: The ‘Catwoman’ and Her Shocking Plastic Surgery Journey

In a shocking turn of events, the world has bid farewell to the iconic Jocelyne Wildenstein—universally known as “Catwoman.” This Swiss-born socialite, famous for her striking feline-inspired appearance, tragically passed away from a pulmonary embolism in the lap of luxury at a hotel in Paris.

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The American press had a flair for nicknaming her, dubbing her both “Catwoman” and the “Bride of Wildenstein.” Her partner, Lloyd Klein, expressed his profound grief, stating, “It is with heavy heart and with great sadness that I announce the unexpected death of my beloved fiancée and longtime companion, Jocelyne Wildenstein.”

With origins tracing back to Lausanne, Switzerland, Jocelyne was born in 1940 and left this world on December 31, leaving behind a legacy as striking as her looks.

Who Was Jocelyne Wildenstein?

Jocelyne Wildenstein—born Jocelyne Perisset—rose through the ranks of New York’s elite after marrying art dealer Alec Wildenstein. Their union produced two children but ended in a headline-grabbing divorce in the 1990s, one of the priciest in history. The settlement? A jaw-dropping $2.5 billion, along with a generous $100 million annually for 13 years, as reported by major news sources.

Post-divorce, Jocelyne chose to keep her famous surname, further embedding her name in the fabric of tabloid culture. While rumors suggested she was older than she claimed, she clarified that her birth year was confused with that of her ex-husband, born in 1940.

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Jocelyne was renowned for her obsession with cosmetic surgery, earning her the title of “Catwoman” for her unique, cat-like features—most notably her eyes. With over a million followers on Instagram, she was a social media sensation.

“I Never Wanted to Change My Face”

Jocelyne’s journey began when she met Alec Wildenstein on a safari in Kenya; they exchanged vows shortly thereafter in Las Vegas. This union spurred her transformation, as she pursued an extreme beauty aesthetic inspired by big cats, a passion of her husband’s. Rumored to have spent around £2 million on cosmetic surgeries, she even owned a pet lynx, claiming, “The lynx has perfect eyes.”

However, Alec had a different take. He revealed in interviews, “She was crazy. I would always find out last. She thought she could fix her face like it was a piece of furniture. But skin doesn’t work that way.” A judge even ruled that Jocelyne couldn’t use any of her divorce settlement for further cosmetic enhancements.

In a candid moment, Jocelyne stated on French TV, “I never wanted to change my face,” although she confessed to dreaming of fuller lips.

Extremism or Beauty?

Interview Magazine once called Jocelyne “one of the jet set’s most outrageous characters for nearly five decades.” She candidly admitted to spending over $700,000 each year on lavish indulgences, stating, “And that was just the beginning.” While some criticized her choices as excessive, others perceived them as a bold expression of beauty.

In discussing her affinity for big cats, Jocelyne mentioned her family’s ranch in Kenya, where thousands of animals found refuge. She shared, “We have everything except lions, because they would kill what we are trying to protect,” and chose the leopard as her favorite animal due to their unique loyalty.

Amidst her extravagant lifestyle, Jocelyne faced financial challenges. In 2023, she revealed to the press that she declared bankruptcy in 2018, after her husband’s family cut off her payments in 2015 following his death in 2008.

The Lloyd Klein Story

Jocelyne and designer Lloyd Klein crossed paths at New York Fashion Week in 2003, igniting a romance that would attract its share of tabloid intrigue. Their relationship, filled with passion and drama, saw its share of ups and downs, including a notorious incident in 2016 where Jocelyne was arrested for an altercation involving scissors and a candle.

Despite their rocky moments, they reconciled and announced their engagement in July 2017. But fate had other plans—Klein encountered legal troubles shortly after, yet they remained inseparable.

In a heartbreaking revelation, Klein shared how Jocelyne passed away peacefully during a nap. “We had a lovely happy hour the night before, preparing for the new year. When I woke up, she was cold—and she was gone.” He explained that Jocelyne had been battling phlebitis, leading to a tragic twist of fate during what should have been a joyful time.

Jocelyne Wildenstein leaves behind a legacy intertwined with glamour, beauty, and a whirlwind of controversy—survived by her two children and the devoted Lloyd Klein.

With contributions from various agencies.