There are only a few models who have shaped 90s fashion like Stella Tennant. The British icon, who died on December 22, 2020 at the age of 50, was one of the first catalysts of the androgyny era on the catwalk.
Her unique boyish face, 60s pixie haircut and punk style were an unconventional combination at the time. Her à la garçonne style caught the attention of Karl Lagerfeld and selected her as the face of the heritage fashion house in 1995.
Tennant would then go on to model for iconic photographers such as Mario Testino, David Sims and Steven Meisel and appear in numerous campaigns and shows for brands like Versace, Alexander McQueen and Hermès.
To celebrate the late model’s career and life, here are some of her most iconic moments.
First Photograph by Steven Meisel
Tennant rose to fame after being photographed for British Vogue in December 1993 by Steven Meisel. It was her refusal to remove her nose piercing for the shoot that endeared her to Meisel, who then invited her to model for a Vogue Italia shoot in Paris the next day. A career-defining moment.
2001 Maison Martin Margiela lookbook by Mark Borthwick
Photographed by Irving Penn, Vogue March 1996
Givenchy Couture SS97 by Alexander McQueen
Undeniably one of the most iconic moments in fashion history.
Dior By John Galliano AW 97/98
Stella Tennant by Craig McDean, 1994
A photograph that perfectly captures the model’s unique look, which went to define a whole decade.
Versace Haute Couture Spring 1998
Wedding Dress
Tennant wore an unconventionally minimalistic Helmut Lang dress for her wedding to David Lasnet in 1999.
