Tatjana Patitz, an iconic figure among the original supermodels who dominated the fashion world in the 1980s and 90s, commanding substantial fees for her photoshoots, has sadly passed away at the age of 56, as confirmed by her agent.
Born in Germany, Patitz was part of a select group of women from that era whose beauty and style propelled them to global stardom, extending far beyond the realm of modeling.
According to Corinne Nicolas, the founder of The Model CoOp, a reputable Manhattan-based agency, Patitz passed away in California on a Wednesday morning. Although Patitz had been dealing with an illness, further details regarding her condition have not been disclosed.
Alongside fellow supermodels Christy Turlington, Linda Evangelista, Naomi Campbell, and Cindy Crawford, Patitz left an indelible mark with her appearance in George Michael’s 1990 music video for «Freedom!» The iconic photograph titled «White Shirts: Six Supermodels, Malibu,» taken by photographer Peter Lindbergh, featured Turlington, Evangelista, Patitz, Estelle Lefebure, Karen Alexander, and Rachel Williams.
Vogue magazine highlighted that, despite her association with the elite ranks of supermodels, Patitz always exuded an enigmatic quality that set her apart. Her beauty, characterized by the gentle oval of her face and the allure in her eyes, radiated self-assuredness and passion.
Patitz’s appeal was mature and knowledgeable, distinct from the wide-eyed innocence often associated with models. With her background in acting, she possessed a commanding presence.
Born in Hamburg, Patitz relocated to a small Swedish town with her Estonian mother and German father at a young age. Her modeling career commenced in 1983 when she won a trip to Paris and secured a limited-term contract.
In later years, she settled in California, where she was frequently photographed on her ranch near Santa Barbara alongside her son, Jonah.
The Twitter account for Lindbergh’s foundation paid tribute to Patitz, acknowledging her kindness, inner beauty, and exceptional intelligence, underscoring the immense loss felt by her passing.
