Tears after ‘Muse’ to legendary designers dies in Borders home
as Model of the Year in the Scottish Fashion Awards Hall of Fame.
She appeared on the cover of British Vogue as recently as 2018.
Stella married French photographer David Lasnet in the parish church of Oxnam, Roxburghshire, in 1999. They had four children, Marcel, Cecily, Jasmine and Iris, and moved from New York to her native Borders around 2004 to ensure the children could grow up in the countryside.
Stella once said: “I’m very much discouraging them from pursuing ideas of modelling. They’ve got to get on with school. Education is really important.”
Stella and David separated this year and she turned 50 on December 17. She had told how she was relaxed about her age and did not feel under pressure to look younger as a model.
Designer Stella McCartney paid tribute to her friend last night by posting a photo of them together on social media.
She said: “My darling Stella, I f****** love you and will miss you so, so terribly. What sad, horrific news to end this already shocking year.
“My heart goes out to your stunning family who must be in such undeserving pain. I am speechless… Rest in peace, you inspiring woman.
“Your soul and inner beauty exceeded the external perfection, Stella. May you ride high above us all on the most perfect horse, eternally in peace.”
Fel l ow desi g n er Daphne McGuinness responded to McCartney’s tribute by saying: “I love this picture of you two Stellas together. Unbelievably tragic news, I can’t believe it.”
Stella’s family asked for privacy and said funeral arrangements would be confirmed later.
Police Scotland said: “Officers were called to an address in Duns around 11.30am on Tuesday 22 December following the sudden death of a 50-year-old woman.”
Stella was a wonderful woman and an inspiration