British model Stella Tennant dies at the age of 50

Police say 'no suspicious circumstances' surrounding her death, five days after her 50th birthday

British model Stella Tennant has died aged 50, her family confirmed. EPA

British model Stella Tennant has died days after her 50th birthday, her family announced.

"It is with great sadness we announce the sudden death of Stella Tennant on December 22, 2020," they said in a statement.

"Stella was a wonderful woman and an inspiration to us all. She will be greatly missed."

There are "no suspicious circumstances" surrounding her death, a police spokesman confirmed.

British model Stella Tennant presents a creation from the Women Spring/Summer 2020 collection by Saint Laurent during Paris Fashion Week in September 2019. EPA

The Scottish model shot to fame in the early 1990s, walking the runways for the likes of Alexander McQueen and Versace, and appearing in campaigns for brands including Burberry, Jean Paul Gautier and Calvin Klein. She also featured in numerous photoshoots for magazines including Vogue and Harper's Bazaar.

In the late 1990s, she caught the eye of Karl Lagerfeld, who made her the face of Chanel after noting her resemblance to the label’s founder, Coco Chanel.

Karl Lagerfeld (R) and British model Stella Tennant (L) are seen after Chanel's fashion show in Havana, Cuba, in 2016. EPA

Tennant was the granddaughter of the 11th Duke of Devonshire, Andrew Cavendish, and Deborah Mitford, and was known for her signature androgynous style.

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In 2012, she was added to the Scottish Fashion Awards Hall of Fame.

Tennant leaves behind four children, and photographer husband David Lasnet.

“Her family ask for their privacy to be respected. Arrangements for a memorial service will be announced at a later date," Wednesday's statement added.