Supermodel Tatjana Patitz Dead at 56

Tatjana Patitz, iconic '90s supermodel, has died. She was 56. Tatjana was most known as one of the original supermodels alongside Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, Linda Evangelista and Christy Turlington. The group of elite models also appeared together in George Michael's music video for his hit song, 'Freedom! '90.'

[JennaSakura]

“Super Models” nowadays do not compare to her beauty. She was one of a kind. A rare beauty. RIP. You will be sorely missed.

[evakorpa]

The model in the beginning of the video is not Tatjana Patitz, it is Amber Valetta...!

[annemuller]

*How much I miss the 90s everything was so much more beautyful than nowadays* and now Tatjana is dead, one symbol of the 1990s, that hurts me. RIP my dear Tatjana 💗

[nigelseaton]

I remember seeing her on a photo shoot in Soho, NYC, on Spring and Broome in the early 90's. It was February and it was freezing. She was dressed in a sheer black tank top, black bra and sheer body stocking, ( I think it was all Azzedine Alaia) she was wearing, leaning against a car, not bothered by the cold. I gave her the thumbs up as I crossed the street, she blew me a kiss, I tipped my hat to her and waved as I walked away. A truly breath taking beauty, but the 90's models were all stunning if you ever had the chance to see them in person, they looked better than their pictures, and I saw quite a few of them back in the day. A lot of my fashion heroes have either stopped working in the industry, or have passed on to heaven. Such is life. R.I.P Tatiana Patiz

[franss]

Oh wow 😭😭😭 RIP to one of the biggest supermodels of the 90s❤

[lelecarrington]

The first model cat walking in this video is AMBER VALETTA! And she is very much alive!

[lissandrafreljord]

Among late 80s to early 90s supermodel generation, Tatjana was the one who can rival Linda Evangelista's print work, in fact, maybe even give her a run for the money. Tatjana is extremely photogenic and edgy with that bone structure and especially those hypnotizing blue eyes. Not a conventional beauty, as she doesn't fit the mold of perfection like Christy Turlington, but with all that imperfection, she possessed such a mesmerizing beauty that demanded attention. Your eyes can't help but stay transfixed at her when starring at an image of Ms. Patitz. This is an innate quality that only few models like Linda Evangelista possessed.

The gaze Tatjana gives when starring at a camera lens is so magnetic and powerful, that it draws you in. It is as if she is starring directly at your soul. Her eyes were the perfect combination of fire and ice. A smoldering seductive gaze like fire but juxtaposed by those icy cold blues. Most models can look pretty on camera, but often leave you feeling empty inside. I mean, they will leave you blown away by their mere perfection, but that’s about it. Their beauty is just too predictable and standard.

Tatjana, on the other hand, was different. She was not perfect; she was special. She left you impressed because her images told a story. She was a model who had substance. Tyra teaches her fellow contestants to "smize, " because she truly believes that one's eyes are the windows to one's soul, which I wholeheartedly agree. Ms. Patitz's eyes not only connected with the camera, but they would go beyond the lens and directly affect your soul. She left you feeling moved. She left you in awe. She left you with an emotion. That is what separates a good model from an excellent model.

In the words of Charles Wuorinen, "In any medium, entertainment is that which we can receive and enjoy passively, without effort, without our putting anything into the experience. Art is that which requires some initial effort from the receiver, after which the experience received may indeed be entertaining, but also transcending as well. Art is like nuclear fusion: you have to put something into it to get it started, but you get more out of it in the end than what you put in. Entertainment is its own reward, and generally doesn't last."

This is what best describes Ms. Patitz’s beauty. So many girls like Cindy Crawford, Helena Christensen and Karen Mulder are strikingly beautiful upon initial sight. There is no effort required to acknowledge their beauty. One simply accepts it subconsciously, and that is because we have been conditioned by the popular opinion to think that they have the desirable features that a perfect beauty must have. Their beauty is impressive and enjoyable to watch and to admire, very much like entertainment is. It is consumed passively and involuntarily simply because it is enjoyable and easy to watch. Their beauty offers an instant sense of pleasure that sometimes may last an eternity, but at other times may fade from the mind.

However, upon closer inspection at Tatjana, one cannot deny that she is the definition of a true model. Initially, she may not be strikingly beautiful for the average straight male or even the average female, but when one puts the effort to study her beauty and analyze it, one is rewarded with more than he/she initially invested in. Her beauty is that of a timeless piece of art. It transcends the mold of perfection. It is a source of inspiration. That is why she was a muse to so many designers, photographers, and fashion editors, including Anna Wintour, who considered Tatjana one of her favorite models of all time. These people were the ones knowledgeable and educated enough to recognize her beauty. They were the ones who would put aside their selfish pursuit for commercial profit, and, instead focus on creating actual art.

Tatjana’s beauty was not meant for the masses. It was to be consumed and understood by only a select few who had an understanding and appreciation for distinct unconventional beauties, and that was the high fashion industry. It is unfortunate though, that even within the high fashion world, Tatjana is still vastly underrated. She was among the original 5 supermodels who were featured in George Michael's music video and the cover of the January 1990 issue Vogue, shot by no other than Peter Lindberg. Yet, she seems to be the least used and remembered among the supermodels, including among the young fashion lovers, who are learning about the history of modeling. This is very disappointing.

To me, Linda and Tatjana were the greatest muses of the supermodel generation. Linda was a very Italianate beauty like Sophia Loren, while Tatjana was a very Germanic beauty like Marlene Dietrich. Comparing the two is like comparing the works of Verdi with Wagner's or the works of Vivaldi with Bach's. Just an endless debate on who is better, but regardless both excellent and masters of their own craft.

[malikaslan]

I had her Poster in my room, as a kid，now she got“freedom” in heaven，RIP timeless beauty.🌻

[nicholasgarrick]

Her beauty is immortalized in George Michael freedom music video RIP Tatjana you will be sorely missed🙏🏾❤

[carolinaprepper]

as a healthy 75 yr. old, these "early" deaths are so sad. RIP.

[rosiebottom]

I'm 59 and scared at how many people I personally know dying in their 50s. I had, what appears to be a heart attack six months ago. No scarring or lasting damage - doctors cant work out what it was. Each night I go to bed and wonder if I'll wake up. Scary times.

[preciousone]

She was absolutely STUNNING in her hey day! Sad she passed away so young. My condolences to her family.💐

[nefariousmarak]

Crazy i was just listening to Freedom yesterday...SuperModels of that time are extremely special they can never be compared.. Rest Peacefully Tatjana

[TM-ytfu]

I will always remember that group of models....no one compares to them today! It was something so exquisite about them....I was mesmerized whenever I saw them. My condolences to her family

[PaiviProject]

Oohh this is sad to hear. I remember her. I loved the music video ❤ She sure was very beautiful Lady. RIP Tatjana.

[slate]

Oh man! Hate to her of her passing. Prayers for her friends and family 🙏🙏🙏 The Freedom video was everything back when it was released

[Be]

So sad that we lost one of the ACTUAL SUPERMODELS. She was one of the elite crew who started it all. That term is thrown around so loosely, but there’s only a handful of real supers, and the world is a darker place now that Tatiana is gone. Rest with the highest, beautiful. 💖

[mamabagaskara]

0:00 it's Amber Valleta not Tatjana Patitz...I know my 90s Supermodel..the real supermodel era..

[SpiderV]

She was also in the film 'Rising Sun' with Sean Connery and Wesley Snipes. Quite possibly one of the most beautiful women in the world, Elegant, discreet and from all accounts a wonderful person. Sadly missed .😢

[sherryb]

An insanely beautiful woman Tatjana was. I was so.mesmerized by her gaze and that's the epitome of a great photo. She was imperfectly perfect. Every feature was so well put together one couldn't help but stare in awe. Gorgeous woman, beautiful soul to match. I will miss her terribly.