L'Wren Scott's death shocks NY fashion industry insiders
The death of American fashion designer L'Wren Scott sent shockwaves through the industry last week.
The statuesque, raven-haired, former model, who was the long-time girlfriend of The Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger, was found hanged in her New York apartment last Monday. The coroner has ruled her death a suicide.
Scott was an important figure on the New York fashion scene, and had garnered the respect and admiration of many industry insiders.
Her designs, notably the strong, powerful, and sleek aesthetic she expressed so skilfully, made her a favourite of the Hollywood set.
Her self-assured, body-con, glamazon outfits were worn by female powerhouses that included Michelle Obama and Nicole Kidman.
Scott was reportedly on the verge of closing her fashion label, which had been financially unsustainable for some time - a move that some have linked to her unexpected death.
Inevitably, comparisons have been made to other recently deceased fashion figures such as Isabella Blow and Alexander McQueen, who committed suicide in 2010 after the death of his mother.
Again, attention has focused on the so-called "pressure cooker" lifestyle of designers, although we don't know the reasons for Scott's actions.
Scott was reputed to be a thoughtful and private person, despite her time spent in the public eye as a celebrity.
Her friend, Cathy Horyn, former fashion critic for , penned a touching tribute to her in the newspaper.
Horyn gave a brief yet intimate glimpse into the mysterious world of a hard-working designer who seemed stressed about her business. Horyn had urged her to "put her health first".
"Her death is inexplicable to me," writes Horyn, "and it makes me angry, too. Angry because it's the loss of a vital, intelligent woman, and angry because, this once, I don't want her to be a mystery to me."
