Tatjana Patitz
Tatjana Patitz Biography
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About Tatjana Patitz
Tatjana Patitz was born on May 25, 1966, in Hamburg, Germany, to a German father, a travel journalist, and an Estonian mother, a dancer. Raised in Skanör, Sweden, with her younger sister Sophie, she grew up in a creative household, influenced by her mother’s performances at Le Lido in Paris. At 17, she entered a Stockholm modeling contest organized by Elite Model Management, placing third, which led to her first modeling contract. She moved to Paris to pursue her career, balancing early struggles with determination. Patitz was of German and Estonian descent, with her mixed heritage contributing to her distinctive look. She maintained a connection to her Swedish upbringing and German roots. She was primarily known as Tatjana Patitz, with no widely used aliases. Her name was occasionally spelled as Tatiana in early publications, but she standardized it as Tatjana.
Patitz rose to prominence in the late 1980s and 1990s as a part of "The Big 10" a group of supermodels that dominated the 1990s, where being a celebrity and appearing on MTV was as important as appearing on a runway or on a fashion magazine. They included Elle MacPherson, Cindy Crawford (Supermodel), Linda Evangelista, Stephanie Seymour, Tatjana Patitz, Christy Turlington, Helena Christensen, Claudia Schiffer, and Kate Moss." Known for her ethereal beauty, she appeared on over 200 magazine covers, including Vogue (U.S., British, Italian, French), Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, W, and Cosmopolitan. Her breakthrough came with Peter Lindbergh’s 1988 “White Shirts: Six Supermodels, Malibu” shoot for Vogue. She starred in the 1990 British Vogue cover with Schiffer, Turlington, Campbell, and Evangelista, and appeared in George Michael’s Freedom! ’90 video. Her campaigns included Chanel, Calvin Klein, Revlon, and Cartier, and she walked runways for Versace, Jil Sander, and Chloé. Patitz continued modeling selectively until her passing, with notable work for Vogue Italia (2019) and Chanel (2020).
Patitz signed with Elite Model Management in Paris early in her career, later working with Ford Models and VIVA Model Management. She maintained strong ties with European agencies throughout her career. Her editorial work included Vogue (multiple editions), Harper’s Bazaar, W, Elle, Marie Claire, and Numéro. A favorite of photographers Peter Lindbergh and Herb Ritts, she embodied a natural, timeless aesthetic. Her work was featured in the 2009 Metropolitan Museum of Art’s The Model as Muse exhibition.
Patitz had a limited social media presence, with a private Instagram account (@tatjanapatitz) followed by a small circle before her passing. She shared nature photography, family moments, and modeling throwbacks, reflecting her preference for privacy.
At 5’11” with blonde hair and blue eyes, Patitz’s measurements were approximately 35"-24"-35" during her peak, with a 34B bra size. Known for her striking cheekbones, piercing gaze, and statuesque frame, she had a natural, unretouched look. She did not confirm cosmetic surgeries. No tattoos or piercings were documented.
Patitz’s appeal lay in her serene, otherworldly beauty and quiet intensity. Fans and photographers, like Peter Lindbergh, praised her as a “European symbol of elegance” for her expressive eyes and understated grace. Her Nordic features and soulful presence were often highlighted, setting her apart as a contemplative figure in fashion.
Her net worth was estimated at $14 million at the time of her passing, earned through modeling, endorsements (Chanel, L’Oréal, Shiseido), and selective campaigns. She commanded high fees in the 1990s but prioritized artistic projects over commercial work later in her career.
Her acting roles were minimal, with appearances in Rising Sun (1993, as Cheryl Austin) and Ready to Wear (1994, as herself). She starred in music videos, including George Michael’s Freedom! ’90 (1990) and Duran Duran’s Skin Trade (1987). Patitz had limited TV appearances, featuring in The Super Models (2023, docuseries, posthumously) and fashion documentaries like Catwalk (1995). She rarely appeared on talk shows, preferring privacy, though she was interviewed for Vogue and W specials about her career.
Patitz was married to Jason Johnson, a businessman, from 2003 to 2006. They had a son, Jonah (born 2004), whom she raised as a single mother in Malibu, California. She dated high-profile figures like Pierce Brosnan in the 1990s but kept her romantic life private, focusing on her son and animals.
Patitz’s legacy as a supermodel lies in her timeless elegance and artistic collaborations with photographers like Lindbergh. She championed natural beauty and diversity in fashion, influencing models like Amber Valletta and Carolyn Murphy. Her love for animals led to support for PETA and wildlife conservation, and she advocated for environmental causes.
Patitz passed away on January 11, 2023, at age 56, from metastatic breast cancer in Santa Barbara, California. At the time, she lived a quiet life in Malibu, focusing on raising Jonah, caring for her horses and dogs, and working on selective modeling projects. She left behind a legacy of iconic imagery and a reputation for authenticity, celebrated in tributes by Vogue and peers like Turlington and Campbell.
Tatjana Patitz Photos (Uploaded By Our Users)
Tatjana Patitz Links
| Site Logo | Link | Publication Date | Report Link |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Tatjana Patitz Pictures in an Infinite Scroll - 322 Pictures | 2021-07-09 | ⚠ |
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