Plastic surgery gained significant popularity in the 1970s and 1980s, with many people, particularly celebrities, opting for procedures to eliminate perceived imperfections. While some individuals deny undergoing surgery, attributing their flawless appearances to self-care or genetics, the downside is that many develop an addiction to these procedures, always seeking more. A notable example is Jocelyn Wildenstein, a New York celebrity and socialite, famously known as “Catwoman.”
Raised in Switzerland in a lower-middle-class family, Jocelyn quickly realized that her looks could be the key to improving her life.
At 17, Jocelyn began a relationship with Swiss film producer Cyril Piguet. However, two years later, they parted ways, and she relocated to Paris. In Paris, she found love again with Italian-French filmmaker Sergio Gabbi.
“My life changed then. Lausanne is very plain, but I began meeting exciting, glamorous people,” she once shared with New York Magazine.
Jocelyn Wildenstein developed a passion for hunting and became a skilled pilot.
She frequently traveled to Africa for hunting, and it was during one of these trips that she met her future husband, billionaire Alec Nathan Wildenstein.
Although Alec’s father opposed the marriage, Alec once stated that he had no issue with his wife but simply didn’t believe in the institution of marriage.
Jocelyn and Alec had two children and shared a beautiful marriage for 13 years, until she discovered him in bed with a Russian model.
Their divorce became one of the most talked-about events at the time. Jocelyn received a record-breaking $2.5 billion settlement, along with an additional $100 million each year for 13 years. One of the most controversial aspects of the settlement was a clause prohibiting her from spending any of the money on plastic surgery.
If you’re curious about the reason, just look at her face—particularly her distinctive “cat” eyes and strikingly high cheekbones.
Several magazines have stated that Jocelyn has reportedly spent approximately $6.7 million on various procedures. The journey began in 1979 when she and her ex-husband Alec chose to undergo surgery. According to reports, she mentioned that he had “baggy” eyes and expressed a desire for hers to resemble the shape of a cat’s eyes.
Jocelyn Wildenstein had a hard time deciding when it was enough.
Her extravagant look, which resembles that of a big cat, brought her the nickname “Catwoman,” or “The Lion Queen.”
Despite her significantly altered appearance, Jocelyn insists that her look is still partly natural.
