Fashion designer and model L’Wren Scott has been found dead in her New York City apartment. Scott had allegedly hung herself and was discovered by her assistant at around 10am this morning.

lwren scott krista smithL'Wren Scott and Krista Smith celebrate the launch of Scott's Banana Republic collection

Born Luann Bambrough in Utah on January 1st, 1967, Scott was adopted and raised by Mormon parents. She headed to Paris to pursue a career in modeling as soon as she graduated high school in 1985, where she worked with Thierry Mugler and Chanel. She also modeled for several acclaimed photographers, including David Bailey and Guy Bourdin.

In the early 90’s Scott moved back to California, where she began her career as a stylist, going on to work with some of the most illustrious names in the fashion business, including Helmut Newton and Karl Lagerfeld. Throughout her career she became one of the most well regarded stylists to the stars, working on photo shoots for celebrities such as Madonna, Julia Roberts and Tom Hanks. Scott’s own designs were also used in big budget movies including Ocean’s Thirteen, starring George Clooney and Brad Pitt and Eyes Wide Shut, which starred Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman.

Scott launched her own clothes line “Little Black Dress” in 2006.  The much coveted collection included her magnum opus, the “Headmistress” dress, a piece worn by several stylish celebrities, including Nicole Kidman and Madonna. Scott’s more lavish designs have been worn by stars to the Academy Awards ceremony, as well as First Ladies, Michelle Obama and Carla Bruni-Sarkozy being among her exclusive clientele.

Scott produced a cosmetics collection in collaboration with luxury beauty house Lancome, the campaign for which was shot by renowned photographer Mario Testino. In 2011 Scott’s collection of handbags, which she named after her mother, Lula, were sold in Barneys New York, while her most recent pieces include a holiday collection for Banana Republic which became available in December 2013.

Watch L'Wren Scott arriving for the FGI's Night of Stars:

Scott had recently cancelled her show at London Fashion Week due to production delays, instead opting to unveil the most recent collection via social media and allowing access to retailers and press from the beginning of March.

She had been alleged to have been romantically involved with The Rolling Stones’ Mick Jagger since 2001 and the pair have often been photographed together. 

The authorities have not been said to find a suicide note, although foul play is not thought to be suspected.

Scott will be remembered for her elegant designs as much as her classic beauty, our condolences go out to those who are affected by her sad loss.

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