The World of Fashion Remembers the Late Supermodel Tatjana Patitz

The fashion industry honors the life and legacy of the late German supermodel, Tatjana Patitz.

on Wednesday, Mode announced the news of his death at the age of 56. Her agent later confirmed to PEOPLE that the cause was breast cancer.

Considered one of the original supermodels, the German-born, Swedish-raised catwalker is also known for her appearance in George Michaels’ “Freedom ’90” music video. Patitz starred alongside his costars and super partners Cindy Crawford, Christy Turlington, Naomi Campbell and Linda Evangelista.

Remembering her legacy and influence, members of the fashion community from Patitz’s fellow models and artists to photographers and editors share the appreciation on social media.

“Tatjana has always been a symbol of European elegance, like Romy Schneider-meets-Monica Vitti,” said Anna Wintour, Cond Nast head of content and global editorial director. Mode. “He was much less visible than his counterparts, more mysterious, more mature, more difficult to reach, and had a certain charm of his own.”

Crawford took to Instagram with a picture from both of them. She recalled their beginnings, writing: “We were babies together in the fashion industry and I feel like we grew up together. We did so many photoshoots together and backstage at shows. I found her soft-spoken, sensitive, kind, curious and , who could forget those piercing eyes. His love for animals and nature is so contagious.”

He concluded with his condolences to the Patitz family, including his son Jonah.

Campbell shared a collection photographs over the years as a tribute to Patitz. He recalls memories with Patitz, calling him an “earth angel”. ”

“When I met you at 16 at the Alaia show, I remember just saying ‘wow!!’ Your presence and stature. Your eyes and nervous shy smile, the goddess energy we all gravitate towards. My first time in LA, I experienced it with you, showing you sites and beaches, driving around in your red Volkswagen convertible.”

Turlington did Instagram to share his own memories of Patitz, writing that the German model was “always a vision”. He remembers when he was 16 years old and went to Paris to find work and Patitz was assigned to be his guard. “Tatjana took me in, under her wing. I stayed in her apartment for one night in Paris on my way home in the cool pied de terre floor on the left bank. You are unforgettable and forever in my heart.”

Shortly after Mode releasing the news, the late German photographer Peter Lindbergh’s team responded to his death on Twitter, their post reading: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Tatjana Patitz, Peter’s longtime friend. We want to pay tribute to Tatjana’s kindness, inner beauty and extraordinary intelligence. Our thoughts goes out to his loved ones and especially Jonah. He will be sorely missed.”

The Lindbergh team also shared a separate award with Instagram a striking black-and-white portrait of Patitz. The photographer, who died in 2019 at the age of 74, worked with Patitz and helped develop his career in 1988.

Supermodel Helena Christensen commented, “This is so sad,” and also reposted Patitz’s video, which was originally shared by the makeup artist. Stephane Marais on his Instagram Story. “Heartbroken,” she wrote.

She then followed that up with a lengthy Instagram tribute to her friend, writing in part, “I love being around you, it feels so peaceful and we always laugh a lot.”

Marais’ video, a scene pulled from a vintage black-and-white montage, captures the essence of the late model’s drive and passion.

“I really want to give as much as I can to it. Creativity for me is life in a sense,” Patitz says in the clip. “The different parts that you have to draw are all inspiring. I love experiencing it, I love giving it. I love giving it when it feeds me because it feeds me in such a wonderful way. You know it’s almost like a little fire inside you ignites therefore.”

Marais, who remembers Patitz as an “angel”, captioned the post: “Angel has just left us. A devastating piece of news. My heart is broken. My beloved Tatjana rest in peace. All my thoughts to my Son, Family and friends -his friend..Love you.”

Celebrity makeup artist Patti Dubroff also opened up about his moments working with Patitz, writing on Instagram: “@tatjanapatitz was one of the first models I met and hooked up with when we were both in our early 20s. She is already a “supermodel” and I am ‘just’ an assistant. He’s kind, cool, and very down to earth.”

Photographer Ellen von Unwerth shares on Instagram one of her “favorite” shoots she’s done with her models Italian fashionwrote, “His eyes can tell a story!”

Paulina Porizkova shared a long story Instagram for Patitz, given that he didn’t have many opportunities to cross paths with her, but still feels his loss. He remembers one night when the two became close after chatting for hours. “I got to know this beautiful woman, felt her fragility and her whole heart. Her love for animals, her horses and dogs, nature and art, (yes, she paints) and especially her love for her little son. It was a deep dive into our souls from where i left full of affection, tenderness and sincere respect for her.

He ended his post, writing, “Death sucks and it’s not fair.”