KATOUCHA

Photo: Book Cover of Dans Ma Chair (Michel LaFon)

Paris, France - If you didn't know, I am announcing the premature death of the legendary former supermodel, Katoucha.

Born Katoucha Niane and internationally known simply as Katoucha, the former model and fashion designer’s body was found on the morning of February 28th in the Seine River at the upper part of the Garigliano bridge, which links the 15th and 16th arrondissements of the city together.

According to all accounts, Katoucha’s death was accidental. She had gone out for a night on the town on Friday, February 1st. The next morning, her handbag was found near the houseboat where she lived, prompting many to think that she had slipped in her stilettos and fell over into the Seine near the Pont Alexandre III. In the bag, her Visa card and mobile phone were found. Also, the eyeglasses of the near-sighted model were also found with the other items.

The 47 year old supermodel was born in Guinea and was one of the first international black stars in the industry and the first African born woman to achieve the ranks of supermodel.

Katoucha became a living legend around the planet as perhaps the greatest runway model that the world had ever known. During her career, she walked the runway for every major designer, but was most associated as the muse for international powerhouses Yves Saint Laurent, Christian Lacroix and Thierry Mugler.

In November 2007, she began promoting her autobiography titled, Dans Ma Chair (trans: In My Skin) in which she vigorously spoke out as a victim of female circumcision.

This story courtesy of my Haute.lanta Fashion Week international media sponsor, The Fashion Insider.