Georgina Cooper, a British supermodel whose career in the 1990s helped define the era’s “Cool Britannia” aesthetic, has left the fashion world reeling with her unexpected passing.
Known for her signature gap-toothed smile and her edgy, playful spirit, Cooper captivated audiences on the runway and in front of the camera, working with some of fashion’s most iconic names and brands.
Spotted by a modeling agency at the age of 13, Cooper’s journey took a meteoric rise when she appeared in a Bon Jovi music video at 15.
Quickly gaining attention, she became known as the “original gap-toothed girl” of London, a distinctive feature that made her a favorite for photographers like Corinne Day.
Her influential work landed her covers on magazines like ‘Vogue’ and ‘The Face’, where her unique style and aura of rebellious elegance solidified her status among the greats of the industry.
Close friends and colleagues, such as fellow models Kate Moss, Jade Parfitt, and Erin O’Connor, deeply admired her charm and humor.
Parfitt described Cooper as “a ray of light, a very popular model who was riotous fun, always laughing and being naughty in all the best ways.”
After welcoming her son, Sonny, Cooper chose to step back from the high-octane world of fashion to focus on her family, a decision that she later reflected on in interviews.
“After I had my son, I just couldn’t bear to leave him alone,” she shared in 2018. “I tried to continue modeling, but it broke my heart when I had to leave him for work.”
Her life took on new meaning as she prioritized her role as a mother, stating, “My life was at a crossroads, and I decided that Sonny came first.”
In recent years, Cooper worked in hospitality in Kent, a world away from the glamour of the runway, where she found solace and simplicity.
Earlier this year, Cooper married her longtime partner, Nigel, in a heartfelt ceremony near her home in Maidstone, Kent.
Following a modest reception at a local pub, the couple celebrated their union with a honeymoon in Kos, Greece, a place she adored.
The newlyweds returned to the Greek island in late October, where they shared a series of joyful photographs from their travels.
Friends and colleagues have since shared heartfelt tributes, with Erin O’Connor poignantly recalling, “You were an incredibly kind and funny human being, Georgina.”
“I/we all admired and loved you so much for the warmth, generosity, and gentle mischief you brought to the world,” she wrote, capturing the collective grief.
According to Cooper’s former agent, Dean Goodman, she had been dealing with health challenges that developed during the Covid pandemic, leading to frequent hospital visits.
Despite her health struggles, Cooper’s spirit remained vibrant, and she had recently shared plans for her future with Goodman and others.
It was during her October visit to Greece with her husband that Cooper suddenly fell ill, prompting her to be taken to a hospital on the island of Kos.
Her condition quickly became critical, leading doctors to transfer her via air ambulance to a more advanced facility in Crete.
Cooper remained in intensive care for five days before she tragically passed away, leaving her loved ones and the fashion world heartbroken.
Her body was recently flown back to England, where her family, including her son Sonny and husband Nigel, now mourn her untimely departure.
The unexpected passing of Georgina Cooper has sent shockwaves through the fashion world, leaving a void felt by many who knew her as a free spirit and a friend.
She will be remembered as a style icon and a loving mother who left an indelible mark on fashion and in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
Featured Image Credit: (Instagram/ @jadeparfitt)
