Mick Jagger’s girlfriend L’Wren Scott found dead

The death of designer and model L’Wren Scott, whose body has been discovered in a New York apartment, has left partner Sir Mick Jagger “completely shocked and devastated”.

The 49-year-old had been in a relationship with the Rolling Stones frontman since 2001, after his split from second wife Jerry Hall.

Ms Scott is understood to have been found unresponsive by her assistant yesterday morning at a property in Manhattan.

It is thought police are not considering foul play and officers are reportedly working on the theory that she took her own life.

A spokesman for Sir Mick, 70, currently in Australia for part of the Rolling Stones global tour, said: “He is completely shocked and devastated by the news.”

Ms Scott, born Luann Bambrough, was brought up by adoptive parents in Utah. She moved to Paris at 17 to pursue a career as a model on the advice of the photographer Bruce Weber, changing her name and securing work with designers including Chanel and Thierry Mugler.

Following her time in France, Ms Scott moved to Los Angeles and launched her successful career in fashion, initially working as a stylist for celebrities including Michelle Obama, Naomi Campbell and Penelope Cruz.

Ms Scott went on to design costumes for films, working as a production designer on the sets of Ocean’s Thirteen and Eyes Wide Shut.

Her first collection as an independent designer in 2006, “Little Black Dress”, was a huge critical success, with her work worn by celebrities including Angelina Jolie, Sarah Jessica Parker and Nicole Kidman.

On the back of this, she launched a collection of handbags in 2011, followed by an eyewear range in 2012 and a line of more affordable clothing with Banana Republic at the end of last year, stating: “I’ve always been a fan of fashion, it’s a great spectator’s sport.”

Last month, Ms Scott took the unexpected step of cancelling a London Fashion Week show which had been sheduled for 16 February, citing reported production delays.

At the time of her death, she had been in the middle of promoting Amnesia Rose, a new make-up collaboration with Bobbi Brown cosmetics.

At 6ft 4in, she towered over Sir Mick when the couple were photographed together at celebrity events. She said of her height in a 2011 interview: “I had to learn to sew when I was growing up, because nothing else fitted me.”

It is understood that Ms Scott designed her long-term partner’s costumes for the Rolling Stones tour, which has just completed concerts in Abu Dhabi and Toyko.

Tributes flooded in from across the fashion industry last night, with designer Marc Jacobs writing on Twitter that she would “forever be missed”.

Bianca Jagger, Sir Mick’s first wife, said: “I am heartbroken to learn of the loss of the lovely and talented L’Wren Scott. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.”

Fashion label DKNY also tweeted: “A solemn and very sad moment to remember L’Wren Scott. May she rest in peace.”

Model Daisy Lowe tweeted: “What a loss to the world. Such an inspired woman. She dressed the feminine form unlike any other.”

Ms Lowe’s tweet was echoed by British Vogue editor Alexandra Shulman, who also paid tribute: “L’Wren Scott had a very clear notion of style which informed everything she did.”

A spokesman for the British Fashion Council said: “We are deeply saddened at the news of L’Wren Scott’s tragic death.

“She was an iconic woman who inspired so many, and a designer whose contributions to the fashion industry were both extraordinary and unique.”

A spokeswoman for the New York City Police Department said: “A 49-year-old female was found this morning at 10:05am at 200 11th Avenue. She was unconscious.

“She was pronounced dead on arrival by the emergency medical services.

“The investigation is ongoing. We are awaiting medical examiners to determine the cause of death.”