Slavica Ecclestone Net Worth

Slavica Ecclestone: From Runway to Record-Breaking Divorce

Introduction: The Glamorous Life of Slavica Ecclestone

Slavica Ecclestone, a name synonymous with high fashion, Formula One, and a record-breaking divorce settlement, leads a life that has captured the public’s imagination. This article delves into the remarkable journey of Slavica Ecclestone, exploring her early life, successful modeling career, marriage to Formula One magnate Bernie Ecclestone, and the unprecedented financial arrangements that followed their separation. We’ll examine the key moments and relationships that have shaped her life, from her Croatian roots to her role as a mother and businesswoman.

Early Life and Roots: A Croatian Beginning

Slavica Ecclestone, originally known as Slavica Radić, was born in Rijeka, Croatia, on June 2, 1958. Her parents, Jovi Radić and Ljubica Malić, hailed from Serbian villages in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Seeking better employment opportunities, the family initially moved to Croatia (then part of Yugoslavia) shortly before her birth. However, those hopes were soon dashed, leading them to return to her father’s village of Maglajani in northern Bosnia. Tragically, her parents divorced when Slavica was just seven years old, shaping her early life with resilience and independence.

Modeling Career: A Rising Star

Slavica Ecclestone’s professional path began in her teenage years, as she embarked on a successful modeling career. She graced the pages of various editorials, starred in numerous ad campaigns, and walked the runways for prestigious designers. Among the notable figures she collaborated with was the iconic Giorgio Armani. Her striking features and commanding presence made her a sought-after model, paving the way for future opportunities and encounters.

Meeting Bernie Ecclestone: A Formula One Romance

A pivotal moment in Slavica’s life occurred in 1982 during a Formula One promotional event produced in partnership with Giorgio Armani at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza. It was here that the 24-year-old model crossed paths with the then-52-year-old Bernie Ecclestone, the influential figure at the helm of Formula One. Despite their significant age difference, the meeting sparked a connection that would redefine both their lives. Bernie pursued Slavica relentlessly, overcoming obstacles such as their language barrier (she spoke Serbo-Croatian and Italian, while he primarily spoke English) and their considerable height difference (Slavica is 6’1″, and Bernie is 5’2 1/2″).

Personal Life and Family: Tamara and Petra Ecclestone

The couple married in 1985, marking Bernie Ecclestone’s second marriage. Together, they have two daughters, Tamara and Petra Ecclestone, who have become socialites in their own right. Tamara Ecclestone, born on June 28, 1984, is a model, socialite, and television personality. She is married to Jay Rutland, and they have a daughter, Sofia, born in 2014. Petra Ecclestone, born on December 19, 1988, is also a model, fashion designer, and socialite. She married James Stunt in 2011 and had three children with him before their divorce in 2017: a daughter, Lavinia, born in 2013, and twin boys, James and Andrew, born in 2015. In 2018, Bernie Ecclestone publicly criticized Petra’s ex-husband, James Stunt, for disparaging remarks he made about Slavica.

(Photo by Andreas Rentz/Getty Images)

The Billion-Dollar Divorce: A Landmark Settlement

In November 2008, after 23 years of marriage, Slavica filed for divorce from Bernie Ecclestone. The divorce proceedings concluded in 2009 and garnered global attention, primarily because of the immense wealth at stake. Ultimately, Slavica received a divorce settlement of $1.2 billion, establishing it as one of the most expensive divorces in history. This significant sum highlighted the scale of Bernie Ecclestone’s financial empire and the impact of their separation.

Financial Intricacies: An Unusual Arrangement

The financial aspects of the Ecclestones’ divorce settlement were unusually structured. Following their divorce, Bernie Ecclestone has received substantial payments from a trust fund established by his ex-wife. Rather than Bernie paying Slavica, she appears to be disbursing approximately $100 million per year to him. This unconventional arrangement stems from Bernie’s health concerns in the late 1990s. In 1999, he underwent a triple bypass. To mitigate potential inheritance taxes, he transferred many of his assets into Slavica’s name. This strategy, while unconventional, ensured that the inheritance left to their daughters would not be subject to significant British death duties. As a result, Slavica technically controlled many of his assets, which led to the unusual settlement structure where she was perceived as the wealthier party and was required to make annual payments to her billionaire ex-husband.

Conclusion: Legacy and Lasting Impact

Slavica Ecclestone’s life represents a unique blend of glamour, business acumen, and personal resilience. From her early years in Croatia to her successful modeling career, marriage to a Formula One icon, and the unprecedented financial outcome of her divorce, Slavica has left an undeniable mark on the world. Her story serves as a reminder of the complexities of wealth, family, and the enduring power of a woman who has navigated life’s challenges with grace and strength.