A personal stylist faces fraud charges related to investments in luxury Gucci handbags involving three clients and a total of £277,000. Milda Chellingsworth, who markets herself as an internationally recognized businesswoman, is accused of promising substantial returns by trading in Gucci handbags with clients’ money, but allegedly misappropriating the funds for personal use.

The charges, brought before Croydon Crown Court, include the largest claim of £146,861.63 from 2023. This case involves Mandy Gray, the individual who employed Chellingsworth and claims to have been defrauded. Additional fraud allegations pertain to £78,400 and £52,000, which reportedly occurred in April and May 2021 involving clients Patricia Navarro and Trevor Coop, respectively.

Chellingsworth, 44, originally from Lithuania, works as the director of SFY Styling Concierge Ltd and SFY Styling Ltd. She offers personal styling and gift shopping services, charging £680 per day for gift shopping and £150 per hour for assistance with packing. She resides in a Bromley property valued at approximately £940,000.

During the court hearing, Judge Elizabeth Lowe questioned the whereabouts of the funds, asking, “Where’s the money? Where did it go?” Chellingsworth’s attorney, Brian Richardson, responded that attempts had been made to invest the money, but a series of unfortunate events occurred. He indicated that more details would be provided as the defense case develops.

Chellingsworth has been released on bail and is scheduled to stand trial in February 2029. The case continues as authorities examine the extent of the alleged misuse of client funds.