NYC Fashion Designer Accused of Wage Theft Defends Herself Amidst Legal Battle

New York City fashion designer Andrea Mary Marshall, known for dressing celebrities and for her luxury brand Salon 1884, appeared in New York County Criminal Court for a pre-trial hearing. Marshall, 44, faces charges brought by District Attorney Alvin Bragg, alleging she defrauded garment workers of $54,000 over three years. She has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Prosecutors allege that Marshall coerced employees into working up to 100 hours a week and manipulated overtime pay. The District Attorney's office presented evidence, including text messages from former employees, some of whom were described as vulnerable immigrants, pleading for payment to support their families. One text message reads, "Miss Andrea, please can you pay me half. I really need to send money to Ecuador for my children. I really need it, miss, please help me."

Marshall faces counts of Grand Larceny in the Second Degree, Scheme to Defraud in the First Degree, Effect of Failure to Secure Compensation, and Failure to Pay Wages in Accordance with the Labor Law. These charges carry a potential sentence of one to 10 years in jail.

Marshall's legal team, attorneys Anna Estevao and Justine Harris, stated that the case is more complex than presented by the prosecution. They contend that Marshall is a solo female entrepreneur facing challenging circumstances and that she paid her workers above minimum wage, in addition to providing meals and transportation. The attorneys claim that Marshall herself is a victim of theft by "major fashion retailers not paying on time" for orders, and that the DA is using her to "make an example of a struggling business owner."

"She’s getting screwed by a larger system," said a former luxury fashion executive familiar with Marshall's business. "Retailers take all your clothes. They say they’ll pay and then they don’t." This executive added that if retailers had paid Marshall on time, she would not be in her current situation.

Marshall's lawyers also asserted that claims regarding the lack of workers' compensation insurance are misleading. They stated that "well before she was charged, she secured her manufacturer’s license, workers’ compensation, and disability insurance policies—which remain active today." Public records indicate these policies became active in 2025.

Despite the legal proceedings, some former employees have expressed frustration over Marshall's public appearances and perceived spending habits, such as wearing an $8,000 Cartier Love bracelet, while allegedly owing wages. "Sell it and pay people," one former staffer commented.

Other designers in the industry have noted the importance of timely payment to garment workers. Emma Gage, a designer for the label Melke, stated, "You are sitting with these people every day. They help keep your brand alive. You pay them no matter what it takes." Gage estimated that $54,000 in owed wages could represent 54 instances of custom outfits, calling such behavior "theft, plain and simple."

Marshall's legal team maintains that the DA's prosecution is "massively unjust and unfair," given her alleged attempts at reparations and the argument that such violations should be treated as a civil matter. The trial is expected to commence in early 2027.

Marshall, who previously dated British publishing executive Jefferson Hack, has been praised in fashion publications like Vogue and Elle for her designs. Her clothing has been worn by celebrities including Julia Roberts, Katie Holmes, and Cynthia Erivo. The case highlights the precarious financial situations that can arise in the fashion industry, involving both designers and the retailers they depend on.