A personal shopper and stylist is facing charges of defrauding clients out of more than £277,000, which she allegedly promised to invest in luxury Gucci handbags. Milda Chellingsworth, 44, appeared at Croydon Crown Court accused of duping investors who believed they would profit from her expertise in the high-end handbag market.
Between 2019 and 2023, Chellingsworth is reported to have received a total of £277,261.33 from her clients. The court heard specific allegations involving three separate alleged frauds. Between May 1 and August 31, 2023, Chellingsworth is accused of abusing her position as the retained agent of Mandy Gray, defrauding her of £146,861.63. It is alleged that Chellingsworth dishonestly retained this money in two bank accounts belonging to her company, Styling For You, and used it for her own benefit rather than for her clients' business.
Further charges include a £78,400 fraud allegedly committed between April 1 and May 31, 2021. During this period, Chellingsworth is said to have dishonestly told Patricia Navarro that her money would be invested in expensive Gucci handbags, with promises of substantial profits. A third fraud, totaling £52,000, is alleged to have occurred between June 17, 2019, and May 31, 2021, involving Trevor Coop, to whom similar investment promises were allegedly made.
Chellingsworth, who lives in Bromley, south-east London, reportedly charges £150 per hour for advice on packing suitcases and £680 per day for personal gift shopping services. She has entered not guilty pleas to all three fraud charges.
During the court proceedings, Judge Elizabeth Lowe questioned the whereabouts of the funds, asking, "Where's the money? Where did it go?" Chellingsworth's lawyer, Brian Richardson, stated that she denies acting dishonestly and entered into arrangements with the clients. He indicated that she is attempting to resolve matters with Ms. Gray and that the funds were intended for investment but faced "a series of unfortunate events."
When asked about her current occupation, Chellingsworth informed the court that she works as a stylist and runs a concierge company. She was granted bail and is scheduled to return for her trial on February 5, 2029.