A gang snatched £70,000 worth of clothing from a top fashion designer during a robbery she has described as “beyond terrifying”.
Claire Mischevani, whose clients include Princess Beatrice, Zara Tindall, Carrie Johnson and Helen Mirren, said the raid has had a “profound and devastating impact” on her.
The designer and her assistant were loading garments into the back of a Range Rover after a fashion shoot at a property in Chester Row, Belgravia, central London on Thursday, 16 February.
Around 8pm, as they went back inside to collect more items, they heard a car alarm before running outside to find three balaclava-clad suspects standing by the car, having smashed the windows.
One of the suspects confronted the two women and ordered them to go back inside.
They ran into the property and called police – but were forced to watch as the gang continued to smash the car before taking a navy suitcase, black overnight bag and 15 garment bags.
The suspects then drove off in a black Volkswagen Golf.
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A total of 62 one-off pieces, including dresses and coats, were stolen during the raid.
Ms Mischevani said of her ordeal: “The whole incident was beyond terrifying for both myself and my assistant.
A post shared by CLAIRE MISCHEVANI 🖤 (@clairemischevani)
A post shared by CLAIRE MISCHEVANI 🖤 (@clairemischevani)
“To come face to face with armed masked men stealing my belongings is something I never thought would happen and something I would never wish on anyone.
“The events have had a profound and devastating impact on me. In a city I have always felt safe I was overcome with fear.”
She said she now struggles to sleep as she slammed the “selfish individuals” and their “ruthless actions” which have caused a “huge impact” on her business.
But she added: “We are working tirelessly to ensure that we come out of this terrible situation stronger than ever.”
The Metropolitan Police have now launched an appeal to find the people responsible.
A 23-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the investigation and bailed until May, the force said.
The garment bags feature the words “Claire Mischevani Bridal Couture”.
Each item of clothing has a label reading “Claire Mischevani Couture” with “Handmade in England” and “Creating heirlooms of the future” on the reverse.
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Detective Constable Charlotte Paul, of the Central West Robbery Squad, said: “I think it’s highly likely the suspects had no idea what they were stealing, mistaking the items for something else.
“So it’s possible that when they discovered what was inside those suit covers they have discarded them, not realising their monetary or, more importantly, sentimental value.
“It is of course also possible they have tried to sell them.”
Anyone with information or who recognises the clothing, has seen them for sale or has been offered the chance to buy them, is urged to call the police.
